MMJV: Locals did not threaten company

Momase, Normal
Source:

The National, Thursday 16th May 2013

 MOROBE Mining Joint Venture (MMJV) has denied receiving a 14-day ultimatum from the Nakuwi landowners association last Friday. 

This was confirmed by general manager sustainability and external relations David Wissink.

“I’ve not seen the press release yet as it was not served on MMJV to my knowledge,” Wissink said in an email message to The National on Tuesday.

A media report claimed that Nakuwi had served the notice on Friday which directed MMJV to retract all major contracts and re-award them to landowner companies.

The report said Nakuwi warned that failure to comply within 14 days would result in a forced closure of the mine by the landowners.

When contacted yesterday, Nakuwi president Rex Mauri was adamant that MMJV was aware of the ultimatum.

Wissink had refuted a claim by Mauri that MMJV had overlooked landowners in contract opportunities. 

He said that the Hidden Valley gold mine conducted more than K150 million worth of business with NKW Holdings, the nominated business arm for Nakuwi landowners.   

Wissink said Nakuwi was the landowner association and was separate from NKW which was owned by landowner investment companies – Nauti Investments Limited, Kuembu Investments Limited and Winima Investments Limited.

He added that a memo­randum of agreement confirming NKW as the landowner umbrella company was presently being reviewed by stakeholders. 

“Part of that review is looking at business development opportunities and ways to get more value for landowners,” Wissink had stated. 

Wissink also alleged that a number of self-interest parties where trying to sabotage the MOA review processes. 

Meanwhile, Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) said also denied yesterday that they had received a copy of the Nakuwi ultimatum. MRA’s legal and public relation departments said they were not aware of the association’s demands.

Hidden Valley is one of six current gold producing mines in the country.