Mine’s operation still suspended

By GYNNIE KERO
THE Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) says production at Simberi mine in New Ireland is still suspended until the operator, St Barbara Ltd meets certain conditions.
MRA managing director Jerry Garry yesterday said one of the conditions was for the company to accommodate local workers at the camp.
“The casualty reported on May 21 was a female. She was a local who lived in a village and came to work at the mine,” he said.
“They (miner) have to accommodate all workers at the camp, or build accommodation for local workers. Mining has been suspended for almost six weeks, (because) they (St Barbara) have not met all conditions.
“A second inspection is yet to be carried out,” Garry said. St Barbara Ltd said the investigation by the MRA was ongoing and had its full cooperation.
The company added that it continued to provide care and support to the family of the worker, the local community and all employees at its Simberi operations. The Australian miner said the MRA had advised that specific activities relating to site maintenance, grade control drilling and drill and blast activities could resume, however mining operations were not yet permitted to restart.