Porgera benefits split to be finalised next month

By PETER ESILA
THE Government will head to Enga next month to end the final stage of consultation on the benefits sharing for the Porgera gold mine, says Prime Minister James Marape.
He said there would also be discussions in Tari, Hela for the Hides-to-Porgera power line for the mine.
Marape said Porgera mine was currently using diesel to operate.
“We will also be hosting a consultation in Tari for the Hides-to-Porgera power line and gas-fired power generation at Hides,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the Government had made a commitment that as soon as the sale of the first gold produced was made, beneficiaries who had a 15 per cent share including the provincial government and the landowners would receive their royalties. “There will be no deduction, no waiting for cost recovery, the 15 per cent beneficiaries will receive their benefit upfront.
“We have committed to go back to Wabag in March so the final round of development forum processes are completed to ensure the landowner benefits are fully defined and agreed upon and the government benefits are secured.
“Hopefully in March we are in Wabag to sign off on the final benefit split, we hope at that time, we are able to present the cheque of 15 per cent equity and three per cent royalty to beneficiaries in Enga.”