Talks on major projects progressing well, PM assures businesses

Prime Minister James Marape has told the business community that talks on the major multi-billion kina projects in the pipeline are continuing.
“The Government has not ignored some of our high-ticket business investments that we need to tick off in our country,” he said.
“Some of you may be wondering what’s happening to the proposed Wafi-Golpu gold mine in Morobe, what’s happening to the Papua LNG project, what’s happening to the Pasca gas fields and the Porgera gold mine restart.
“These projects are progressing very well.
“Sometime within the next two, three or four weeks, some announcements will be made on the progress of these projects.”
Marape said an environment permit was issued for Wafi-Golpu.
“We have also ensured that the Papua LNG project has the last few instruments to be signed off soon at Government House,” he said.
“The Total SA managing director for the region will come.
“We are also hoping to tick off Pasca at the very earliest.
“The Porgera mine will remain.
“Our vision is to take back more from our natural resources which will be relayed to the contractors.
“We have been discussing with the contractor and the immediate past investor Barrick Niugini Ltd (that) even if Kumul Minerals goes out on a 100 per cent redevelopment of the mine, as per the special mine lease that we own, we will still be looking for an investor and investment partner.
“Barrick, became our investor of choice, as long as they subscribe to the principles that our Government believes in: getting a fair share on the returns of our resources.”