Chamber keen to see start of Wafi-Golpu mine

By JUNIOR UKAHA
THE Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry is “keen” to see the start of the multi-billion kina Wafi-Golpu mine, says president John Byrne.
The US$5.4 billion (K17. bil) gold and copper mine, located 70km southwest of Lae, will be developed jointly by Newcrest (50 per cent) and Harmony Gold (50 per cent) through the Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture.
The mine will operate for the next 33 years.
Byrne said the chamber was expecting the mine to boost the local and the national economy.
“Lae chamber, like all businesses in Lae and Morobe, is keen to see a commencement to this important and economically-boosting project,” he said.
“However, we understand and respect the challenges for all parties to ensure due process is followed to ensure all parties’ needs are met for the present and the future.
“As one would expect, it (mine) will provide work for national staff and local business and boost the economy.”
The chamber urged businesses in Lae to find opportunities at the mine and sell their products and services.