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Fewer illegal miners trespassing Porgera

A NATIONAL Court-sanctioned “illegal miner action plan” has resulted in a drop in the number of illegal miners entering the Porgera mine, employees facing less aggressive incidents and less damage to property.
This was disclosed in a review of the Porgera operations by a mineral industry consultancy for DRDGold as a result of plans by its subsidiary, Emperor Mines, to sell its 20% stake in Porgera.
The report by Behre Dolbear Australia said police mobile squads were on permanent rotation in the Porgera Valley area, helping to reduce the numbers of illegal miners entering the mine.
However, it said: “The illegal miner issue is expected to remain a significant management challenge to PJV and ongoing risk to the project.”
Other key point in the report:
lThere is a strong desire in the local community for greater benefits as mine closure draws nearer, one issue being their ability to look after the town of Paiam;
lPJV has set aside US$54 million for progressive rehabilitation and mine closure costs;
lPJV is planning to begin test work and feasibility studies on use of tailings as backfill in the underground mine and the feasibility of a retention structure for both tailings and erodible material within the special mining lease area;
lIncident of vandalism on power pylons between Hides and Porgera with only one incident in the past 12 months compared with four towers being vandalised in 2005. The report said that during the national elections in 2002, more than 30 towers were felled or damaged along the 76km power line, with electricity supplies cut for about 80 days.
“PJV has increased liaison with the people, set up new programmes and initiated a new system of tower protection and security at Hides Power Station,” it said.
The report said the reduced frequency of such attacks indicated a lower level of risk and PJV was discussing other possible action with PNG Power and the Government to further lessen risks.