Porgera mine welcomes government’s commitment

BARRICK (Niugini) Ltd (BNL) has welcomed the Government’s commitment to find a long-term solution for the law-and-order problems that have plagued the Porgera region of Enga, home of its Porgera gold mine, for decades.
The company, in a statement, noted that following a two-day visit to the region to meet the community and assess the situation first-hand, Police Minister Bryan Kramer had pledged to sponsor Government measures to strengthen police presence in the area to reduce inter-clan fighting, address the proliferation of firearms, arrest and prosecute criminals and enforce an alcohol ban, among other things.
Kramer said if necessary, special powers could be invoked to achieve the desired results.
BNL said by supporting the Government’s efforts in managing these challenges and through close engagement with the community, the Porgera mine had operated successfully and profitably for almost 30 years.
The mine is currently on target to meet its production guidance for 2019.
Porgera mine continues to collaborate closely with national and local leaders to build its social licence in order to sustain its ability to deliver benefits to all its stakeholders, including the Government and people.
The Porgera mine is a joint venture between Barrick and the Zijin Mining Group, which each owns 47.5 per cent, with the remaining five per cent interest held by Mineral Resources Enga (owned equally by Porgera special mining lease landowners and the Enga government).