Marape determined to reopen Porgera mine on Thursday

PRIME Minister James Marape says that he is determined in consultation with Barrick for the re-opening of the Porgera mine on Thursday (Sept 16).
“We are working hard to meet that deadline. At the same time, we are going to have to deliver this in partnership with Barrick,” Marape said.
“Their (Barrick’s) interest is equally important as well, but our officials are working hard to ensure that we make an announcement in the next couple of days.
“In my mind, we have been successful in our negotiations with Barrick in this regard.
“I have advised on numerous occasions the benefits that now will go to all the Papua New Guinea stakeholders and I believe we have delivered on that undertaking.”
Marape said Porgera was a classic case for no need to change the law but through better negotiation between the State and they had arrive at that outcome that was better for Papua New Guineans.
“It is consistent with our view to take back more from our resources and plough it back to our beneficiaries,” he said.
Marape said the aim was to ensure that all benefits came to the land owners, province, government and the rest of the country.