Illegal mining ops at Porgera worry leaders

ILLEGAL mining at the Porgera gold mine is a serious concern which must be addressed immediately by all stakeholders including the National Government.
Defence Minister Bob Dadae and Western Highlands Governor Tom Olga said this after visiting the mine at the weekend.
They stressed that illegal mining operations were causing obstructions to the smooth operations of the project.
After touring the open pit mine and witnessing illegal gold miners going about their activities, the two leaders said the problem was serious and warranted urgent action by all stakeholders concerned.
They said as concerned leaders, they would raise the matter with the Government upon their return to Port Moresby and support whatever action was decided to solve the problem.
The two leaders visited the mine after officially opening new facilities at the Defence Force Engineering Battalion’s Base at Kerowil near Banz in the Western Highlands last week.
They were accompanied by their chief advisers, Defence Secretary, Frederick Punangi and Western Highlands provincial Administrator Michael Wandil.
The leaders were briefed on the Porgera Joint Venture operations by company officials.
by acting general manager Dennis Hoof and his senior management before they toured the open pit.
Mr Dadae and Governor Olga who visited the mine for the first time were surprised and overwhelmed by the enormity of the operations and the activities taking place.
They said they were shocked to see illegal miners climbing steep rock walls to look for gold, putting their lives and those of the PJV employees at great risks.
The two leaders had pledged to support any action taken by the stakeholders to put an end to the illegal mining activities.