Time to take control of our resources

THIS is in reference to the controversial issue surrounding the nationalising and the Government’s refusal to renew the mining license for Barrick Niugini Ltd in Porgera mine.
Although Papua New Guinea is floating on a sea of oil and sitting on minerals, we have been spectators who have been overlooked by foreigners for decades.
In the early 80s when our forefathers were illiterates, foreigners lured them with pretty white girls in luxury hotels overseas and made them sign agreements in favour of them.
Worse still, mining, gas and oil Acts were adapted from foreigners .
The landowners and the state got little shares and gave away the bulk to foreigners.
A precedence was set by the government with Ok Tedi Mining Ltd where the State became the custodian of all minerals including oil and gas.
Kumul Mineral Holdings Ltd should be given the right to operate so that it will negotiate with prospective foreign subsidiaries to come up with best deals for the nation.
Outdated oil and gas Acts should be amended to properly benefit the state and landowners.
The state-owned entities and the Ok Tedi Mining Ltd have generated adequate revenue yearly therefore the current move by the Government to give licence to Kumul Holdings Ltd to operate the Porgera mine will see PNG in a better financial position going forward.
Prime Minister James Marape has made a right call for PNG to have 22.5 per cent worth of shares in Papua LNG with Total Energy.
The opposition and other critics should support this government for nationalising the mining sector starting with the Porgera mine.
We have been spectators on our own land for decades and our people have suffered enough.
It is time now to take control of our resources and move this country forward.

Jeffsatu, Lypin Lokait
NCD