Consultation of law review starts

REGIONAL consultations for the review of the Mining Safety Act of 1977, starting next Monday, will be conducted by the Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management Department and Mineral Resources Authority (MRA).
According to a statement from the department, as the mining industry focuses on investing in cost effective and technologically advanced mining techniques, as in the case of new upcoming mining projects such as the Solwara 1, Wafi-Golpu and Frieda River projects, it was highly necessary that the revised Act provided a clear regulatory oversight for such developments in the mining sector going forward.
It stated that as part of the review exercise, the department and MRA would conduct the first phase of regional consultations for the Highlands and Mamose, starting in Eastern Highlands, Goroka, on Monday and Kainantu on Tuesday – and in Lae, Morobe, next Thursday.
The National Government through the mining ministry, invited stakeholders from the mine host provinces, landowner groups, government departments and agencies, mining companies, exploration companies, quarry operators, the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, Business Council of PNG, professional organisations with interest in mining industry, suppliers, and members of civil society and interested individuals to attend the consultative forum and air their views, concerns and comments on the health and safety aspects of mining in the country.
The review of the Mining (Safety) Act 1977 and regulations first started under the former mining department but did not progress and following the restructure of the department, a review of the Act was included as part of its 2009 to 2015 Mineral Policy and Legislative Review exercise.
The issues and views expressed during the regional consultation would be evaluated and incorporated into the final drafting of the new Mining (Health and Safety) Act and will be presented to the National Executive Council for its endorsement for tabling in the Parliament.