Parties sign Frieda River project accord

An important step forward in progressing the Frieda River gold and copper prospect in West Sepik took place last Thursday.
The Frieda River Project Accord was signed at Paupe village in remote Telefomin district.
This signing ceremony was between the seven near-project villages and Frieda River Ltd represented by developer Panaust.
Panaust executive general-manager support services Adrian Bell stood in for the company.
Glen Connell, general-manager external affairs for Panaust, was also there.
The signing was witnessed by West Sepik Governor Tony Wouwou, East Sepik provincial administrator Dr Clement Malau, East Sepik police commander Robert Gesa, and other officials from both provinces.
Mineral Resource Authority was represented by Jesse Banamu.
Wouwou said the accord was proposed as a mechanism to ensure alignment of the company, landowners and employees to due process and law and order.
He said the accord committed all parties to ensuring peaceful and constructive cooperation.
Wouwou said everyone must work together to resolve differences amicably and without disruption to the project, including its community relations and development programmes.
This is the first step in progressing this mine that will affect both East and West Sepik provinces.
The tailings pipeline is expected to be established in East Sepik, including use of the Sepik River, while the project is situated in Telefomin.