Address legacy issues before reopening mine

PRIME Minister James Marape and Barrick Niugini Ltd (BNL) signed an agreement to reopen Porgera mine without considering existing legacy issues like environmental damages and resettlement issues which was affecting the landowners for the 30 years the mine was operating.
Several associations like Kulini Strickland Resource Holders Association represent lower Lagaip and Strickland River areas have followed due process as stated under Environment Act 2000.
BNL and the Conservation Environment Protection Authority continuously refused to address our environmental damage issues.
Our legacy issues were not carefully addressed by the Government under Marape and BNL.
Why has the Government allowed Barrick to reopen Porgera mine?
We, the impacted landowners, appeal to the Government to settle the 30 years of legacy issues first before reopening the mine.
Our livelihood depends the on environment.

Peter Howard, Via Email