Mine plans to move from ore to sulphide

ST Barbara Ltd’s Simberi operations in New Ireland, which has been producing gold since 2009, is planning to transition from mining oxide ore to sulphide.
According to the company, its social and environmental impact studies (SEIS) is currently being completed for submission to the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (Cepa) and Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) in March.
Sulphide mining is expected to extend mine life by another 10 years at least and produce more benefits for stakeholders.
St Barabara managing director and chief executive Craig Jetson said: “We are at an important stage of operations at Simberi, as we continue to productively mine the oxide deposit and plan for a bright future via the Simberi sulphide project.”
Jetson said new general manager Iso Ealedona would contribute to this transition.
“Iso will capably lead us through this transition as we support our Simberi community, contribute to New Ireland and deliver on our commitments to PNG.”
Meanwhile, according to the company, since 2009, Simberi mine has delivered K84.3 million in royalties, paid an annual 0.5 per cent production levy and contributed over K97.4 million in contracts to landowner businesses.
“In 2020, the company paid over K28 million in income tax,” according to St Barbara.
“Other community benefits delivered since 2012, when St Barbara acquired the mine, amount to over K119 million.
“They include health and education infrastructure development, roads and bridges maintenance, cocoa farming, mariculture projects, education scholarships and employment and training.”