Firm aware of environmental, cultural importance of river

The National Business

The Frieda River Project environmental impact statement (EIS) recognises the importance of the Sepik River from an environmental perspective and the valuable contribution it makes to people’s lives, according to the project operator.
PanAust Ltd, the operator of the Frieda River copper/gold project, was responding to a statement by the East Sepik provincial government saying it was not prepared to approve the project under the current proposal.
A company spokesperson said the EIS incorporated comprehensive environmental, socio-economic and cultural heritage baseline data spanning a period of 10 years.
“Extensive stakeholder engagement was undertaken and will continue through the various stages of the project,” the spokesperson said.
“The EIS is aligned to the IFC (international finance corporation) performance standards and equator principles.
“The project’s hydroelectric facility was designed by experienced engineering company, SRK Consulting to international standards and guidelines.
“These include the Australian national committee on large dams, the international commission on large dams, and the Canadian dam association.
“PanAust has engaged independent experts to provide advice on all aspects of the EIS, which is currently subject to public review and independent peer review by the PNG Conservation and Environmental Protection Authority (Cepa).
“PanAust has requested Cepa extend the public review period to 31 Oct to allow adequate time for the completion of this process.
“The Company is working with the Government of PNG to ensure all legislative requirements during the permitting phase of the project are followed.”

4 comments

  • Literally, there will be some forms of pollution will still arise which will kill human lives.

  • Send them to back to their own countries to explore and exploit…. The Sepik is SACRED. Forget about mining. Follow example of Costa Rica where the whole country has become a large conservation area, inspire of all the resources they have. Look at Bougainville, Porters and Ok Redi. Nothing good will come out of mining activities except destruction, chaos, criminal activities, destruction of culture etc. The Sepik is renowned all over the the world. Let Tourism be your Gold mine.

  • Total no! no! no! to Frieda Mining are running out of ideas of making money.Improve tourism along Sepik river ,its worth more then that gold mine.

  • Allan, I was captain of a ship that was frequently chartered by then Freida Copper LTD and brought supplies to Iniok from Madang. Took 5 x days from river mouth to Kasali Depot at Iniok. Could take 2 x days upstream and 1 x day downstream under full power, however the voyage is occasionally disrupted by activities on the river banks both sides for the entire length to Iniok. Large villages and hamlets every river mile we slowed down to cut down on wave lengths to ripples so loaded canoes can cope. People going about their daily lives in the natural environment. Not all went well, we came to blows with disgruntled locals if he/she was not happy with our presence, its the Sepik way of life. best if you did not change what God put there with a stroke of a pen.
    The first people to suffer will be Wosera people, your own people if that is…the makau still goes well with nangu and that’s the only protein for miles around.

Comments are closed.