Parlt passes Act for Ok Tedi

Parliament yesterday passed the Ok Tedi Environment Management Act by an absolute majority – 87 votes.
The Bill will provide for and give effect to the national goals and directive principles in relation to the Ok Tedi mine and in particular to provide for the protection of the environment.
It also intends to regulate environment impacts of development activities to promote sustainable development of the environment and the economic, social and physical well-being of people by safeguarding the life-supporting capacity of air, water, soil and ecosystems for present and future generations.
The Bill will align the Ok Tedi to other mines in the issuance of clear environmental permit, protect state integrity and allowed the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (Cepa) the right to charge operators.
Minister for Environment and Conservation John Pundari said he was happy to table the environmental protection Bill.
He said the Cepa had the capacity to offer its mandated roles and responsibilities to the people of this country, including managing the environmental aspects of the mine.