PNG Traditional spokesman bashed for opposition to mining waste
Across the Asia Pacific region, hundreds of square kilometres of the ocean floor are being smothered, beneath hundreds of millions of tons of toxic mining waste. According to the Mineral Policy Institute, the disposal technique, known as Submarine Tailings Disposal or STD, has been forced on many communities in Indonesia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea without their informed consent. Along the Rai Coast region of Papua New Guinea, traditional landowners in more than 100 villages are concerned that plans for an STD outlet into Medang Lagoon will have severe impacts on the seafood they rely on for food and for income. Rai Coast Landowner spokesman Simon Warr says he does not want to stop the mine from going ahead, but wants a safer method of tailing disposal to be used. The Mineral Policy Institute’s Tim O’Connor says Mr Warr’s stand has placed him in serious danger. The Wire located Mr Warr, now in hiding in a safe house, and spoke with him about the mining development being planned by the Chinese government owned consortium, Highlands Ramu Nickel Joint Venture. He remains committed to stopping the STD and says a lack of understanding is the source of the problem.