PRODUCTION STARTS 2019: BISMARCK SEA SEAFLOOR EXPERIMENTAL MINING IMPACTS NOT QUANTIFIED YET, MIT STUDY

1. Brief

Image: MIT Environment
Solution Initiative 

Nautilus Minerals is a small cap Canadian company, registered in Brisbane Australia and majority owned by an Oman Group. Described as an *experimental* seafloor mining company, engaging in the exploration and development of Seafloor Massive Sulphide systems in the Bismarck Sea. The company has planned to use remote-controlled heavy machinery and hydraulic pump to mine the minerals, including gold and copper. 

2. Planned Experimental Mining

The latest project update indicated that the planned mining activity will start early 2019. But no definite date was announced. In fact, the company has postponed the start of production from 2017 to 2018 and (in the latest update) to 2019. 

Mike Johnston, Nautilus’ CEO was positive about the seafloor production system: 

"The system remains on track for initial production during the first half of 2019, subject to further financing as indicated previously.” (project update, 10/10/2017)

Nautilus Minerals concept of deep sea mining is not very popular among the people living along the coastal regions of Morobe, Madang, Sepik, Manus, New Ireland and East New Britain. There is also *strong* opposition to the project voiced by prominent locals, Church leaders and national politicians (click here for details).

IMAGE: Nautilus Minerals via  Massachusetts Institute of Technology website 

10 Adventure Activities To Do at the Port Moresby Adventure Park

A day trip to the Port Moresby Adventure Park is an ideal way to spend a Saturday or Sunday with family and friends. The park is also a tourist attraction in the city capital, Port Moresby. The park opens early at around 8.30 am and closes in the evening, at 5.30 pm. 

Other fun places to visit in Port Moresby 

• Port Moresby Adventure Park
• Sunset Lodge
• Loloata Island Resort
• Koitaki Country Club
• Varirata Natioanl Park
• Kokoda Track Memorial
• Bomana War Cemetry
• Tutu Beach

Just to clarify any confusion about the two parks in Port Moresby: the Nature Park is the one past the University of Papua New Guinea. It is within the city precincts. The Port Moresby Adventure Park is located opposite the Pacific Adventist University entrance. About 30 minutes drive from the city, along the road to Sogeri.

General entry to the park is free. That means that you can go in without paying and wander about but only pay (refer to fees below) if you are going to part-take in the park's organised activities. 

The Adventure Park has many fun things-to-do for both young and old. You can easily spend the whole day at the park and do all or some of your preferred activities.

Here are the top 10 fun activities to do at the park. A couple of the activities are free. But you must pay to do others.

1. Party or Barbecue: 

At the cost of K60, visitors can use the bbq hut (haus wind) for the whole day. The visitors are required to pay the fee at the entrance before proceeding to choose a hut. The image shows an area without the shelter - the actual hut is visible at the far end. There is no shortage of huts all around the park.

Source: Adventure Park PNG, Facebook

2. Wander through the Orchid Garden and Birds' Sanctuary 

 It only costs K5 per person to go in. The Orchid Garden has been one of the best-kept orchid gardens in PNG. There is a chance to also hear the Kumul (Bird of Paradise) singing as you wander through this beautiful garden.

Image: FIFA Women's World Cup

3. Children's Waterslides 

The waterslide is fun. It costs K20 per head. Always do the other activities before this one. Once the kids get-the-hang of it, there is no moving away until it's time to go home. Top tip: always take swimmers or shorts to be in the swing of excitement with the kids. 

4. Go Paddling on the Paddle Boats 

It costs K10 per person for 30 minutes. Another fun activity the kids would love. Top tip: take some bread crumbs for the kids to feed and attract the fish to your boat as you paddle along.

5. Merry-Go-Around/Carousel 

At K5 per person, this is sure to put smiles on the children's faces.