Japan keen to support management of mine waste

Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) is committed to supporting key agencies in the current framework of the Mine Waste Management Policy.
Jica chief representative Takashi Toyama said this during a seminar attended by representatives from Conservation and Environment Protection Authority, Mineral Resources Authority, Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management and Jica Team in Port Moresby last Wednesday.
A project on capacity development on mine waste management started in 2016 in which Japan is training Papua New Guineans on mine waste management.
Jica is honoured that it has partnered with the Government to implement this project since 2016.
“I am very proud that we have seen tremendous results in the span of two years,” Toyama said.
“First of all, the review of the legislative framework guiding mining activities in the country provided useful inputs to the ongoing developments of the Waste Management Policy currently undertaken by the PNG Government.
“Secondly, much effort for the enhancement of environment assessments contributed to the development of practical guidelines such as inspection manual for waste dump and tailing dam.
“Thirdly, the database system was constructed to effectively manage mine waste in this country.”
Toyama said the project has been implemented in very difficult conditions including a lack of human resources.
“It is also notable that Jica has provided the PNG Government with long-term training called Kizuna programme which allows participants to study at a post-graduate school in Japan,” he said.
Jica’s assistance in the mining sector includes infrastructure and regional development and policy support and legal system development.