Deep sea moves

Prime Minister James Marape delivered the PNG Country Statement on Monday (PNG Time 11.20 pm) at the 3rd United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice, France (Image: Supplied)

The National Government says its against deep sea mining in PNG , despite moves on the ground for it.

Speaking at the third United Nations Oceans Conference in France, Prime Minister James Marape says deep-sea mining is not needed in PNG because of its negative environmental impact.

However, in a statement this week, the New Ireland Provincial Government declared its position to support the seabed mine developer, Niu Solwara. Previously known as the Nautlius Minerals Niugini Limited, Niu Solwara is expected to commence the Solwara 1 project in the Bismarck Sea, towards the end of 2027.

Commending the developer's new mining approach, Governor Walter Schnaubelt is convinced that the Solwara I project is environmentally friendly. He's confident it would deliver intended outcomes for stakeholders, the people of Namatanai, and the entire province.

Meanwhile, Northern Governor Gary Juffa urged the Government and Mr Schnaubelt to put a stop to this activity, which he says has never been undertaken anywhere else in the world.