Former MP objects to mine’s extension

BARRICK Niugini Ltd continues to face more objections against it continuing to develop the giant Porgera gold mine in Enga.
Former Lagaip-Porgera MP and Barrick geologist Opis Papo, representing 22 clans along the Porgera River, said he was not given the opportunity to speak and object during last Tuesday’s warden hearing in Porgera.
Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas last week said Barrick’s special mining lease (SML) should not be renewed when it expired in August.
Papo said in a statement that the hearing at Paiam station was marred with violence caused by illegal miners, purported to be engaged by certain groups. He said he earlier wrote to chief warden Andrew Gunua registering his objections as well as those of the clans he represented.
Papo said as a member of four clans – Bipe, Mayuni, Pene and Eno – and with power of attorney given to him in 1995 by 22 clans of the Porgera River area, he objected as required under section 107 of the Mining Act, 1992.