Sinivit locals, authorities meet

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Friday 30th December 2011

LANDOWNERS of East New Britain’s Sinivit mine are meeting officers from the provincial government, police, developers New Guinea Gold Ltd and Mi­neral Resources Authority to sort out differences.
The meeting was orga­nised by the provincial administration at the police headquarters in Ralum.
Deputy governor Boniface Setavo said the provincial government supported the landowners but wanted to see more consultations between the parties.
Douglas Augustine, chairman of the three villa­ges under the Lulai Nakama Integrated land group, said a court injunction taken out by the company was a form of suppression for the people who only wanted their concerns to be heard.
“Withdraw your application and we negotiate and come up with a resolution rather than suppressing us,” he told NGG officials.
He suggested that the company withdrew the injunction meant to be served today in order for proper consultations and negotiations to eventuate.
Mine manager Eric Namaliu said they would discuss it with their lawyers. He said they were willing to negotiate with the landow­ners.
Phillip Samar of MRA said the issue could be resolved through proper negotiations because it was important they found a common ground.
He said the MRA did not have an immediate solution but wanted to meet landowners to understand their issues.
“If all stakeholders have not committed to the MoA, let us bring it to the table,” he said.
Augustine said with police escort, they would discuss with the MRA developments brought about by the NGG at Sunam, Reit and at the mine area where the real issue was.
Another meeting will be held this morning.