Activities at the Wafi-Golpu Project Area have been suspended since Friday (January 11th) afternoon following protests by individuals in the area.
The Waffi-Golpu Joint Venture states that activities at the Wafi-Golpu project area remain suspended following an illegal protest by around 100 people who threatened to enter the exploration camp unless it was evacuated and all work activities immediately stopped.
The WGJV Executive Project Director, Bryan Bailie, stressed that the safety of their personnel is paramount and that we will not put them at risk. As such, all non-essential personnel have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.”
Activities at the exploration site are currently suspended pending assurance that law and order has been re-established.
Bailie noted that “The WGJV does not condone behaviours by individuals or groups of people who threaten, make demands, or intimidate WGJV employees. These activities do great damage to investor confidence. It is hoped that, with the assistance of the State and the Provincial Government, this unfortunate event will be rapidly addressed, so that we can resume activities at the Wafi-Golpu project area in the best interests of all project host communities”
He further acknowledged the cooperative support of the police, provincial administration and the three SML Landowner groups following this incident. The WGJV will be working closely with the Mineral Resources Authority and other key stakeholders in coming days to help resolve this situation
Speaking to this newsroom, WGJV Manager for Sustainable and External Relations, David Wissink, said the individuals are from a mixture of localities and not the recognised Landowners.
He said they have not received a petition and do not know what the protest is about, but to safeguard the welfare of their staff, personnel have been evacuated.
Wissink said they are currently in discussions with the state through the MRA and other stakeholders to address the issue.
Picture credit: Michael Tamty