Small-scale mining training a need

By EREBIRI ZURENUOC
THE need for more small-scale mining training centres has been highlighted during the recent alluvial mining convention and tradeshow held in Lae.
Alluvial mining schools established in all four regions of PNG will cater for small-scale miners and developers in the industry who are not aware of the requirements.
There is currently only one training centre established by Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) and that one is in Wau, Morobe.
Minister for Mining Johnson Tuke highlighted the need for more training centres but also said there were many challenges to that.
“The budget has already closed but we still need to make sure this happens through a submission,” he said.
“This will happen only if there is support of politicians and governments of alluvial mining areas.
“The funds can go to MRA.
“MRA can manage it for the sake of our alluvial miners around the country.
“Our locals must be encouraged to take part in the alluvial mining sector.
“We need to establish one training centre, possibly at Kainantu, one in Alotau and another in Kavieng or Namatanai.
“We need to provide incentives for our local miners.
“Most of our local communities are engaged in this activity and we must be mindful of our environment too.”
Bulolo MP and Government minister Sam Basil also supported the idea.
“For alluvial mining and training programmes, similar set-ups like the training centre in Wau must be established in regional centres to accommodate the demands of the alluvial mining regions,” he said.
Alluvial miners need to be properly trained on the use of mercury, occupational health and safety, and social issues such as child labour, drugs, HIV and AIDS and gender.