Human rights group pushing for mine developer to stay

A HUMAN rights group in Porgera, Enga, has supported Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) to remain as the developer of the mine for the next 20 years.
Porgera Human Rights’ spokesman, Karath Mal Waka, said PJV had supported them to deal with more than 90 human rights cases.
Waka’s call received support from illegal miners, who wanted PJV to remain as it was supportive of addressing issues of human rights.
He said they wanted the Government to renew the special mining lease (SML) for the mine when it expired in August.
“We want PJV to remain because our outstanding issues will be well addressed,” Waka said.
“We landowners want PJV to continue mining and call on the Government to look at the type of benefits we are receiving through PJV.
“This mine is a blessing for us, the people of Porgera and Enga, and we need PJV to remain.”