Newcrest: K82mil paid to landowners, provincial govt

NEWCREST’S Lihir operation in New Ireland paid K82 million to landowners and the provincial government during the 2019 financial year, according to the company.
Newcrest, in a media statement yesterday, said a further K151 million in tax contributions was also paid during the year, which included K128 million in salaries and wages tax.
Lihir’s workforce includes 5,000 employees and contractors, approximately 90 per cent are Papua New Guinean.
The gold mining operation also generated significant flow on benefits for the PNG economy by engaging 105 Lihirian companies and 351 other PNG companies to provide a wide range of goods and services, which amounted to payments of K810 million in the same period.
In addition to taxes, royalties, employment opportunities and supporting local companies, Newcrest is one of the single largest contributors of foreign exchange to PNG.
During the last financial year, the operation contributed US$361 million (K1.19bil) to the national account through acquisition of K1.22 billion of foreign currency.
These was highlighted during visits by New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan and Mining Minister Johnson Tuke recently to Lihir Island, to attend the first provincial executive council meeting for this year.
Lihir operations general manager Chris Jordaan said Newcrest Lihir would continue to work with the Government to fulfil their development aspirations.
“Your visit is an indication of the strong partnerships we have and the importance of working continuously on building our relationship for the benefit of our stakeholders – importantly the people of Lihir and New Ireland,” he said.
“We are aware of the major challenges facing this province and we stand committed to work together with all government, based on transparency, accountability and good governance.
“We believe that a strong mining industry has a vital role to play in achieving the visions and development aspirations of the government of PNG, New Ireland and especially Lihrians.”