Barrick says it does not recognise appointment of Laulau as mine manager

BARRICK Niugini Ltd (BNL) says the company does not recognise the validity of Kumul Minerals Holdings Ltd’s (KMHL) appointment of a registered mine manager over the Porgera mine.
KMHL yesterday announced the appointment of David Laulau as registered mine manager for (SML 1) Porgera mine.
BNL, in a statement yesterday, said: “BNL disputes that any valid lease has been granted to KMHL under which KMHL would have any rights or interests in areas the subject of BNL’s tenements, including the Porgera mine, and the company has commenced proceedings in the National Court challenging the purported grant of a special mining lease covering the Porgera Mine to KMHL.
“On that basis, BNL does not recognise the validity of KMHL purporting to appoint a registered mine manager over the Porgera mine.”
The company noted the decision delivered by Justice Collin Makail in the Supreme Court on Sept 27 that it was in the interests of justice that the present status quo be maintained in relation to SML 1 while legal proceedings remained ongoing.
“This effectively means BNL remaining in possession of the Porgera mine site and maintaining it in a state of care and maintenance, without the interference of the state or other parties,” it said.
“Mine management functions in regards to the Porgera Mine during the current state of care and maintenance will continue to be managed by BNL.
“BNL notes that it reserves all of its legal rights in respect of this matter, and cautions all parties to have due regard for current legal processes regarding the Porgera mine issue.”
Meanwhile, KMHL chairman and acting managing director Peter Graham said Laulau was expected to be on site shortly.
“Barrick Niugini Ltd will continue to have responsibility for the care and maintenance of equipment and infrastructure at the mine under the terms of the mine development contract until such time as a way forward is determined,” Graham said.
He added that efforts to negotiate a commercial agreement with Barrick on a without-prejudice basis had recently commenced while Barrick continued to pursue various matters related to licensing in the PNG courts.