The Australian company, Blue Water Metals, has been granted an exploration licence to search for gold in 12 sites near Temotu Province.
Father Charles Brown Beu, is downplaying concerns by some locals that mining
could inhibit fishing activities and pollute the ocean.
"Yes, we also have the same concerns but we are working with the company
and the relevant government ministry to address them," the premier said.
"We should not worry too much about this because the benefits are there,
for example the company is willing to upgrade the hospital and airports."
He said the provincial government is now drawing up an official agreement with
Blue Water Metals.
Deep sea mining is a relatively new mineral retrieval process that takes place
on the ocean floor.
Ocean
mining sites are usually around large areas of polymetallic nodules at about
1,400 - 3,700 m below the ocean's surface.
Because deep sea mining is a relatively new field, the complete consequences of
full scale mining operations are unknown.
However, experts are certain that removal of parts of the sea floor will result in disturbances to marine life causing permanent disturbances.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
