Learn from past experiences, renew mining Act: Saonu

MINING laws and activities in Papua New Guinea should create a pathway for all concerned stakeholders to participate equally so we never become our own enemies, says Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu.
Saonu said the Government and stakeholders involved in mining projects should learn from past experiences in the Wau-Bulolo gold fields of the colonial period, the Bougainville copper mine, Misima gold mine and recent Basamuk Bay spillage, to chart a new pathway for the industry. “To chart this new pathway means to review the Mining Act, and it’s timely to review the Mining (Safety) Act, 1977 which is one of crucial elements in the industry that remains outdated,” he said.
“The change of Mining Act must reflect on the way people want to participate and do business and the government shouldn’t dictate to us.”
Speaking at Mamose forum for the Mining (Safety) Act, 1977 review, Saonu said the policy needed to clearly identify roles, responsibilities and demarcations to clarify where the Government, investors, landowners and service providers fit in.
“Learn from past experiences that created an imbalance in decision making on mining activities and chart a policy that shouldn’t create enemies between people, Government and investors.”
“Pride, greed, position and competition in Waigani shouldn’t suppress landowner association’s intentions and rights,” Saonu said consultation and equal participation needed to be at the heart of changes to the Act.
Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management department secretary Harry Kore said the forum aimed to make positive changes to the industry.
“We need to address issues of mineral ownership and transfer of the right to develop mineral resources,” he said.
Kore said the alluvial mining sector alone involved 80,000-plus locals where the lease holder was entitled to 51 per cent and the investor 49 per cent.
He said the current trend saw investors dictating to leaseholders.
He said one of the changes to the Act would see the establishment of a mineral production and export data repository with the Mineral Resource Authority, downstream processing facility, establishing gold bullion bank (reserve bank) in country that would add value to our mineral wealth as security in future and infrastructure compliance to earthquakes.