In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised about the controversial practice of deep sea mining in Papua New Guinea (PNG), highlighting a lack of transparency and oversight in the industry. The discussion centered around the activities of Nautilus Minerals, which has faced significant setbacks since its inception over a decade ago. Despite promises of innovation and economic benefits, the company's machinery now lies rusting in Port Moresby, a stark reminder of unfulfilled commitments.

Deep Sea Mining Finance (DSMS) took over Nautilus in 2019, but its leadership has been marred by allegations of insider trading and money laundering involving key figures, including an Omani businessman and a sanctioned Russian billionaire. Critics argue that PNG's natural resources have historically benefited foreign entities while neglecting local communities. Opposition politician Allan Byrne expressed deep concern over the government's lack of awareness regarding ongoing offshore mining activities, revealing a troubling gap in governance.

The current state of PNG's mining oversight is precarious, with no dedicated minister for mining and the prime minister overseeing the sector. This has raised alarms about the adequacy of the licensing process, which involves multiple government agencies but lacks transparency. Environmental advocates, including Peter Bosip, have been fighting for access to environmental assessments related to Nautilus' proposals, which have been withheld despite court orders.

The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has been criticized for its failure to monitor deep sea mining activities effectively. In a recent interview, MRA's managing director admitted to being unaware of a vessel conducting operations in the Bismarck Sea, raising questions about regulatory compliance. Meanwhile, Magellan, the company involved in the seabed mining, claims to have government approval and insists that their operations adhere to stringent licensing processes.

Environmental campaigners argue that PNG lacks a regulatory framework for seabed mining, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive legal structure to protect both the environment and local communities. As the debate continues, the future of deep sea mining in PNG remains uncertain, with calls for greater accountability and transparency in the industry growing louder.