Landowners support extension of mine

MORE than 140 landowners are supporting the extension of the mining lease at Porgera.
They represent the Lease for Mining Purpose (LMP) landowners and Special Mining Lease (SML) clans from Tieni, Tuanda, Waiwa, Angalaini, Mamai, Pulumaini and Anga.
They gathered this week at the Porgera station to show their support for the mine’s lease renewal application. The current lease will expire on Aug 17.
Mine operator Barrick (Niugini) Ltd had, in June 2017, applied to the Mineral Resources Authority for an extension of 20 years – the maximum period under the PNG mining law.
These SML clans have traditional land rights over some of the mine’s operations which include the open pit, underground mine and the Anawe mill processing area.
SML landowners Paul Komai, Matthew Yapala, Panda Ekepa, Iso Kulina and Wari Ekale were supported by clan agents William Gaupe, Gideon Wasa, Joe Tarale Kale, Joshua Yako, Maukele Okoko and others.
They wanted Barrick to continue operating the mine as many had outstanding issues and agreements.
“There are outstanding issues that have not been fully addressed and I request that the government accept PJV’s application for renewal,” Komai from the Tieni clan said.
Yapala, also from Tieni, said if another operator was to take over, a lot of issues would be unresolved.