Landowners warned not to hurt mine workers

By EREBIRI ZURENUOC
MOROBE Governor Ginson Saonu has warned landowners who forced the suspension of the Wafi-Golpu mining project development not to damage properties or hurt the workers.
Workers were forced to leave last Friday by the group of people who wanted a list of demands they had sent to the chief executives of developers Harmony Gold Ltd and Newcrest Mining Ltd, and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, met.
Spokesman John Nema said the project would be closed for an indefinite period.
“We will not allow the developer to commence any operation on our customary land if any of our demands are overlooked,” he said.
Saonu said the provincial government had wanted to have a proper memorandum of understanding drawn up involving all parties.
“The mine should be open and the workers should feel free to move around,” he said.
“We agreed that the Government and the developers must revoke the MOU (they signed last month).”
Saonu said he recently visited the people of Hengambu, Babuaf and Yanta to gauge their views on the development.
“There was no intention to shut down the mine. It was about visiting the people, having discussions with them and letting them know that their government is with them,” he said.