Illegal miners warned they face K10,000 fine

CONDUCTING unauthorised mining activities in the country can result in a fine of up to K10,000 or a prison term of four years, according to the Mineral Resource Authority.
MRA in a statement said this issue of unauthorised alluvial mining was predominant in Wau and Bulolo areas of Morobe.
Under the Mining Act 1992, section 167, “a person shall not carry on exploration or mining on any land unless he is duly authorised under this Act”.
As part of regulatory compliance responsibilities, MRA has warned alluvial miners who may be conducting unauthorised semi-mechanised or mechanised alluvial mining to stop their activities.
It said MRA had issued 13 stop-work notices to individuals engaged in these illegal activities in the area.
“Such activities are not only illegal but pose substantial environmental and safety risks to miners themselves and the surrounding communities,” MRA said.
“The deaths of alluvial miners from cave-ins caused by unauthorised mining activities, and failures to adhere to safety requirements have become common.
“Tunnelling and sluicing as part of these unauthorised operations has damaged local roads, especially between Wau and Bulolo.”
The area has a long history of alluvial mining that dates back to the 1920s.
At present there are 81 active alluvial mining tenements and 50 inactive historic tenements granted under the previous mining legislation.
The 50 historic tenements are yet to be converted to alluvial leases recognised under the current Mining Act 1992.
Once converted, the terms of these converted tenements would then ensure key safety and environmental aspects of mining operations are regulated appropriately. Acting managing director of MRA Nathan Mosusu has appealed to miners to adhere to the regulatory requirements.
“MRA has in the past demonstrated its openness and commitment to developing the alluvial sector in collaboration with miners, but it is their obligation to ensure they operate in compliance,” he said.
“I am asking miners to work with MRA for the betterment of the sector. Together we can achieve results.”