Push to resolve mine issue

BARRICK Gold Corporation chief executive officer Mark Bristow has urged parties in the country involved in the Porgera mine reopening negotiations to complete the process by the end of March.
Bristow was in the country as part of his quarterly visit to all Barrick-owned and operated mines.
In Port Moresby, he met Prime Minister James Marape, Mining Minister Sir Ano Pala, State-Owned Enterprise Minister William Duma, Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr, Vice-Minister of State Negotiations Jimmy Maladina, State-Solicitor Daniel Rolpagarea and State negotiation team chairman Dairi Vele.
He also travelled to Porgera to meet landowner and community leaders.
It was his 17th visit to PNG since joining Barrick as CEO in 2019.
“The Porgera mine has been closed for almost three years without good reason,” he said.
“When I visited the mine again yesterday, the landowners and community pleaded for the restart of the mine so that the local economy could be revived and put an end to their suffering.
“Despite the partnership with the State that we have built, it is unfortunate that certain critical issues remain to be resolved to enable the restart of the mine.”
Porgera was placed under care and maintenance in April 2020.
“Delaying the restart of Porgera is not in any stakeholder’s interest, especially the people of Porgera and PNG who have been deprived of the economic benefits of the mine for too long.
“It would be remiss of us to ignore the impact that the mine closure has had on the residents of Porgera Valley, local and national businesses, and the country’s economy as a whole.
“Barrick is ready to start the process of reopening the mine.
“What is needed is equal urgency on the part of all other parties to resolve the remaining issues.”
Bristow urged government agencies to restore essential government services in Porgera.
The people have been unable to access health, judicial, education and banking services in the Porgera Valley due to tribal conflicts and law and order issues.
Bristow was pleased with the news of the ceasefire agreement signed by tribes.