Deep-seabed mining is creating a noisy problem for Australia — and it’s only getting louder
Given the exponential threats it poses to the marine environment, deep seabed mining is destined to become a contentious global environmental issue. The risks are significant enough to make a mockery of any
Six killed in Porgera
Porgera in Enga is in disarray following the killing of six people on Wednesday night, forcing the closure of schools and businesses as the “guerilla warfare” continues. Porgera gold mine Lease for Mining Purpose
Rio Tinto facing suit from Panguna landowners
The sheer environmental degradation and considerable loss of life that followed Rio Tinto’s running of Bougainville’s Panguna gold and copper mine must rank it as one of the world’s greatest mining debacles. Seven
Considering the possible impacts of deep sea mining in the Cook Islands
In the recent Parliament opening, King’s Representative Sir Tom Masters spoke of the Cook Islands’ desire to develop a sustainable and environmentally responsible seabed minerals sector. This week, also in
Barrick finalises deal to restart PNG gold mine
Barrick Gold Corp is set to restart operations at one of its biggest gold mines after inking a deal with Papua New Guinea’s government over its shuttered mine in the southwest Pacific island nation. The world’s
Deep-sea mining meeting closes without consensus
As meetings to oversee deep-sea mining on the high seas draw to a close, it remains unclear whether regulators will allow it to commence in the near future. At the 07-31 March meetings in Kingston, Jamaica, of the
PNG Government to pursue Solwara 1 talks
Papua New Guinea Mining Minister Sir Ano Pala says the Government expects to pursue discussions with a deep sea mining company to revisit the potential for extracting minerals in the Bismark Sea off the west coast of
Leader of International Seabed Mining Agency admonished by diplomats
Michael Lodge, the head of the United Nations-affiliated agency with jurisdiction over international ocean waters, has pushed diplomats to accelerate the start of industrial-scale mining at the bottom of the Pacific
High Seas Treaty exempts deep-sea mining from stricter rules
Deep-sea mining will be exempted from environmental impact assessment (EIA) measures established under a landmark international oceans treaty, a move campaigners fear could undermine protection for the seabed. The High
Council advises President Whipps to fully protect marine sanctuary
In their 16 February 2023 letter to President Surangel Whipps Jr., Palau’s Council of Chiefs (COC) made their case on behalf of the people, that the integrity and full-protection of the territorial waters in the
Why has a Canadian company partnered with Nauru to fast-track deep sea mining?
Brown-black discharge gushed out of a pipe from a hulking ship, dispersing murky clouds of sediment into the international waters of the Pacific Ocean. The scene, captured in a video that’s garnered international
New hope for explorer sitting on huge deposit in Bougainville
Enigmatic Bougainville Copper (BOC) was up as much as about 30 percent on Wednesday morning, despite no solid news. It was still up more than 20 per cent at 3pm, perhaps related to reports about the company’s
PNG targets K200 billion economy by 2032
Prime Minister James Marape says Papua New Guinea has been working on five major projects in the last three years to reach a K200 billion (US$56.8 billion) economy. “The projects are the Papua LNG, Pogera Gold Mine,
Independent assessment of former Bougainville mine due to open
An independent environmental and human rights legacy impact assessment of Rio Tinto’s former Panguna mine in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region Bougainville is due to begin this week. Last year, Rio Tinto
New Caledonia agrees to sale of controversial nickel mine
Political leaders in French overseas territory New Caledonia have agreed new terms for the sale of the Brazilian-owned Goro nickel mine. The deal gives a majority stake-holding to state entities based on the island
PNG wins majority stake in Barrick-Zijin gold mine
Barrick Gold Corp has reached a deal that gives the Papua New Guinea government a majority share in the Porgera gold mine as part of plans to restart operations, the company said on Friday. The deal will set a benchmark
An ominous warning for PNG
Papua New Guinea: “When we don’t have any of these copper and gold mines anymore, where are we headed?” This quote is by Jerry Garry, Managing Director of PNG’s Mineral Resources Authority (MRA). According to Mr
PNG’s Wafi-Golpu project talks stall
PNG's Wafi-Golpu project has been stalled over the remaining major issue of the mine waste disposal
Nauru determined to back Deep Sea Mining
With the COVID-19 Pandemic maintaining its crippling grip on the Pacific, legislators have struggled to find alternative sources of income to buoy national economies. On the rocky outcrop of Nauru in the Central
Solomon Islands Opposition Leader calls for mining moratorium
Solomon Islands leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale has called for a moratorium on all forms of mining in the country until proper management and regulatory policies are put in place to safeguard the people and their
Vale mine in New Caledonia
After months of political dispute, the Brazilian corporation Vale has finally sold its Goro nickel smelter and other assets in New Caledonia’s Southern Province. The new owners Prony Resources and Trafigura have
Can mining dig Fiji out of COVID hole?
By Dionisia Tabureguci Fiji's minerals sector is tipped to lead its post-COVID economic recovery, with gold production expected to strengthen later this year and interest in gold prospecting on the rise. "The
Can mining dig Fiji out of COVID hole?
Fiji’s minerals sector is tipped to lead its post-COVID economic recovery, with gold production expected to strengthen later this year and interest in gold prospecting on the rise. “The mining sector