Decision on mine serves country’s interest: PM

PRIME Minister James Marape says the Government is doing everything within its mandate to reopen the Porgera gold mine, contrary to what his predecessor Peter O’Neill is saying.
He was responding to outbursts by O’Neill on the Porgera mine.
Marape said whatever decision the Government made on Porgera was in the best interest of the country.
“Unlike the former PM O’Neill who does not respect legitimate Government processes and concedes to foreign interests, like his giveaway of 10 per cent of State equity for the Wafi-Golpu project, I chose to differ,” he said.
“We must gain every opportunity for our country, our provinces and landowners. Our Government is not uncertain about what to do in Porgera.
“We knew what we want to do with our national resources right from day one.”
Marape said the case of the Barrick Niugini Ltd (BNL) in Porgera “is not nationalisation or expropriation as some may think or promote”.
“Companies and mining lease holders in Porgera had unbroken and profitable years since 1989 when the lease was issued,” he said.
“The lease expired on Aug 16, 2019.
“The Government is duty-bound to honour our National Constitution by harvesting resources at better terms for our country, including our landowners.”
He said the Mining Advisory Council had refused to renew the lease application by Barrick.
“The State, in compliance with the Mining Act, gave notice to procure Barrick’s asset with a view to reopen and operate the mine at the earliest.”
Marape said the Government had indicated to BNL that it would be given first consideration for partnership, but under new terms.