Local communities in New Ireland Province are questioning the actions of the New Ireland Provincial Government, stating that although Prime Minister James Marape has publicly voiced and supported a moratorium on Deep Sea Mining, the NIPG are still pursuing discussions with deep sea miners. According to Jonathan Mesulam, Director of the West Coast Development Foundation [WCDF] and member of the Alliance of Solwara Warriors, on 13th of last month, the NIPG held dialogues with joint venture companies, Deep Sea Mining Finance and Sustainable Mining Solution who acquired the assets of Nautilus Minerals Niugini Ltd. This meeting was met with strong opposition from local communities. "We express our gratitude to PM James Marape for courageously supporting the MSG's call for a moratorium on seabed mining – a call that is also been made by 24 states around the world.” “However, we question why the company is still present in the country and continues to hold discussions regarding the seabed mining project.” “The company must now heed our Prime Minister's call and depart from our shores,” Mesulam said. A forum organized by the WCDF, Caritas and other local groups held on 4th October in Namatanai submitted a petition to the President of Namatanai LLG, Joshua Takin. A second petition was submitted to the Office of the Governor on 24th November at a 500-people strong forum in Kavieng. The petitions called for a ban on seabed mining and all licenses to be cancelled as well as highlighting other human rights violations faced by the people of New Ireland. Caritas coordinator, John Momori emphasized that the petition should serve as a reminder to the provincial government that discussions on seabed mining have been exhausted. “It is extremely disheartening that our provincial leaders remain silent on this issue despite the people's resistance to seabed mining for over 13 years and PM Marape’s announcement.” “This clearly demonstrates the greed and self-interest of politicians who exploit the people for personal gain.” “We attended two planned warden hearings this year both of which were postponed.” “This clearly indicates that the Mineral Resource Authority, New Ireland government and the company have failed to gather the opinions and consent of local communities.” Momori asserted that this should be sufficient grounds for the cancellation of all exploration and mining licenses. Local community leader, Mr. Hubert Melake of the Malas Foundation, has expressed support for the campaign and urges all New Irelanders to stand up and voice their opposition to such treatment by our political leaders: “We will not rest. We will continue to monitor the government and Nautilus's next course of action.” “Today marks a crucial moment in our history as we witness an increasing number of people supporting not only the fight against seabed mining but also addressing other issues affecting the local population.”