Barrick will continue to maintain Port Moresby office: CEO

Barrick (Niugini) Limited (BNL) says it will continue to maintain its Port Moresby office.
The company said in a statement that it would continue to operate in the country after the incorporation of New Porgera Limited.
Barrick president and chief executive officer, Mark Bristow, explained that Barrick recently opened a Perth office for Barrick’s Asia Pacific growth operations. “Barrick has recognised the potential for the mining industry in the Asia Pacific region with current operations in Papua New Guinea and Pakistan.
“We are looking at other mines throughout Asia Pacific, and the new Barrick office in Perth will allow for our move into the region.
“As for the Porgera mine, our head office for all of Papua New Guinea operations is Port Moresby and will continue to be after the shareholders’ agreement is fully executed,” Bristow said.
Bristow said that Barrick’s approach is to ensure that the countries in which Barrick has primary operations, is managed by citizens of that country.
“The Porgera project commencement agreement shows our genuine intention to nation building here in Papua New Guinea,” Bristow said.
“On top of the 51 per cent equity to PNG stakeholders, of which 10 per cent is protected equity for project-impacted landowners, we are committed to building a predominantly PNG national workforce at Porgera Mine and refining our approach to localising our supply and business contracts.”