Marape dispels rumours

PRIME Minister James Marape has urged Papua New Guineans not to believe allegations that Barrick Niugini Ltd is involved in local politics.
He said this on Sunday night after meeting a Barrick team led by president Mark Bristow in Port Moresby regarding the Porgera Gold Mine in Enga.
“Barrick is not involved in local politics, ExxonMobil is not involved in local politics and Total is not involved in local politics,” Marape said.
“Let’s all leave our local partners out of (accusations of being involved in) local politics.
“None of our foreign investors are involved in local politics.”
Bristow said his team had not met with anyone else other than Marape, several ministers, Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, the State negotiating team and the Porgera landowners.
Marape assured Barrick and other international investors that while his government was pursuing a nationalistic view on resources, they were doing so professionally and competently.
“Of course, you know, some of us have our strict, nationalistic view on resources, but our investors must also understand that we have not been reckless.
“There is space for them to make a profit.”
He said allegations that some investors were funding the Opposition camp in its move to change Government were untrue.
Marape said Mining Minister Johnson Tuke, Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas and himself had had good discussions with Barrick.
He said a better deal was being finalised that would benefit landowners, Enga government and the country.
“If we reopen the mine 100 per cent, we’ll be looking for investors to partner us in covering for the cost of reopening,” Marape said.
“Instead of shopping for next investors outside, Barrick has operated here, Barrick has expressed interest in operating Porgera for the next five, six or 10 years.
“Present discussions are going on in that space.
“Barrick, so far, has honoured all our principles to date including better hire for landowners, State not giving indemnity for any perceived environmental damages, including us honouring all outstanding issues from Porgera.”
Marape said negotiations had progressed well and both parties had delayed their court action.
“We’ve frozen all court activities and we’ve entered into discussions with Barrick led by their principal CEO Bark Bristow, and of course, I’m assisting the State negotiating team as far as the Porgera negotiation is concerned.”