Five scientists have published an article in ScienceAlert , supporting Indigenous plaintiffs who are seeking a court injunction to prevent a Chinese mining company from dumping toxic mine waste into the Bismarck Sea. The research scientists, based at universities in Australia and Papua New Guinea, cited studies of ocean currents, upwelling, seismic activity, and biological diversity in the region known as the “Coral Triangle.” They concluded that the PNG government and the Chinese company are seriously underestimating the risks to the marine ecosystem posed by “deep sea tailings placement.” The ocean dumping, they said, would cover “perhaps hundreds of square kilometres of seabed with potentially toxic waste.” Their article directly challenges testimony given in court by another scientist, a consultant paid by the company, who spoke in favor of the ocean dumping scheme.
Last June, Cultural Survival’s Global Response program initiated an international letter-writing campaign on behalf of the Indigenous residents of Papua New Guinea’s Rai coast, whose livelihoods and health rely on the marine resources of the Bismarck Sea.
A ruling in the court case is expected in late April.
