Mine work depends on favourable deal: Saonu

THE development of the Wafi-Golpu gold mine in Morobe will only be achieved on the back of agreements which are favourable to landowners and the provincial government, says Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu.
Saonu said Wafi-Golpu was different from other mining developments in PNG.
He urged the Government and the developers to work with landowners and the provincial government because when the mining was completed, the consequences would be borne by the landowners and the provincial government.
“I want the Government and the developer to listen to the provincial government and landowners,” Saonu said.
He does not want Wafi-Golpu to be another “Bougainville”.
He said there were landowner disputes in Porgera, Enga and in Hela.
In areas such as Misima, in Milne Bay, where mining activity had ended, “people are still lacking basic services”.
“With Wafi-Golpu, we are mindful of all what is happening and has happened. We would like to make a difference, to set a model for future mining projects in the country,” Saonu said. The Wafi-Golpu mine is an equal partnership between Harmony Gold and Newcrest Mining.
The developers completed the feasibility study in March and are waiting for the government to award the mining lease so that construction can begin.
Mining Minister Johnson Tuke said the government was putting together conditions for the development licence before awarding it.