Country Manager for Nautilus Minerals, Mel Togolo gave his assurance that Deep Sea Mining, Solwara 1 Projectowill not be a threat to Tuna Species.
“With our production system, it will have minimum impact onthe marine life especially on Tuna and ther pelagic species,” says Togolo.
“What we’ll do is that we’ll have an enclosed system so thatthe ore that comes out is piped through enclosed pipe system and it goes up tothe vessel. The ore will not be in direct contact withthe surrounding waters because it is insidethe pipe,” explained Togolo.
His comments come after concerns raised bythe Madang Governor Jim Kas onthe impacts ofthe project on marine life, duringthe regional tuna forum inthe Honiara Solomon Islands.
Madang Governor Jim Kas saysthe consequences ofthe project onthe marine life and on humans must be better understood.
Managing Director ofthe National Fisheries Authority, Sylvester Pokajam wantsthe government to seriously look into this.
He saysthe National Fisheries Authority is not against seabed mining.
“There is nothing wrong with seabed mining; however, we must have appropriate laws, regulations and policies emplaced beforethey start mining,” said Pokajam.
Nautilus will drill at 1, 600 feet below sea level, well belowthe 400 feet where all marine life including tuna exists.
Mr. Togolo saysthere will be no blasting and no deep sea tailings.
He says Nautilus is concerned aboutthe marine life and plans to work closely withthe national fisheries authority to find sustainable ways of protectingthe tuna industry.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=qgQZDiMbKIM%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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