The world’s first deep sea mining project  is being halted by Indigenous people from coastal areas in Papua New Guinea.

Brisbane-based Nautilus Minerals is well on its way to starting the world’s first sea floor copper mine in 1,500 metres of water not far from East New Britain.

But the project’s fast pace is worrying locals, who have formed a council to ensure their concerns are heard at Government level.

The Bismark Solomons Sea Indigenous Peoples Council says it wants Nautilus to stop activities that pose a risk to marine resources until their concerns are heard.

Nautilus Minerals PNG manager Mel Togolo says the company has undertaken extensive consultation with locals living near its exploration site.

He says the company is also required to provide a detailed environmental study before the Government will grant it a mining licence.