Survey carried out on effects of mine’s tailings

By JASON GIMA WURI
THE Tolokuma Gold Mine is a concern because people believe its tailings and contaminants are affecting water quality in the Angabanga River and downstream communities.
An independent medico-socio-environmental and sanitation survey of Mekeo (Angabanga floodplains) and Goilala, Central, was carried out this week to address the longstanding community health-related complaints.
The survey was led by team leader and Australian based Prof Tukutau Taufa and Dr Kobby Bomareo of Angau Memorial Hospital.
Taufa said the water quality presented was based on the independent investigations conducted by the (late) David Yok under the Continents Environment Assessment Ltd (CEA).
“The study by CEA undertook investigations of the hydrology, water quality and geochemical components of the Angabanga River,” he said.
“Petromin PNG Ltd has commissioned Douglas Environmental Service (DES) to present the results of the 2009 CEA water study.”
Taufa said the CEA study first considered results from the point of Tolokuma mine tailings influence and then the inferred influence by the river water on the Ox Bow Lakes and village water wells used by the local Mekeo communities.
“Where appropriate CEA study results are compared with TGM monitoring data, PNG DEC and international water quality guidelines for drinking, recreational or aesthetics and protection of aquatic life form,” he said.
DES manager John Douglas said the objective was to determine the level of TGM mine tailings and concentrations of metals in the water sources of downstream communities of the Angabanga River.
“CEA investigation results will be presented to stakeholders.
“Based on the levels of contaminant metals in water sources, appropriate water use advice will be provided to river communities,” Douglas said.