Petromin asked to follow environmental standards

By HARLYNE JOKU
PRIME MINISTER Sir Michael Somare has urged State-owned company Petromin to comply with national and environmental standards in operating Tolukuma Gold Mine in the Central province.
“The Government emphasises on environment-friendly commercial undertakings in the country.
“As a 100% State-owned company, Petromin is required to apply national and international environment standards as it pursues its commercial interests,” Sir Michael said.
Sir Michael said he was encouraged by recent public comments by the chairman of Petromin, Joshua Kalinoe, that the company would review and improve on the present waste management processes in Tolukuma.
He said this was in line with the recent commencement of a scientific study to investigate concerns raised by downstream communities in the Kairuku Hiri district.
“Petromin would be expected to work with the Department of Environment and Conservation and other state agencies to attend to any aspect of the report to ensure the safety of our people in these communities,” he said.
The Prime Minister made these remarks at the ceremony of the Tolukuma Gold mine official handover by Emperor Mines to Petromin Holdings at the mine site yesterday.
Central Governor Alphonse Moroi, who also attended the ceremony, stressed the need for Petromin to address the environmental issues.
Mr Moroi said two independent environmental studies have revealed that environmental pollution of the Auga and Angabanga Rivers that is affecting the downstream community.
Mr Moroi told The National in a separate interview yesterday that he was happy Petromin had taken over from Emperor Mines.
“Petromin, being a 100% State-owned company, has an obligation to the people.
“It will address mine waste issues including clean water supply, proper road infrastructure and waste treatment including a tailings dam,” Mr Moroi said.
He said Mr Kalinoe has assured him of addressing their concerns within the next two years and is confident Tolukuma has more to offer.
Mr Moroi said Central should be listed officially as a mining province since it now has a total of 15 exploration licences, 10 in the Goilala district and five others spread throughout the province.