Be respectful, people told

Business

EAST Sepik Governor Allan Bird has urged people in the province to respect and speak with understanding and tolerance when discussing the proposed US$8 billion (K28bil) Frieda River gold and copper project.
Bird yesterday wrote on his Facebook page that many people were getting upset and talking about the Frieda mine proposal on social media as if it was a foregone conclusion.
“That is not the case, there are many issues surrounding Frieda that remain unresolved,” he said.
“Frieda is a very challenging and difficult project, not only because it has the potential to destroy the last remaining major river system in the world, but also because of its economics, unstable terrain and the chemistry of the ore body itself.
“We keep making reference to Ok Tedi and then we assume that the Government is ready to repeat the same mistakes.
“I don’t think that is the case.
“The Ok Tedi decision was taken at a time when the world did not care about climate change or environmental impact.
“We live in a very different world today.
“Therefore, I appeal to the people from Sepik, especially East Sepik, to respect every comment and speak with understanding and tolerance.
“I do not believe there is a company in the world that will risk their reputation and stock price to build and operate an unsafe mine.
“And I do not believe the Government of James Marape, whose people suffered a catastrophic earthquake and are yet to see the benefits of their own gas and oil wealth, will rush blindly into making any decision that will negatively impact our people.
“I am also very confident that our friends in West Sepik are also concerned about the safety of the Sepik River as we are.
“Remember, the headwaters of the Sepik are in Telefomin.
“So let’s be more tolerant, respectful and understanding as we discuss this very important issue that affects us all.”
The Sandaun government last December presented its environmental impact statement to the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority. In that statement, the local government was against the construction of an integrated storage facility or hydro tailings dam built to cater for waste.
Governor Tony Wouwou said this was because of the enormous environmental and social implications it would have if the dam collapsed.
Wouwou, however, said the province was in favour of the mine going ahead but proposed that a deep sea tailings placement be built.
He said other alternative waste management options needed to be considered such as identifying a site suitable for the sole purpose of a tailings dam.
Environment Minister Wera Mori previously said he wanted to speak with the governors and administrations of East and West Sepik about how they could collectively move the Frieda River project forward.
“Developments can take place but is also must be done with the mutual understanding of both East and West Sepik,” he said.
“The potential impact of the Sepik River must be taken into account.”