Governments worldwide face challenges in regulating emerging industries, particularly in the realm of deep sea mining, which remains largely unregulated beyond national maritime boundaries. Papua New Guinea (PNG) is currently the only nation permitting such activities within its territorial waters, specifically in the Bismarck Sea.

The MV Coco, a vessel engaged in deep sea mining, has been conducting trials to extract copper-rich rock from the ocean floor. This operation, chartered by Deep Sea Mining Finance (DSMF) in partnership with Magellan, aims to assess the viability of large-scale mining in the region. However, the environmental implications of this practice have raised significant concerns among activists and local communities.

Greenpeace activists recently protested against the MV Coco, calling for a legally binding moratorium on deep sea mining due to its destructive impact on marine ecosystems. Louisa Casson, a Greenpeace campaign leader, emphasized the need for stringent regulations to protect ocean habitats, which are at risk from such industrial activities.

Despite the controversy, James Holt from DSMF welcomed the scrutiny, asserting that transparency is essential for the industry. He argued that the demand for copper necessitates exploring seabed mining as a potential solution. However, the history of deep sea mining in PNG has been fraught with challenges. The country issued its first subsea mining license in 2011 to Nautilus Minerals, which has since faced criticism for failing to deliver on promises of economic benefits and environmental safety.

Local politicians, including northern province governor Gary Jufe, have expressed concerns about the lack of scientific understanding and oversight regarding deep sea mining. The current regulatory framework in PNG is criticized for its opacity, with many officials unaware of ongoing operations. The absence of a dedicated minister for mining has compounded these issues, leaving the prime minister to oversee the sector.

Environmental advocates argue that the government prioritizes economic gains over ecological preservation, with little transparency in the licensing process. Peter Bossip, a public interest lawyer, highlighted the struggle of local communities to access information about environmental assessments related to deep sea mining.

As the debate continues, the future of deep sea mining in Papua New Guinea remains uncertain. While companies like Magellan and DSMF await results from their exploratory activities, the potential risks to marine life and local communities loom large, prompting calls for a more robust regulatory framework to govern this controversial industry.