Government taken to court over mining licence renewal

The National National

THE Government has been taken to court over its refusal to renew the special mining licence for the operator of the Porgera gold mine.
Barrick (Nuigini) Limited (BNL) on Tuesday filed documents challenging the Government’s decision which was announced by Prime Minister James Marape after a Cabinet meeting.
It is seeking a judicial review of the decision by the National Executive Council and the Head of State to refuse its application for the renewal of the special mining lease.
It is claiming that the Government had failed to take into account relevant considerations and breached procedures prescribed by statute to ensure fairness in decision making. BNL is seeking an interim stay and injunction to allow it to occupy the gold mine, place it into care and maintenance pending the outcome of the court case.
The application for renewal was lodged last August.
Marape said Cabinet made the decision on March 11 to reject BNL’s application based on the recommendation of the mining advisory committee.
He said the decision was “in the best interest of the nation”.
BNL said the decision was tantamount to “nationalism without due process”, and in violation of the Government’s legal obligations to the firm.

8 comments

  • I believe this is in line with the PMs message to make PNG the richest Black Christian Nation in the Pacific.
    This is more patriotic and I like the tone of it.
    Write this into the book of history.

  • The government has rejected the special mining licence so what ground does Barrick has to take to court? Cronic landowners relocation issues, environmental issues and social issues are witnesses for PMJM/Davies to reject Barrick so Barrick should simply move on and exit Porgera smoothly.

  • Your time’s up, just pack up and leave! You have got more than enough than what you gave back. 95% to yourselves and only 5% to EPG and ILGs. Those multinational corporations are depleting all our resources.

    it’s about time now that we as a country can take hold of our own resources to increase our revenue base and whilst at the same time repay our massive debts created by Peter O’Neill. It takes a real man to make such a bold stand, hats off to you PMJM. Surely, things are starting to unfold to making PNG the richest black nation.

  • We and our generations will see whether this was the best decision for this country and future generations or the worst decision which may hinder future investments. Only God knows where this is heading. I do support PM’s idea however I donot support the timing and the reasons given so far! He should have delayed making this decision and hold off extending the license carry on with negotiations to get maximum benefits for the LO’s, PG & National Government using COVID-19 as an excuse to delay and build up good reasons not to renew the License. Also wait & buy time and have PLNG & P’yang LNG deals redone before dealing with BNL.

  • My hats off to my Prime Minister. Walking the Talk…. No to renewal does not necessarily ending Barrick here. Why does Barrick want to sit down with Government at the Negotiating table….. Going straight into the Courts is really negative and narrow minded. Government knows Barrick has been here with PNG a long time…. But what the Government to take back is a regime that has kept PNG growth…. A regime that is enemy to ourselves. Barrick, in its own wisdom should have realised that PNG has come to maturity and seen practices elsewhere in the world. Barrick should have come to realise that 95% – 5% distribution of wealth is realy unheard of practices all over the world. Many successive Prime Ministers and leaders have been lead into believing that we should give time and giving time to every mining companies have seen no improvements for over forty plus donkey years and the bullshit about giving time should be cut out completely…
    Come to the negotiating table and tell the Government straight, I am offering 49% and Barrick take 51% and this will improve. Otherwise, Barrick can remain in there for the Government operate for the Government, no problems.. Government or the People of PNG can pay Barrick their Administration Fee. LEAVE THE GOLD IN PNG….. PERIOD… DO NOT EXPORT THE GOLD….

Comments are closed.