Mines, stakeholders should find common ground, says Guinness

POLICE want all stakeholders in mining projects to work together in a win-win situation and avoid issues that lead to landowner protests.
Northern Asst Comm Peter Guinness said issues and disputes became more sensitive and serious when landowner concerns were not adequately addressed over payment of benefits.
“We do not want to see another mining crisis in the country, like the Bougainville copper mine experience,” Guinness said.
“All stakeholders must work together resolve issues swiftly and at an early stage. Don’t let disputes escalate.
“It is not good for stakeholders to come and take away the meat, leaving behind skin and bones for landowners to fight over,” he said at the swearing-in of Nakuwi Landowners Association executives on Friday.
Guinness’ remarks were in response to Nakuwi chairman Rex Mauri’s expression of frustration over the Government’s alleged negligence to review the Hidden Valley mine’s Memorandum of Agreement 2014. “Nakuwi will stand united to fight for what is rightfully ours. We will sue the state for negligence; we appeal to Mineral Resource Authority managing director Jerry Gary and Harmony to come for a roundtable immediately” Mauri said.
Guinness said police remained committed to the enforcement of the “rule of law” and stakeholders should, therefore, balance and compromise to prevent disputes from escalating.
“Stakeholders should be mindful and attend to respective obligations and concerns at the earliest possible stages,” he said, adding that disputes, when escalated, were costly. “The costs spent to engage police services can be better spent on community projects like building schools, roads, bridges or aid posts.”