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Projects
 
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The Solwara 1 Project is in the exploration phase, gathering data on the mineral resource and environmental baseline parameters. Mining on the seafloor has not commenced. The study of the seafloor and oceans is an established science. A strong regulatory framework and established industry practice exists for operating on the seafloor. Industry sectors such as the offshore dredging and the oil and gas industries have developed operating and monitoring frameworks across multiple jurisdictions, often covering sensitive and complex operations. It is this solid foundation of work on which we build our mining operations. Nautilus draws on the skills and techniques of both researchers and consultants who are experienced in servicing these well-established offshore industries. In 2007 Nautilus continued its major environmental program with three primary objectives to:
ENVIRONMENTAL WORK TO DATE Nautilus is currently completing its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Solwara 1 Project located in the territorial waters of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The environmental program involves diverse scientific and environmental studies in the Bismarck Sea (located in PNG). The lead EIS consultant is Coffey Natural Systems (Coffey), a specialist environmental and social impact assessment consultancy servicing the mining, oil and gas and infrastructure sectors. Based in Australia, Coffey has over 29 years experience conducting environmental and social impact assessments for PNG-based projects. Upon completion of these investigations, it is expected that the data and findings will be submitted to the government of Papua New Guinea in the third quarter, 2008. To read about the studies we are conducting for our Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS), please click here -- Ongoing Environmental Studies. Research Institutions & Consultant Groups Involved In the Solwara 1 EIS
PROCESS FOR MINING PERMIT APPROVAL Nautilus currently has a licence to explore and gather data on its tenements. Prior to obtaining a Mining Lease (ML) in PNG, the Company must pursue a rigorous permitting process involving the following steps: 1. Environmental Inception Report (EIR) The first step in the development of a complete Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS) is the EIR. The EIR outlines the project description and the studies that will be conducted for the EIS. In designing the study, input from the following constituents was included: domestic and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO's), scientists, consultants, environmentalists and other world-renowned experts in the field of marine and social science. The Papua New Guinea Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) approved the Nautilus EIR in 2007. 2. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) In 2006 and 2007 Nautilus conducted five offshore environmental campaigns in the Bismarck Sea. This work included oceanography, biology, chemistry, water quality and sedimentation rate studies. During this time, over 5,000 seafloor observations were logged. 3. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Nautilus anticipates submitting the EIS to the PNG government in the third quarter 2008, along with all the detailed EIA studies. 4. EIS Review Nautilus has been advised by the DEC that independent scientists and other experts will be asked to comment on the EIS . Most importantly, the public and local communities will have the chance to provide their comments on the EIS and the Solwara 1 development proposal through a public hearings process. For environmental inquiries, please contact: | | |
