Wafi-Golpu on track for November

The National Business

By GLORIA BAUAI
MOROBE Governor Luther Wenge says the special mining lease (SML 10) for the K18.5 billion Wafi-Golpu gold and copper project will be signed in November.
“I met with the developers recently and we have agreed on this schedule,” he said.
“On Aug 16, we will hold the development forum here in Lae.
“This forum is only for those people who are mentioned under section three of the Mining Act; nobody else is permitted to speak at this forum.
“On Sept 16, another agreement will be signed to allow construction at Wafi-Golpu project site.
“The exact date for the SML signing is yet to be determined, but once we do, which is anytime in November, operations at the project site will commence.”
Wenge announced this at a public forum yesterday, assuring the people that the project would go ahead under his leadership as promised.
“The development framework was already been signed,” he said.
“I will not fail Morobe, nor the National Government, nor the investors.”
“I have met with Newcrest who said to sell their shares to Newmont while Harmony remains with us.
“Wafi-Golpu must be on target.
“This mine will answer our unemployment issues, our school fee needs and all other financial needs of this province to build infrastructure like roads and carry out other projects.”
Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture Head of external relations David Wissink told The National yesterday that the Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture was currently meeting with the State negotiating team to progress the permitting of the project.
Representatives of the Government and Harmony Gold mining company met to continue discussions.
Harmony Gold chairman Patrice Motsepe thanked the Government for its support in the signing of the Wafi-Golpu framework and memorandum of understanding (MoU) in April.
The understanding supports the Government and Harmony Gold’s intent to proceed with the tier-one project, which is subject to the finalisation of the permitting process and approvals by developer partners, Harmony Gold and Newcrest Mining Ltd.