PJV marks 20 years

THE world class Porgera gold mine in Enga celebrated its second decade of operations last week.
Twenty years on and operating under the Porgera Joint Venture (PJV), the mine is positioned as a strong player across the emerging mining sector in Papua New Guinea.
“This is a milestone achieved by very few gold mines and is testament to the achievements and efforts of many people.
“Porgera’s outstanding success is founded in the partnership and enduring support of the national and local governments, landowners, and the people of Porgera and Enga,”  executive general manager of Barrick PNG Mark Fisher said
“To date over 16.5 million ounces of gold has been produced and there is a bright future ahead as Porgera’s current mine life extends beyond 2020.
“Porgera has also helped to improve the lives of people living in the community by providing jobs, opportunities for education and training.
“This is facilitated through the development and upgrading of essential services and infrastructure.
“The Porgera mine has been far more successful than anyone could have predicted 20 years ago,” Fisher said.
The celebration was held at Paiam station where 150 invited guests, local leaders and business partners were entertained by local school children and a singsing group with music and dancing.
Porgera’s history can be  traced back to 1938 when James (Jim) Taylor and John Black were appointed by the Trust Territory of New Guinea to lead a patrol to explore the land between Mt Hagen and the border with the then Dutch East Indies. 
On this patrol in September 1939, the team passed through Porgera and discovered gold in the Porgera River. 
Placer joined with MIM in 1973 and 1974 to create the Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) and the construction of the mine commenced in late 1989 after the special mining lease was granted by the government. 
The PJV was officially opened on Oct 20, 1990, by the then prime minister (Sir) Rabbie Namaliu.