Landowners plan to lead alluvial mining industry

THE Mt Victor landowners in Kainantu, Obura-Wonenara, Easten Highlands plan to be the leading alluvial miners in the country, according to director Charles Yano.
Mining Minister Johnson Tuke granted an alluvial mining lease (AML 905) to them last Friday to start alluvial mining in the district.
“We also need community participations from the district, provincial government and Government,” Yano said.
“With the granting of the AML 905, will see more changes in Eastern Highlands and the country as whole.
“We want to be the leading alluvial miners in PNG.”
Chairman Joe Bumbandy thanked everyone for their support and the “timely issuing of the mining lease”. “We also thank financial supporters and stakeholders who contributed towards our company to be successful.”
K92 mining chief executive officer John Lewins previously told The National that it was important that alluvial mining continued to be reserved for citizens.
Lewins said small scale production was a very important part of the economy and needed to be nurtured.
He said small-scale alluvial mining contributed to between 100,000 ounces and 140,000 ounces of gold production annually.
“Access to financing to allow the purchase of equipment to start up or expand operations would benefit and allow more people to enter the sector,” lewins said.