Landowners support reopening of Porgera mine

By GYNNIE KERO
LANDOWNERS of Porgera in Enga have shown their support for the reopening of the mine which will generate many benefits for them. Porgera Landowner Association (PLOA) chairman Maso Mangape said it was fitting that Prime Minister James Marape explained details of the framework agreement to the people in Paiam last Friday. “(But) we will only succeed if we put our differences aside and support one another,” he said. “Partnership is the only way forward and we must take our cue from Barrick and the State who have showed us that through a commitment to work as a team, even the most difficult tasks can be achieved.” Porgera Women in Business president Elizabeth Lape Iarume said “we felt the pain” when the mine closed last April. According to the Government’s 2021 Budget, the closure of the mine cost the country K898.5 million.  Marape wanted to see a quick re-start when the framework agreement was signed in Port Moresby. PLOA deputy chairman Dickson Pundi said: “We have all prayed long and hard for a fruitful outcome to talks between the State and Barrick and we have all played our parts as stakeholders to support both sides to come to an agreement.”