The Bismarck Sea, a global marine biodiversity hotspot, is at risk from
deep sea mining. Papua New Guinean communities have said no to this mine
which would dump toxic waste and kill precious sea life.

Help locals prevent this catastrophe and call on the PNG Government to
stop the mine.

[ [link removed] ] Sign the petition 

   
John,

This deep sea mine could rip up ocean floors and dump toxic waste where
dolphins and vulnerable whales swim.

Years ago, the Government of Papua New Guinea granted exploration licenses
and a lease for the Solwara 1 deep sea mine. But scientists and locals
called for a pause on this extractive industry because the impacts on
marine ecosystems are still so unknown.

After massive pressure from coastal communities the PNG government put in
place a temporary ban on deep sea mining. BUT it’s come to light that the
government is considering renewing the licenses and lease for the Solwara
1 mining corporation, ignoring the massive risks and voices from local
communities.

[ [link removed] ]Join the coastal communities' protests in PNG and tell the government
to cancel the Solwara 1 mining lease!

PNG locals have come together to form the Alliance of Solwara Warriors to
protect the precious Bismarck Sea and cultural traditions like Shark
Calling. Where canoes are taken out into the sea until land is no longer
visible and people sing to the sharks, catching them with their bare
hands.

But ever since ships came to explore the seabeds for mining, locals are
finding it harder to call sharks, often returning home with just one or
two. The mining corporation said it would have “no social impacts” on
communities – but noisy, polluting mining vessels have scared off marine
wildlife already.

The energy sector argues that critical minerals must be mined from the
ocean in order to support the renewable energy transition. But mining
corporations have a terrible track record of pushing Indigenous
communities off their lands, destroying beautiful rainforests and
polluting waterways.

The Alliance of Solwara Warriors said that the mining corporation does not
have their free, prior, and informed consent to go ahead. We can’t let the
destructive practices of the mining industry be repeated in our oceans.

[ [link removed] ]Join the frontline communities' call: stop the Solwara 1 deep sea
mining project.

Our community has helped local partners all around the world win battles
they never thought possible. Just recently Ekō members, together with
allies, helped push major insurer Zurich to stop insuring new oil and gas
projects – a massive blow to the fossil fuel industry.

Let’s do it again.



[ [link removed] ] Sign the petition 



With determination,
Nish, Ildem, Rosa, Rewan and the team at Ekō


More information:

[ [link removed] ]Deep-sea mining’s future still murky as negotiations end on mixed note
Mongabay 20 April 2024
[ [link removed] ]Shark callers in PNG village fear destruction of their culture through
seabed mining
ABC 01 August 2021
[ [link removed] ]Communities worry anew as PNG revives seabed mining plans
Mongabay 20 March 2024
 

 

 

Ekō is a worldwide movement of people like you, working together to hold corporations accountable for their actions and forge a new, sustainable path for our global economy.

Please help keep Ekō strong by chipping in $3. [link removed]