Briefs

Govt takes over
GOVERNMENT has taken over the responsibility of conducting the clan-vetting process, an exercise which should have been done by the developer of the PNG LNG project. This is according to Petroleum Minister Dr Fabian Pok who said this week that he was determined to fix the mess. He urged Hela landowners to go back home so the landowner beneficiary identification process for Hides PDL 1 and PDL 7 areas could be completed.

Challenge given
INDEPENDENT Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) chief executive officer Paulus Ain has challenged provincial governments to do more to protect the interest of consumers in their provinces.

Financial results
Oil Search Ltd’s financial results for last year will be released to the market next month, according to its final quarter report. “Production costs for the year will include approximately US$65 million (K214.832 million) spent on earthquake recovery and repairs activities, with just over half that amount offset by insurance recoveries that have been released to date to the income statement.”

Garry welcomed
The PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum has welcomed the new managing director of Mineral Resources Authority Jerry Garry. Vice-president Richard Kassman said the MRA board and Mining Minister Johnson Tuke should be commended for appointing someone with outstanding credentials, including international mining experience, to head an important State institution like MRA.

Ok Tedi commended
Senior statesman Sir Peter Barter, accompanied by Paias Bokorum, managing director for Diwai Pharmaceutical Ltd, visited Tabubil Hospital in Western last Wednesday. Sir Peter expressed his great joy and satisfaction with the strong commitment by Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) in providing health services for the rural population through medical and outreach services provided by Tabubil Hospital and other programmes.