They (the environmentalists and the rest of the world),need to allow deepsea mining to be "tried" somewhere,at some point,and monitor the process closely.Sure they may find that the ecosystem changes some because it is all unknown before it is actually attempted.It also may take a few years for reliable data to determine if there are any eco changes that have occurred.I guess PNG is as good a place if not better to attempt it than any.
Since PNG area is in the vast Pacific,with shifting currents,winds and migrating sealife it is probably better than most to conduct an experiment.I wouldn't make light of the fact that there is the potential to do devestation to the ecosystem but how else are you going to find out unless you actually try it?(rhetorical question no response necessary)
I sympathize with PNG that if their current fishing ecosystem were destroyed,life of the local fisherman could change forever,on the other hand,the VAST amount of wealth and progress that could occur with positive results of the subsea mining would potentially far outweigh any damage to the environment or the local fishing habitat.
I don't see any choice but to try it to find out what will actually happen by just doing it.All the speculation and pre-disturbance testing in the world won't tell you what will happen until it is tried and monitored for real results and not speculation.
The fishermen could always get a job working for the refiners!!!
News 
Market Data 
Discover 
