Chief Justice to decide on judge option

AN application filed by the Mineral Resource Enga (MRE) to disqualify Judge Derek Hartshorn from presiding over a matter involving Barrick Niugini Ltd (BNL) has been adjourned for the Chief Justice to address the matter.
Justice Hartshorn said the Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika would have to appoint another judge to hear the application seeking his disqualification.
“This application is adjourned to the Chief Justice to appoint another judge to hear this application on my disqualification on a date to be advised,” Justice Hartshorn said.
The MRE filed the application because of Justice Hartshorn’s alleged prior link to the Barrick Goldfields PNG Ltd.
Goldfields PNG Holdings Ltd had merged with Barrick to form Barrick Goldfields PNG Ltd.