Minister confident to endorse Mining Act

MINING Minister Johnson Tuke is confident he will endorse the Mining Act this year.
Tuke, who was the special guest at the Mineral Resources Lihir Capital Ltd board meeting yesterday, said Prime Minister James Marape’s catch cry to “Take Back PNG” meant to strengthen State institutions.
“We need policy interventions,” Tuke said.
“I’m adamant, no one will stop me, it is far too long. Forty years of operating mining in PNG is enough.
“The investors bring in their money and want to get a good healthy slice cake and return so as us, we are the owners of the resources.”
He said Papua New Guineans needed to be smarter in the management of their resources.
Tuke said Lihir gold mine benefits had transformed the livelihood of the people.
He said the good developments on Lihir and the successes of that project needed to be mirrored in other project areas around the country.
Tuke acknowledged the work of MRLCL saying that he would assist in his capacity as minister.
“I will standby you and support as long as it matters with the people.
“I’m here to serve the people and to listen to everybody,” Tuke said.