LEMACH LAVARI on PAPUA NEW GUINEA MINE WATCH | 27 February 2018
“The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has received an objection by a non-governmental organisation representing impacted communities of the seabed mining project.
The Alliance of Solwara Warriors represents impacted communities from New Ireland, East New Britain, Madang, Manus and Milne Bay.
Spokesman Jonathan Mesulam told The National the group had lodged its objection against exploration licence 1196 (EL1196) in the waters off west coast Namatanai, New Ireland, and the Duke of York Islands, East New Britain. Mesulam said MRA had received their objection.
He said MRA would conduct a stakeholder meeting for all parties to discuss their views.
These included Nautilus Minerals, Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (Cepa) and National Fisheries Authority (NFA), Mesulam said. According to MRA, exploration licences are to be renewed every two years. Any stakeholder can protest against the issuing of an exploration licence.“
