Better deal seen in proposed mining act

THE proposed mining act will give a better deal to mining landowners around the country, says Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
He said that yesterday after Lagaip-Porgera MP Nixon Mangape asked whether the Government would give such preferential treatment as extended to Ok Tedi and Bougainville landowners, to those from other mines around the country.
O’Neill said the case of other mines was different from those of Ok Tedi and Bougainville.
He said the State had significant shareholding, hence, it was able to cater for landowners.
“We’ve also taken into account the sufferings both provinces and the communities have suffered, and what our people have gone through,” O’Neill said.
“That is why the Government was able to do that.
“But in terms of the other mines around the country, as I said last week, we are very mindful of the new mining act, which is coming before Cabinet for discussion.
“We will be bringing it into Parliament to approve that new mining act.
“That will specifically clear the new benefits arrangement that we are trying to work out for all other landowners and provinces throughout the country.”