The Urgent Need for Sustainable Mining
AT the recent Geosciences, Exploration, and Extraction (GEE) 2024 Conference held at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, the focus was sharply directed towards the urgent need for sustainable resource extraction in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
With over 350 delegates in attendance and thousands more tuning in virtually, Jerry Garry, Managing Director of the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), emphasized the critical responsibility that accompanies the exploitation of the nation’s rich mineral and petroleum reserves.
The conference, held from August 7 to 9, revolved around the theme, “Research and Innovation in Geosciences, Exploration, and Extraction for Sustainability.”
This theme resonates profoundly at a time when PNG’s reserves are depleting, and significant discoveries have been sparse over the past four decades. Prime Minister James Marape, through Garry, highlighted the importance of the theme, pointing out that PNG is at a crucial juncture where the decisions made now will shape the future of the nation’s resources and environmental landscape.
Marape’s call to action underscored the need for adopting advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to minimize environmental damage while improving extraction efficiency. The conference underscored the need for interdisciplinary collaboration among universities, research institutions, and industry players to ensure that resource extraction meets both current demands and environmental preservation goals.
With presentations from global experts and contributions from a diverse range of stakeholders, GEE 2024 reinforced the imperative of implementing sustainable practices. The goal is to ensure that PNG’s natural wealth benefits not only the present economy but also future generations.
Papua New Guinea’s abundant mineral and petroleum resources present a unique opportunity for economic growth, but they also come with substantial challenges that require meticulous management.
As highlighted in the GEE 2024 Conference, PNG finds itself at a pivotal point, where today’s decisions will have far-reaching impacts on both the environment and the people.
The alarming depletion of PNG’s mineral and hydrocarbon reserves over the past four decades underscores the urgency of adopting sustainable practices. Without significant new discoveries, the nation risks exhausting its natural wealth, potentially leaving future generations with depleted resources and damaged ecosystems. Prime Minister James Marape’s call for sustainability is not merely a political stance; it is essential for the country’s long-term survival and prosperity.
Integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into resource extraction is crucial for mitigating environmental harm while enhancing efficiency.
These innovations offer the potential to make extraction processes both economically viable and environmentally responsible. However, technology alone cannot address all challenges. PNG requires a collaborative effort involving government, industry, academia, and local communities to create a robust framework for sustainable development.
The GEE 2024 Conference highlighted the importance of cross-border and interdisciplinary collaboration. The complex challenges faced by PNG necessitate diverse perspectives and collective problem-solving. The conference showcased the power of global expertise in driving innovations and solutions for sustainable resource management.
Ultimately, PNG’s success will be judged not by the quantity of wealth extracted but by how effectively it is managed to ensure a thriving environment and society for future generations. The call for sustainable action is urgent, and PNG must embrace this challenge to lead by example in the global pursuit of responsible resource extraction and environmental stewardship.
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