Official warns against illegal mining, calls to stop digging

THE digging of tunnels near roadsides and under the bridges or on the face of cliffs and mountains is illegal and against the Mining (Safety) Act 1977.
Small scale mining branch development engineer Mathew Dalga told mining lease holders and other stakeholders at a mining safety awareness forum in Wau, Morobe last week that digging tunnels along roadsides, under bridges and on the mountainside were illegal activities.
“The ignorance of illegal miners in digging of tunnels at various sections of the road along the Wau and Bulolo at Yangalimu, Misis Booth, Kilolo, Wire Bridge and along Kaindi road is illegal and has compromised the safety of travellers,” he said.
“Such practices must stop.
“We are now tightening the nuts and bolts to prevent such illegal mining practices. Enough is enough. Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
“The illegal miners will be dealt with by the law.
“If illegal miners are working for a registered miner then the Mining (Safety) Act 1977 laws will be applied where the mining lease or licence holder will be punished by having their licence cancelled or revoked.”
Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) mines inspector Polio Tailao said: “I encourage the customary landowners and anyone interested in conduct mining operations to follow the laws to apply for proper a mining licence with MRA to qualify them to engage in authorised mining operations.”
Wau Police Station commander Insp Paul Naka, who attended the forum, said police would now arrest illegal miners.