Morobe govt rejects mine deal

The National Main Stories

By PISAI GUMAR
THE Morobe government has unanimously rejected the memorandum of understanding signed last week over the Wafi-Golpu mining project.
The memorandum was signed in Port Moresby between the Government and the developers – Newcrest and Harmony.
Morobe resolved at its Tutumang (assembly) meeting yesterday to have the government and developers withdraw the intention and content of memorandum within seven days.
It also asked Bulolo MP Sam Basil to explain the signing which he attended in Port Moresby.
Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu, pictured, said this after Huon Gulf MP Ross Seymour and Wampar president Michael Poane presented two petitions yesterday.
They questioned the content of the agreement and why it was signed without involving the three impacted landowner groups, local-level government, district development authorities and the provincial government. Huon Gulf and Wampar share the Wafi-Golpu mining project boundary with Bulolo.
The assembly resolved that:

  • Government and WGJV be given seven days to withdraw the intention and content of the document;
  • WGJV and Government discuss with the provincial government 30 per cent share;
  • the MPG must be an integral part of any agreement signing;
  • any memorandum process be drafted according to PNG process;
  • the two petitions be considered as part of recommendations; and,
  • If not, the mine will be closed.

Seymour said he could not understand why the Government was unable to consult him, the landowners, local-level government, and provincial government.