Porgera to reopen in Sept

PORGERA landowners and leaders in Enga yesterday gave Prime Minister James Marape overwhelming support to reopen the giant Porgera Gold Mine by Sept 16 – independence anniversary day.
It came at the Porgera Stakeholders’ Consultation meeting in Wabag.
PM Marape was given a rousing welcome in Wabag by Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, Finance Minister and Kompiam-Ambum MP Sir John Pundari, Kandep MP Don Polye, Fisheries Minister and Wabag MP Dr Lino Tom and Kumul Mineral Holdings Minister and Lagaip-Porgera MP Tomait Kapili, presidents of LLGs in Enga and factions of Porgera landowners.
PM Marape was accompanied by Mining Minister Johnson Tuke, Mineral Resources Authority managing director Jerry Garry and other stakeholders.
Marape clarified that the meeting was a consultation to seek support from the landowners the roadmap to reopen the mine.
He said it was his intention to continue to engage with stakeholders and help clarify important gains by the Government on the new Framework Agreement with Barrick, the mine owners.
He recognised that the due process of getting to the development forum was taking place, and appreciated that as soon as all requirements were met. Tuke would recognise the different stakeholders and invite them to a development forum proper.