MRA to recognise LOs

By Gloria Bauai
THE Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture (WGJV) will recognise landowner groups as advised by the Mineral Resources Authority, an official says.
WGJV’s head of external relations David Wissink clarified this following a number of Integrated Landowner Groups (ILGs) wanting to be part of the gold-copper project negotiations. “The recent framework memorandum of understanding will lead to a mining development contract between the WGJV participants and the State,” Wissink said.
“Once this has been completed, the mining minister, not the WGJV, will invite landowner associations to a development forum for a series of discussions and negotiations on a wide range of project benefits.”
He added that the WGJV looked forward to progressing the project with the rightful landowners, the Morobe government and State agencies.
He said the WGJV had established the Public Information Centre at the Papindo Mall for anyone wanting more information, or contact the MRA.
The National has reached out to the MRA to confirm the recognised associations and is yet to receive a response. Recently registered ILG, the Bawaaf Saab, claiming to be the legitimate landowners of about 80 per cent of the land which the special mining lease covers, says the Mining Act of 1992 should be reviewed.
Chairman Bill Itamar argued that the review must find a balance between recognising ILGs and associations in mining projects.