Deep Dive into Deep Sea Mining: Uncovering Papua New Guinea's Underwater Frontier

Introduction

In the latest episode of NPR's "The Sunday Story" hosted by Ayesha Rascoe, the spotlight is cast on a burgeoning and controversial field: deep sea mining. Titled "Mining's New Frontier," the episode delves into the intricate and often murky world of extracting vital minerals from the ocean's abyssal plains, essential for powering the global transition to green energy. Through the firsthand account of reporter Willem Marks, listeners gain an in-depth understanding of the operational, environmental, and socio-political complexities surrounding this emerging industry.

Willem Marks’ Expedition to Papua New Guinea

Willem Marks, a seasoned reporter based in the UK, recounts his extraordinary journey to Papua New Guinea to witness a deep sea mining operation firsthand. Initially embarking on a story about the Titan submersible incident near the Titanic wreck, Marks' path serendipitously led him to uncover the hidden realm of seabed mining.

Willem Marks (00:54): “This huge grabbing device, like a giant metal claw, comes out of the water. It's traveled a mile up from the seabed. It's filled with tons of rock and silt, and yet you can see the jaws haven't really closed.”

Marks describes the daunting process of gaining access to the isolated mining vessel, detailing the extensive travel and the momentous experience of boarding the 270-foot-long ship. The vessel, equipped with advanced machinery and remotely operated vehicles capable of reaching depths of up to 6,000 meters, represents the pinnacle of current deep sea mining technology.

Inside the Deep Sea Mining Operations

Upon boarding, Marks provides a vivid portrayal of the vessel's operations. The primary activity involves the use of a massive claw-like device to carve out substantial sections of the seabed, measuring approximately 10 meters by 10 meters. These exploratory digs aim to analyze the concentration of valuable metals such as copper, gold, and silver within the extracted rock.

Willem Marks (04:33): “They were digging out these huge chunks every single day and night, bringing some of them on deck and then looking to see essentially how much metal was inside those sections.”

However, not all material extracted is taken aboard for analysis. A significant portion is deposited back into stockpiles near the vessel, a strategy intended to expedite future mining efforts. Marks observes inconsistencies in the device's operation, noting instances where the claw fails to fully secure the seabed material, resulting in debris being lost during the ascent.

Willem Marks (07:19): “I saw that it hadn't fully locked closed. It's hard to see down there. There's a lot of silt swirling around. And by the time it got to the surface on one occasion, it was clear that the jaws hadn't locked and a lot of the stuff inside had fallen out on the way up to the surface.”

Environmental Concerns and Scientific Scrutiny

The episode underscores significant environmental apprehensions associated with deep sea mining. The disruption of the seabed poses immediate threats to marine ecosystems, with potential long-term consequences that remain largely unknown. Marks highlights the dual nature of these concerns: the direct disturbance of the marine environment and the indirect effects of sediment and debris dispersal across vast ocean areas.

Willem Marks (10:29): “There's the disruption right on the surface... and then as this material travels to the surface, there's the potential to blanket large areas of the ocean floor elsewhere. That has the potential, scientists say, to choke marine life.”

To assess the environmental impact, mining operations onboard include environmental scientists tasked with monitoring seawater conditions at various depths. Their goal is to gather data to inform both company strategies and regulatory decisions, although Marks notes skepticism about the thoroughness and transparency of these efforts.

Regulatory Challenges in Papua New Guinea

A pivotal segment of the episode explores the regulatory landscape in Papua New Guinea (PNG), revealing significant gaps and potential lapses in oversight. Marks documents his attempts to engage with PNG's mining regulatory authority and environmental agencies, only to encounter disinterest and unawareness among officials regarding the active mining operations.

Willem Marks (13:29): “If they are on the vessel in country and if they have not informed us, then I don't think one of our officers would be there.”

Further complicating matters, Marks speaks with Alan Byrd, a senior governor and long-time opponent of underwater mining, who expresses profound concern and surprise upon learning of the vessel's activities in PNG waters.

Alan Byrd (14:50): “Deeply worried.”

These interactions suggest a disconnect between mining companies and local regulatory bodies, raising alarms about the legitimacy and oversight of such operations.

Impact on Local Communities

The episode gives voice to local communities adversely affected by deep sea mining. Jonathan Masulum, a former teacher and anti-mining activist, shares his frustrations and fears about the environmental degradation threatening the livelihoods of fishing-dependent populations.

Jonathan Masulum (17:29): “You are taking minerals from the poor people and you go and enjoy your luxury life. But these people are going to be affected in a long-term destruction to the marine ecosystem.”

Masulum emphasizes the emotional and existential stakes for indigenous communities, who view the ocean as their home and heritage, not merely a resource to be exploited. The lack of consultation and benefits for these communities underscores issues of environmental justice and resource sovereignty.

Global Perspective and Future Outlook

Expanding beyond PNG, Marks contextualizes deep sea mining within the global quest for essential minerals required for green technologies. Countries like Norway, Japan, and the Cook Islands are also exploring seabed mining but are proceeding with greater caution, balancing economic incentives with environmental safeguards.

Willem Marks (21:20): “Elsewhere in the world where this has theoretically been given approval, countries like Norway, Japan and the Cook Islands, things are moving really slowly.”

Marks advocates for robust global coordination to manage the informational and regulatory disparities that currently hinder responsible deep sea mining practices. He underscores the necessity of ensuring that local communities benefit and that environmental impacts are meticulously assessed and mitigated.

Conclusion

"The Sunday Story" episode "Mining's New Frontier" presents a comprehensive and alarming portrayal of deep sea mining's nascent but rapidly advancing industry. Through Willem Marks' investigative reporting, listeners are exposed to the technological marvels, environmental threats, regulatory challenges, and socio-political tensions that define this modern mining frontier. As the world grapples with the urgent need for sustainable energy sources, the episode calls for a balanced approach that prioritizes ecological integrity and community rights alongside economic development.

Notable Quotes

• Willem Marks (00:54): “This huge grabbing device, like a giant metal claw, comes out of the water. It's traveled a mile up from the seabed.”

• Jonathan Masulum (17:29): “These people are going to be affected in a long-term destruction to the marine ecosystem.”

• Willem Marks (23:46): “There are arguments for and against, like many of these things we need as a species to reduce carbon emissions... but then you balance that with this idea that these activities could have huge damaging impacts on environments we don't really understand in the deep sea.”

Attribution

This detailed summary is based on the transcript and information provided from the NPR podcast episode "Mining's New Frontier" from Up First by NPR, featuring reporting by Willem Marks.