Latest news with #deepSeaMining
ABC News
14 hours ago
- Politics
- ABC News
New Zealand suspends aid to Cook Islands over China deal
On the program this week: New Zealand's government says it has suspended aid to the Cook Islands after the Pacific nation signed up to an agreement with China. The leaders of Tonga and Vanuatu say they're seeking clarity from the US government over possible new travel bans. Investigations are continuing into the death of a prominent Pacific Islander fashion designer, who was shot at an anti-Trump rally in Salt Lake City, Utah. Landowners in Papua New Guinea's New Ireland Province want the prime minister to put his opposition to deep-sea mining into practice. There's a call for labour hire companies to be licensed in New South Wales to prevent the exploitation of migrant workers. Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are teaming up on an ambitious plan to create a massive marine reserve covering 6 million square kilometres of ocean.
ABC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Kaugere, PNG brought to screen with layered documentary
Sose Fuamoli steps in for a Friday edition of Nesia Daily, bringing us into the weekend with music and stories from around the region! Our Weekly Wantok, Scott Waide, fills us in on recent developments in Papua New Guinea regarding ongoing attempts to stop deep sea mining. In latest news, major French financial institutions have declared they will not support the practice; a significant move that adds to the momentum of this overall campaign. We also check in with Stephanie Bandi for a fresh edition of Reel Talk, where she brings us her insights on the 2023 documentary, Kaugere: A Place Where Nobody Enters. Set in one of Papua New Guinea's infamous settlements, the film is described as "a modern-day parable of once tribal men finding their feet through the game of rugby league."
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Cooks opposition leader calling for a pause on deep sea mining
Pacific environment 6:01 am today The Cook Islands opposition leader has called for a pause to what she calls the agressive promotion of deep sea mining from government.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
PNG reaffirms ban as opposition to deep sea mining gains traction
Marine ecosystems are not only central to cultural practices but also form the economic foundation of local communities. Photo: Supplied Feature - Global efforts to halt deep sea mining are gaining momentum, with major French financial institutions recently joining the call for a moratorium and Papua New Guinea reaffirming its stance against such operations in its national waters. In a significant development, three major French financial institutions, including two of the country's largest banks and the state's public investment arm, announced their rejection of deep sea mining during the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held last week in Nice, France. BNP Paribas, France's largest and Europe's second-largest bank, confirmed it would not invest in deep-sea mining projects due to the inherent environmental and social risks. On the 6 June, Crédit Agricole, the second-largest bank in France, said it would not finance deep sea mining projects until it is proven that such operations pose no significant harm to marine ecosystems. Groupe Caisse des Dépôts, the public investment arm of the French Government, pledged to exclude all financing and investment in companies whose main activity is deep-sea mining, as well as in deep sea mining projects. Amundi Asset Management also stated its aim to avoid investment in companies "involved in deep sea mining and/or exploration". These announcements bring the total number of financial institutions excluding deep sea mining in some form to 24. Crédit Agricole's chief sustainability and impact officer Eric Campos articulated the bank's position in a statement. "There can be no sustainable blue growth if it is to the detriment of the integrity of seafloor that is currently unexplored. Against a backdrop of climate and ecological emergency, Crédit Agricole undertakes not to finance deep sea mining projects." Deep Sea Mining Campaign's finance advocacy officer Andy Whitmore said the recent announcements were crucial. "This is a truly significant outcome from UNOC," Whitemore said. "Until recently no French financiers had matched their government's position calling for a ban. This UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France, was the perfect opportunity for the most important national players to step up and be counted." These financial decisions align with growing global concern, with 37 states now calling for a moratorium, precautionary pause, or ban on deep-sea mining. French President Emmanuel Macron has denounced the industry as "madness," and UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the deep sea "cannot become the Wild West". Papua New Guinea has reaffirmed its strong opposition to deep sea mining within its national waters. Prime Minister James Marape recently announced in France that his government would stop deep sea mining operations in the absence of robust scientific evidence and proper environmental safeguards. This stance comes amid increasing national and international concerns regarding the New Ireland Provincial Government's (NIPG) decision to support the NIU Solwara 1 Deep Sea Mining Project. Civil society organisations in PNG have urged the NIPG to learn from past mistakes. In 2019, Nautilus Minerals, the previous holder of the Solwara 1 license, filed for bankruptcy in a Canadian court, leading to substantial financial losses for PNG. Papua New Guinean coastal communities have long voiced apprehension about government intentions to introduce seabed mining projects. Photo: Supplied Reports indicated over $120 million of government funds were "sunk into the ocean," while Marape described the agreement with Nautilus as "a deal that should not have happened". Papua New Guinean coastal communities have long voiced apprehension about government intentions to introduce seabed mining projects. For generations, these communities have relied heavily on the sea for their sustenance and way of life, and any threat to marine ecosystems directly impacts their economic backbone and cultural practices. Alliance of Solwara Warriors co-founder Jonathan Mesulam stressed the importance of community consultation for any deep sea mining plans. "The people of New Ireland must be consulted to ensure that there is free, prior and informed consent before the governor and his administration plans to favour deep sea mining," Mesulam said. He added that dismissing opposition as "fear mongering and unqualified individuals" hinders respectful discussions based on scientific facts, legal requirements, and the desires of the people for their livelihoods and ocean life. Civil society organisations are advocating for a transparent Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process, consistent with PNG Supreme Court decisions that require project proponents to obtain landowners' "free and informed consent and approval, and ultimately, their social license to operate". Civil society organisations are asserting that PNG's government's commitment to moratoriums should be upheld. Jonathan Mesulam, co-founder of the Alliance of Solwara Warriors, stressed the importance of community consultation for any deep-sea mining plans. Photo: Supplied In 2019, Marape issued a moratorium on deep sea mining in PNG waters, stating it would remain until further evidence suggested otherwise. This resolution aligns with the positions of other Pacific nations. In 2023, PNG endorsed the Udaune Declaration of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), which called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining in Melanesia. Concerns also extend to procedural and legal issues surrounding the Niu Solwara 1 project, including the need for an Environmental Impact Statement with stakeholder input, and questions about the legality of the license transfer from Nautilus Minerals to Niu Solwara. Center for Environmental Law and Community Rights PNG executive director Peter Bosip stressed the need for government action. "The Marape-Rosso government must revisit existing policies, including the Mining Act, which is under review, address outstanding legal issues related to the Niu Solwara 1 project, and ensure that offshore mining activities in PNG waters align with national, regional and international commitments of ocean protection," Bosip said. Communities across the Pacific are expressing solidarity with those in New Ireland, Duke of York, and neighbouring areas to condemn the NIPG's decision. Communities across the Pacific are expressing solidarity. Photo: Supplied Marine ecosystems are not only central to cultural practices but also form the economic foundation of local communities. Civil society organisations argue there are no social, economic, or environmental justifications for authorising deep sea mining in PNG waters and that the NIU Solwara 1 project must be rejected. The collective of civil society organisations is calling on the Marape-Rosso government to formally acknowledge the MSG Udaune Declaration, ensure wide consultation during the review of the Mining Act 2025's offshore policy and engage civil society, and cancel all existing exploration and mining licenses, with no further issuing or transfers in the absence of proper legislation and policy. They also advocate for an independent inquiry into the Nautilus Minerals Solwara 1 project, with all financial and environmental impact reports made public, and for PNG to support a global moratorium on deep sea mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Cook Islands opposition calls for national pause on seabed mining
By Talaia Mika , Cook Islands News Cook Islands opposition leader Tina Browne Photo: Cook Islands News Cook Islands opposition leader Tina Browne is calling for a "national pause" on the Cook Islands' deep sea mining ambitions, warning that the country is risking its oceanic heritage and identity by charging ahead with a decision that could have irreversible consequences. Browne made the comment following the meeting of Pacific leaders in Nice, France, a gathering also attended by Prime Minister Mark Brown, who led a Cook Islands delegation to the third United Nations Ocean Conference. The Opposition leader questioned the government's commitment to responsible development, contrasting it with the passionate pleas from neighbouring Pacific countries calling for moratoriums and marine protection. "Like many across our country and Te Moana Nui o Kiva, I was deeply moved listening to our Pacific leaders speak in France this week," Browne said. "Tuvalu's President pleaded for help in the face of rising seas swallowing his nation. The Solomon Islands called for a moratorium on seabed mining. Tahiti invoked its cultural heritage to place a rā'ui-a traditional protection-over a vast section of its ocean territory. "They spoke with heart and with courage. They reminded us that while we may be small islands, we are vast ocean nations-and that with that vastness comes a duty to protect it." Also read: While leaders across the region are urging caution and conservation, Browne says the Cook Islands government is "forging ahead with plans to mine the deep seabed beneath our waters," describing the approach as one that is "moving quickly and quietly on something that could change our ocean forever." The Prime Minister and his delegation had earlier joined world leaders in Monaco for the Blue Economy and Finance Forum before heading to Nice, where they reaffirmed the Cook Islands' push to become a global leader in seabed mining. Mark Brown defended the country's stance on deep sea mineral exploration, highlighting the regulatory frameworks being developed and the potential economic benefits for the nation. But Browne said while she is not opposed to economic development, it must not come at the expense of the country's identity or values. "I want to be clear: I am not against development. I understand our need to grow our economy and reduce our reliance on others. But development must be responsible, inclusive, and not compromise the very foundation of who we are. And in the Cook Islands, the ocean is not just territory-it is genealogy, spirituality, and life." Citing recent feedback from young Cook Islanders during a seabed mining consultation in Australia, Browne raised concerns over intergenerational justice and the lack of youth involvement in decision-making. "Several young Cook Islanders expressed frustration at a recent seabed mining consultation in Australia. They said the room was full of older people and felt left out, ignored in a process that would most affect their future," she said. "If our youth-the very people we say we are doing this for-feel excluded, then we must ask ourselves whether this process is fair or even just." Browne said true leadership is knowing when to pause, listen, and bring the nation along with the decision-making process. "We are often proud to say we are leaders in the Pacific. However, leadership is not always about being first. Sometimes, it's about knowing when to stop and listen-when to join the chorus, not go solo." She has urged the government to put a national pause on the seabed mining rollout, and to commit to meaningful dialogue with the people of the Cook Islands. "I am calling for a national pause - a moment to step back and reflect together as a country," she said. "Let us open up proper space for dialogue-not just behind closed doors or technical briefings, but real conversations in our villages, churches, and homes. Let us hear from our vaka navigators, our reef fishermen, and our grandmothers, who understand the tides better than any textbook." "Let us ask: Do we truly know the risks? Do we have a mandate from our people? And is this the legacy we want to leave behind?" Browne concluded with a plea to put wisdom before ambition: "We still have time to make the right decision, not rushed or pressured, but one that honours our identity, the ocean, and our place in the Pacific. Let's lead with wisdom, not just ambition." -This article was first published by Cook Islands News .
