Govt’s position on Porgera mine historic decision: Duma
THE Government’s stand on the Porgera Gold Mine issue will turn out to be one of the best decisions made by any government since independence, Commerce and Industry Minister William Duma says.
He said he had concerns about the delays in managing Porgera issues but the end was in sight for Porgera.
Duma told a press conference at a resort outside Port Moresby on Friday: “I’m pleased to be able to say that after having being briefed and after having seen the hard work led by the State negotiating team with the guidance and oversight of the PM, we are on track and the end is in sight for Porgera.
“Very soon we should be able to have a big turnaround.
“I commend our PM for his leadership.
“He has been criticised mostly unfairly by those prophets of doom, by those who do not have the interest of our country.
“Are they saying that we will continue to be rent collectors although we own the resources?
“Gold is ours. For 25 years we allowed foreigners to harvest those resources and to share them with us.
“Whether they share them with us fairly and whether they pay their taxes honestly is a matter for determination by another forum.
“But it’s about time we made the decision to take control of our resources. So we’re in the driver’s seat so we’re able to develop and commercialise our own resources for the benefit of our own people.”
Duma urged people to be impartial when commenting on political issues of national importance.
“The people of PNG, especially the educated elites, must be impartial in politics.
“They have elected members representing them in Parliament. Let them play the game, remain impartial, assess issues in an impartial manner.”
14 comments
Minister Duma, you and your fellow parliamentarians; go ahead and play the game in Parliament, all good but it is the people who suffer from not making decisions quickly or not making the right decisions.
Agree with all you said and PMJM intention of nationalization of mines but with COVID 19 affecting our economy and world economy; gold prices has soared. A safe metal to place our bets.
With Porgera still shut down, is PNG missing out on its opportunity/share to make more money from gold exports…from taxes? I am bemused by your statement!
Praise God. Umu you are spot on. Leadership in this country at all levels need the Supernatural God for wisdom. Every decision taken by our mandated leaders without God is futile. Our degraded mind as a result of the curse of our sins is incapable of reasoning well. ONLY when the leaders articulated within the realm of the Sovereign God of the Universe, then we can see tangible developments and prosperity in all aspects of our lives, in this manner preparing the people of this beautiful nation for the soon return of our Lord Christ Jesus.
Meanwhile the minister’s position on ‘taking back PNG’ is commendable.
Kasa 100% with you. The world systems of ruling has failed us. We might as well go into Theocracy system where God rules just like King David’s government.
We Melanesian only look at one side of the story which Pogera has shut down and people are suffering. Why not just wait patiently to see what the government is doing it for the good of the nation.
Good to note that WD has finally got the right eye drops prescribed by the ophthalmologist to see the writing on the wall more clearly and precisely. Patience is a virtue and PMJM has certainly done that. A little patience can go a long way to greater good.
I as a Papua New Guinean congratulate the current government for the very critical and wise decisions that laid down FOR Porgera. The decision is for our country’s(people) future. We don’t need to panic because of the economy collapse this year 2020 and if it continues next year we won’t die from it. I think its a good sacrifice and we should be happy about it because the future is bright when we own our resources after 5-10 or 20 years time. God bless PAPUA NEW GUINEA
WD. Your principle is right but the strategy is wrong. Change the law? Yes, but apply it to new mines and gas projects, not existing ones. The investors invested billions based on existing laws n rules. How can a referee change the rule of the game in the middle of a soccer or rugby league match. Rediculous and unfair, isn’t it?. Besides for how long should the people suffer patiently while you guys live n enjoy in luxury
Yes, the MPs are enjoying the perks and privileges at the expense of the people that they are oblivious to the sufferings of the common people, especially the employees, contractors and all those people who depended on the mine’s day to day operations. It would have been wiser if the PM and his band of “experts” used the expired SML as a bargaining chip to negotiate for better deals for PNG stakeholders instead of closing it down without a warning. We have missed out big time, that’s for sure!
Patience is a virtue. Don’t worry for the gold prices. Don’t worry for the delay. Sometimes being patience and seeing things in a different perspective can lead to very amazing turn outs.
Why rush?
WD regardless of your shortcomings and your yoyoing, you in the right place of calling. We need leaders who can change mining, oil, gas and forestry laws for us to own 50% or more. The current 2% to 3% equity sharing is particularly irrelevant to us as resource owners. I very much appreciate what PMJM and his government is doing to get a better deal for us. The concept of “We are very rich but yet very poor” in every citizens minds and lips will be the thing of the past, as the State Negotiating Team continues to do their job on our behalf. Those doubters and prophets of doom hear what your government is doing and encourage your MPs in the opposition to make rational decisions for us and our children’s future and join the government.
That’s it… We need to take back PNG. Opposition team, I am appealing to you all to join PMJM and lets take back PNG. Why greedy? Come, stand with PMJM and share PNG treasure to all of PNG.
Iam appealing to All member who are with the Opposition camp and just flew back yesterday with confusion mind that DONT WAST YOUR TIME WITH THIS LONGLONG BELDAN NAMAH, He is just using you guys for his own gain. Em Bihainin yet Oneil taim m bagarapim m na putim off olgeta acount blo m lo Logging lo wanimo na nau bihainim m yet. Upla ol sepik lida noken bihainim tupla longlong ya……
The Government has already given away License to KPH L without proper planing and license is with KPHL now.Government’s negotiation with Barrick has nothing more important but only delay time.The question is how can Barrick operate mine without License while license is with KPHL. If the license was not renewed and negotiation continue it would be better for Government and Barrick to come to a better conclusion.
Believe me or not,Barrick will never work for someone because Barrick owns machinery.KPHL doesn’t have enough money and no machinery to run the operation.If only government gives the license back to Barrick under proper agreement I believe mine will operate again ,otherwise Pogera will sit idle for unknown period of time.
Gold price was at ~USD 1,450 / ounce on the 25th of Nov 2019, reaching its highest between July & Aug 2020 at ~USD 2,063 ounce before collapsing to ~USD 1, 850 once in November 2020.
Generally speaking Gold price has been rising since 2005 at ~USD 580 / ounce reaching its highest at the end of 2011 at ~USD 2,093/ounce before collapsing. Prices generally rose again until November 2020.
PNG has a country as been loosing for far to long. The gold price is still doing good, not too bad. The PMJM and his government negotiation will benefit PNG more than the past negotiation for fair economic benefit sharing arrangement between PNG and the mining companies.
The government has to work with KPHL and BNL to have the mining operation continue again.
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