Govt committed to forums on Porgera mine

By PETER ESILA
THE Governments still has its eyes on Sept 16 as the reopening date for the Porgera mine despite the deferral of the development forum, Mining Minister Sir Ano Pala says.
Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) acting managing director Jerry Garry told The National the development forum was delayed to allow for Prime Minister James Marape and Sir Ano to be present for the opening.
He added that a new date would be announced once Marape and other important stakeholders confirmed their availability.
Marape, in a statement, last Saturday, said the forum was expected to happen next Monday (Aug 14) in Wabag.
He said the development forum would involve landowners from provinces directly impacted by the mine including Enga, Hela, Western and West Sepik.
Sir Ano said the Government remained committed to issuing the Special Mining Lease (SML) for the Porgera gold mine at the end of the month.
As per section three of the Mining Act 1992, a mining minister is required to call a development forum for a mining project.
Development forums trigger benefits negotiations processes leading to a memorandum of agreement.
Meanwhile, the warden’s hearings for the Porgera mine ended last Monday.
The hearing was held at Paiam oval in Porgera at the beginning of the week, and in Tari Town Square, Hela, last Tuesday, with regards to the SML 13 and 15 supporting tenements.