Minister calls for financial backing

MEMBERS of Parliament should support the Mineral Resources Authority financially in putting together geological maps for their respective areas, an official says.

Mining Minister Byron Chan said all these would be for a good cause in enhancing mineral wealth for the country.

“I would like to extend this call to my colleague politicians to provide appropriate support where necessary to our national geologists when they visit their respective provinces to embark on proving up our mineral wealth,” he said.

“I sincerely hope the industry will appreciate the work that the Mineral Resources Authority is doing through this project, and will provide the support to our national geologists and other geo-scientists when they come around to work in their respective areas.” 

Chan’s statement followed launching of two geological maps last Friday, which were put together by national geologists from the Mineral Resources Authority.

Managing director Philip Samar said MRA had spent about K3 million in putting together the maps during the past four years for Wau and Biaru in Morobe.

Samar said given the drop in global oil prices in recent years, the Government has to come up with ways to help investors so they don’t spend extra money on exploration activities.

“In terms of the commitment to continue to spend money, I am confident that we (MRA) will continue to put money in that area with the support of our board.

“I think that the Government wants this work done and there is no question of the MRA’s commitment to continue to spend Government money to deliver what is an essential product.

“This is the basis for our economic prosperity. 

“If you don’t find these (minerals), how do investors know copper or gold stays here? This is strategic significant work,” Samar said.