Aust to assist Newcrest facilitate projects in PNG

The National Business

AUSTRALIA has entered into a partnership with Newcrest Mining Limited to facilitate support on projects in Papua New Guinea.
Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis and Newcrest country manager Peter Aitsi signed an agreement yesterday.
The first year will be committed to:

  • Scholarships for Diploma of Nursing;
  • Australian awards scholarships in midwifery;
  •  Workshops on extractive Industries transparency initiative;  and,
  •  A mineral economics course to be delivered under the Pacific leadership and governance precinct.

Davis said it reflected Australia’s focus on engaging businesses to assist in development challenges.
“The approach recognises that the private sector has the means and increasingly the motivation to contribute to the development outcomes as part of their core business,” Davis said.
“It also recognises that the private sector are key players in addressing and improving the business environment, not just for themselves but also for their suppliers, buyers, employees and their employee’s families.
“Newcrest is on such company. Newcrest’s confidence in Papua New Guinea as an investment destination matches the Australian High Commission’s positive long-term outlook for Papua New Guinea.”
Aitsi said the company’s commitment to development was for the long-term.
“Newcrest already has a long record of engagement in PNG. And with 40 per cent of our global assets in this country, we hope to be a partner to Papua New Guinea for decades to come,” he said.