Mine helping cocoa farmers with seedlings, rehabilitation

ST BARBARA’S Simberi gold mine in New Ireland has involved locals in cocoa rehabilitation and planting with one plantation already boasting up to 7,000 seedlings ready for distribution to local farmers for cultivation.
General manager Jason Robertson said during the company’s presentation to the New Ireland executive council and administration on Nov 3 at the legislative assembly.
Robertson said while the aim of the mine was to be profitable for its shareholders, it equally wanted to ensure the community benefited as well.
“I want to make sure that one day when the mine cease operations, Simberi and the Tabar group is in a better place for St Barbara having been there,” he said.
Robertson said St Barbara sought to engage local companies in providing services and supplies to the mine.
He said the company had 30 contracts with landowner companies providing services to the mine.
Robertson said the contracts ranged from K5,000 to K100,000 per month with overall total investment of K 1.75 million a month.
“We are trying to create a sustainable future,” he said.