|
By HARLYNE JOKU
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Mining Minister Puka Temu said he would
continue to create further incentives for mine operators and investors
in the mining industry to continue operations in a safe, profitable and
sustainable manner.
Dr Temu made the comments at the official handover of the Mining
portfolio by the former Mining minister Sam Akotai yesterday morning at
the Minerals Resource Authority headquarters.
Dr Temu said the State’s challenge was to continue to grow mines that
would continue to support the country’s social and economic priorities.
He confirmed the mines as Ramu nickel, Frieda and the deep sea mining by
Nautilus.
He said with record metal prices, coupled with an improved fiscal and
policy environment and a Government supportive of the mining industry,
it was imperative that exploration is increased with an emphasis to tune
advanced exploration projects into operating mines.
And he added that existing mines would be encouraged to maintain an
exploration programme that runs in parallel with their operations to
extend their mine life
Dr Temu said a further challenge was for the Government through an
effective and capable institution such as MRA, to nurture and implement
the above goal.
He added that since 2003 when the former minister Sam Akotai effectively
took office, 15 new applications for exploration licenses were received.
In 2005, the then Mining Department received another 29 applications.
Furthermore 130 applications were received last year. For this year,
more than 20 applications have been received,” Dr Temu said.
“These developments have so far resulted in the increase in exploration
activities in various parts of the country. These include drilling
programmes that are currently underway in places like Frieda, Woodlark,
Wowo Gap, Wafi, Hidden Valley, Ok Tedi and Tolukuma.
“Furthermore, one of the major developments in PNG’s mining industry was
the operations of Nautilus Limited — this is the world’s first in seabed
exploration and possibly mining,” Dr Temu said.
 
|
