Sir Peter applauds government’s decision on mine

The National Business
Peter Ipatas

By Shirley Mauludu
ENGA Governor Sir Peter Ipatas has welcomed the Government’s decision to refuse Barrick Niugini Ltd’s application to renew the special mining lease for the Porgera gold mine in Enga.
“We have always had 5 per cent in the mine,” he said.
“We are a minority player but we have been there since day one.
“We always asked for an increase in equity in the mine and I am happy that the Government has made this decision.”
The decision, however, came as a surprise to Barrick Niugini Ltd (BNL) who had held talks with the Government and the landowners in the hope to continue operating the mine.
It plans to challenge the decision in court.
But Sir Peter said the company should accept the decision.
“Landowners must be happy that this Government has made a bold decision and am sure that they will consider giving greater participation to the landowners and the provincial government,” he said.
Prime Minister James Marape said last Friday that the National Executive Council had decided to refuse BNL’s application for the 20-year renewal of the licence.
Marape said it was based on the recommendation by the independent mining advisory committee (MAC), and that it was “in the best interest of the nation”.
“The mining advisory committee is an independent committee under the Mining Act (which) thoroughly and carefully went through the application and came up with the recommendation to reject its application for extension,” he said.
A BNL statement said the Government’s decision was “tantamount to nationalisation without due process and in violation of the Government’s legal obligations to the firm”.
It said it would “pursue all legal avenues to challenge the Government’s decision”.

19 comments

  • Well done government. BNL needs to pack-up and leave. They think 5% is enough for the resource owners and country. They’ve milked enough. Just go!

  • 5% ? Ridiculous. We are resource owners and BNL has been spoon feeding us, so just pack up and go.

  • Wastem time lo go lo court na wastim money too ya. Pack up tasol na lus lain lo ples blo upla.

  • All PNGns support the decsion of the government. he Business people in Pogera conserns are understandable but this is a short sighted view. more local participation you will get more out of it, stop being puppets of foreign conglomerates who have been milking our country and people. For once rise up with the government and PM Marape for this bold and good decision for you and your children and the country at large. Congratulations PM and let get moving to mine operations ASAP

  • I think its time to review the Land Act. As long as the six feet law remains, the mining companies will always have the upper hand. We will always be spectators on our own land. I thank the PM for taking this stand. 5% equity is a slap in the face. Prime Minister, we are all behind you.

  • Thanks pm James marape for making the wise decision to the future people of enga and png ….

  • It was the fault of those so called politicians that time that they signed a very sensitive document without analyzing both the good and bad side of it…As most of us are literate this time around we can always fuck them off and get a company(local or international)to get in on the condition that they are abided by the laws of this young country..Thanks for the prime minister and his cabinet from the advice from mac for the historic descission to TAKE BACK PNG…Moto..

  • I personally think that the Government decision to refuse the Mining License Renewal is a good decision but too early. What do I mean? Yes for the interest of the people however just give some time extension say a year or few months so that Barrick can slow down the correct shut donwn process of the mine. Just imagine how our local logistics and contracts companies will be affected, our local emplotyees and many others. Let Barrick follow the correct shut down process and procudures. During times like this many PNGean will be affected by our Governments decision. Thanks

  • For the very first time I have seen a Government stand by its decision to save guard its country. Now that you have made that bold decision, you will certainly realized your dream of making PNG the first black richest Nation will occur. I believe in your God given wisdom, PM Marape.

    With you, PM Marape, I can see that the day is now dawning for new positive things to begin in PNG, you did it for covid 19 to shut down the country early which do protect our country and made the developed world surprised as to how PNG had withstood the disease and now you are doing it again for Porgera Gold Mine.

    If you ( PM Marape) continue to apply this to other Gold Mine in the country, I am pretty sure the country will retain you as Prime Minster again come 2022 National Election.

  • Tell them to pay compensation for environmental damages caused by the mine before they leave. They have exploited and earned enough in all those years that they have been there.

    Now the other thing is that Chinese partner of Barrick. I hope they also move out because they wont care about anyone or anything if they remain or are given permission to continue operations. Marape should come out clear on them as well.

  • Don’t just jump up and down with political stunts! you can’t blame BNL, it is the kind of stupid leadership we have in this country. BNL is here stay. just ask for what you need and the situation will return to normal. The stupid politicians won’t provide for all who rely on the mine.

  • Too good PMJM and the leaders who made that wise decision. The landowners deserve better and PNG too.

  • I thank the government for this bold decision not to renew the mining licence. This company must accept this national government decision. On the other hand PNGns must talk and act as national putting our national interest first. I say this as PNG is truely known for corruption and this has opened doors for some to be overnight multi millionaires and it is highly likely probable there are headway discussions for this to eventuate. We have had enough of them and now we say good bye to them Southward Africans have felt massive pain this company had done to them.

    Now the national government must still give the company Barrick its transition notices as the company shows its intention to take legal action. As a citizen individually, I was very over joyed by this decision. Live long the PM,Live long Enga Action Governor and live long the independent mining advisory committee. God of PNG is with us and all will sail smoothly. Thank you .

  • Thank you PMJM. Hope this happens to all other mines plus other resources such as timber and fisheries, etc… It’s one of the biggest setback of our economy. No wonder we are living in a resource rich nation yet being poor and still classified as a 3rd World Nation.

  • Thank you..!!
    Its about time we pickup and take back what rightfully belongs to our nation.

    “Taking back PNG”

  • Bold stand by the Government!! Pack up and leave BNL. All of you supporting BNL are the lazy ones depending on Government handouts and royalties. Till your land and grow cash crops instead of talking too much. Time blo planim cash crops. This is how we take back PNG. 5% ya bai PNG mekim wanem wantem!!!???? Before tumbuna blo yu depend lo mine o ol planim samtin na helpim economy??? Cocoa, coffee, copra was the million dollar industry before any mines came about. Ol les man nabaut toktok planti lo benefitim ol yet. Please try to see the big picture.

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