Govt to make exceptions for miners: Kramer

By REBECCA KUKU
THE Government will be making exceptions for mining companies during the state of emergency as they are an important economic sector in the country.
Police Minister Bryan Kramer, while speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister James Marape, said mining staff worked in shifts and as the Government had announced the SOE, some mining workers were also supposed to go on their breaks.
“So the management wrote to us and we are making exceptions for them not only because of their contribution to the economy but because mining centres have the highest health and safety standards in the country,” he said.
“So the local staff will be allowed to be flown out to their provinces.
“And the expatriates will be allowed to fly into Port Moresby and back to their countries but when they leave our shores, they won’t be coming back in as there is a 14-day restriction on all incoming international flights.
“But we will be documenting all their (mining company) staff so that we can keep track of where they are and monitor them.”
Mining operators in the country have continue to export minerals despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic worldwide.
Ok Tedi Mining Ltd, Porgera Joint Venture and K92 Mining Inc reported that their operations have not been affected.