The Australian company PanAust is planning to open the largest mine ever proposed in Papua New Guinea’s history in the Sepik, close to the mighty Sepik River. The Sepik is part of the third largest rainforest in the world and is known for its incredible biodiversity.

If approved, the proposed Frieda River mine could severely damage this unique place and the hundreds of thousands of people that rely on it for their survival. Together with Project Sepik, our local partner on the ground, we are campaigning to stop the mine.

Will you stand with the Sepik People and fight to #SaveTheSepik?

Please sign and share this petition calling for the Sepik River Basin to receive a World Heritage Listing.

Sign the petition now

WHY DO WE NEED TO STOP THE MINE?

THE COMPANY HAS NO SOCIAL LICENCE TO OPERATE

There is no evidence of Free, Prior and Informed Consent of all impacted Customary Landowners including communities on the mine site and along the river. In May 2020, a total ban on the mine was unanimously proclaimed by the Traditional Clan Leaders of 28 Haus Tambarans (spirit houses) along the river, representing more than 78,000 local people. The document would be admissible in a court of law.

WE MUST PROTECT CULTURAL HERITAGE

The Peoples of the Sepik maintain a strong spiritual connection with the River, waterways, forests and animals of the Sepik. The River is their source of life and its surrounds must be protected as a whole. The area is also the site of the Karawari caves, which host one of the greatest examples of rock art in the whole of Melanesia. The mine could destroy all of this forever.

THE UPPER SEPIK HAS BEEN TENTATIVELY LISTED FOR WORLD HERITAGE STATUS

The Upper Sepik River Basin was listed by the Papua New Guinean Government on its ‘Tentative List’ for nominations for World Heritage Status in 2006. The diverse habitats of the basin are globally significant for biodiversity. The area contains two Global 200 eco-regions, three endemic bird areas and three centres of plant diversity.

THE SEPIK RIVER IS OF INTERNATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

With the converging crises we face globally, now, more than ever, we have to protect and defend the last pristine places on earth. The international significance of the Sepik River and the threats posed by the Frieda River mine have been recognised by ten United Nations Special Rapporteurs in powerful joint statements to key stakeholders, including the Australian and PNG Governments.

REJECT THE MINE. SAVE THE SEPIK

Walking Fish Productions – with additional footage sourced from Frederick Ipara – have created a video in collaboration with Project Sepik and the Save the Sepik campaign.

This video follows local campaigners as they travel along the Sepik River to raise awareness and ask locals what they think about the Frieda Mine.