MRA clarifies sand mining issue

The National Business

By GYNNIE KERO
THE Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) managing director Jerry Garry says an investor applying for exploration licence does not necessarily mean he will go into mining.
He was responding to concerns from communities in Madang regarding a firm’s interest in mining sand in Sumgilbar, Sumkar district.
Garry told The National yesterday that the firm lodged an application with the authority in April but an exploration licence has not yet been granted.
Last month, the Madang Tourism Industry Association raised concern over the potential environmental impact of the sand mining company if it was allowed to operate in the province.
According to the association, Niugini Sands Ltd proposed to mine sand in Sumgilbar in Sumkar.
Association chairman Sir Peter Barter said the mining would affect the environment.
“These types of projects, especially to do with our marine ecosystems, will affect the leatherback turtle sanctuary in the Sumgilbar LLG,” he said.
Mas Kagin Tapani Association chairman Wenceslaus Magun said he was saddened by the proposed mining project.
“The leatherbacks’ conservation sites from Murunas plantations all the way to Murukanam would be affected by a sand company with foreign investor interest,” he said.
Garry explained yesterday the tenement “is an exploration license which allow the holder to perform investigations to ascertain the presence of any valuable minerals of economic interest, either precious metals, or industrial or construction materials”.
“If any materials of economic interest are discovered, they will then submit a proposal for mining development.
“An environment permit from Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (Cepa) is a mandatory requirement before the granting of the mining lease by the MRA.”
He said protected areas such as the breeding ground of the endangered leather back turtles, sacred sites or culturally significant areas will be considered and mitigation measures established to protect the environment and people.

5 comments

  • We, current defendants of HEVALAHU CLAN, Principal Owners of Muro Land area in Ihu District, Gulf Province are in similar situation. Mayur Resources who’s exploration licence had expired had not done any social mapping plus no environment Damages report. On behalf of my clan I request MRA not renew Mayur Resources licence.

  • We already have a good number of mines and oil/gas operations in the country (and there’s more coming on-line soon) with alot of money that is managed and used unwisely. We dont need sand mining anywhere in the country that will destroy our scenic, beautifiul and prestine beaches and marine eco-systems. CEPA should not have given the exploration licence in the first place. Some landowners need to be better educated – money is not everything.

  • I agree with you Dirty Stag. Money is not everything. Life is what matters. We cannot give our resources to foreigners just like that because they bring money into this country. Our beautiful beaches must be protected at all costs. So many mines and oil & gas extraction everywhere. Are they not enough for us? Let’s concentrate on Agriculture and Tourism more than mines these days. Enough of all sorts of mines.

  • Could the Mayur Resources Team please release the findings on who is the legitimate Land owners on which the black sand or scientifically known substance of Titanium. There has been an independent research been carried on the legitimacy of people or clan that rightfully owns the area. From current arrangements the people who are taking the lead are not ligitimate owners…. please Mayur Resources come clean on this to avoid any future setbacks, My Hevalahu people have been marginalized for far too long, it’s time to correct the mistakes created by our forefathers of which at that time have done what they did with good intentions; however, this good intentions have taken a wrong turn of which the Hevalahu people are pushed aside by foreigners in their own land and who now have a very shallow voice. Mayur Resources you are now required as the leading agent of change,we will be greatful if you can publish the findings so we put this matter to rest…

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