Relocate settlers to curb illegal mining

THE deployment of soldiers to the Porgera gold mine is ill-orchestrated.
Nevertheless, the na­tional government’s in­ter­vention at this point is highly commendable to restore mining operations and to maintain law and order.
However, the aftermath of the deployment will not be beneficial to the company or the government in the long run.
Barrick needs to have solutions for the days ahead and put an end to illegal mining activities.
The illegal miners do not care for their lives even though they have witnessed how deadly and unsafe both the open pit and the underground are.
Blinded by their desire for wealth, they seem to be unafraid and unbothered by the deployment of soldiers.
Barrick needs to avoid this band-aid approach, and should instead consider relocation exercises.
These illegal miners are not from Porgera but mainly from the villages of Yarik, Apalaka, Alipis, Pandadaka, Paken Camp and Mugelepa.
Sadly, Barrick has li­mited options. The  only way to end illegal mining is to relocate these villagers.

K Ben
Laiagam