Minister hoping to stage forum

Business

MINING Minister Johnson Tuke says he hopes to have a development forum for the Wafi-Golpu gold project in Morobe in the first quarter of this year.
His comment comes after the National Court in Lae lifted a stay order on work relating to the multi-billion kina project, allowing the project to proceed.
“Parties will re-engage as allowed for in the Mining Act 1992 and all applicable laws of our independent jurisdiction and in line with the current Government’s policy directives for mineral resources development in Papua New Guinea that gives us a fair share,” Tuke said in a statement.
“My ministry stands ready to support the National Government deliver the Wafi-Golpu project in a manner that is in accordance with applicable laws.
“The mining State negotiation team process will kick in and I will expedite the negotiations, permitting processes in due course after funding is secured.
“I am hoping to convene the development forum in the first quarter of this year.”
Operator Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture, in a statement this week, said it looked forward to re-engaging with the state and progressing discussions on the special mining lease for the Wafi-Golpu project.
The project is a joint venture between Newcrest Mining Ltd and Harmony Gold Mining.
The operator plans to use block caving as the method for mining.
It is expected that the initial capital investment would be around K1.9 billion, with total capital expenditure to be approximately K17.4 billion over the 28-year life of the mine.
Meanwhile, Mineral Resources Authority managing director Jerry Garry said Wafi-Golpu was a mega project which required “a lot of stakeholder participation”.
“Wafi-Golpu will take years for construction,” he said.
“The Ok Tedi copper and gold mine in Western has a lifespan of 10 years.
“It’s critical to have the project up.
“If we don’t get it on time, we will not have copper.”

2 comments

  • Wafi Golpu Project Land dispute is still pending and Legitimate LOs really need SLTC hearing proceedings to Wafi Golpu Project be completed to really identify Legitimate LOs to the project, hand down respective land title to every customary and portions of land then facilitate the development forum so we can negotiate on the new MOU so we operate peacefully.
    Concern Clan Member

  • I’m with the decision made by Mellie, sure need to complete the SLTC hearing proceedings and hand down the respective land title before facilitate development forum.
    Concern Member

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