Officer wounded in mine shooting incident

Barrick (Niugini) Limited, operator of the Porgera Mine in Enga, confirms reports that an Asset Protection Officer has been seriously injured in a shooting incident at the mine.

Mine management reported that shortly after midnight on Sunday 29 September, an unknown assailant fired upon the Asset Protection Officer as he was patrolling an area in steep terrain within the mine perimeter fence.

BNL Executive Managing Director, Tony Esplin, confirmed that the officer had sustained a serious firearm injury and was evacuated by air to Port Moresby for urgent surgical treatment.

“The Asset Protection Officer received a single gunshot wound to the upper body and is in a very serious but stable condition,” Esplin said.

“Thankfully, no other employees were injured during the incident. It is unacceptable that criminals routinely access operational areas and continue to believe they can behave in this way with impunity,” he added.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our injured colleague and his family and friends, and we will be providing full support to his family at this difficult time.”

The relevant authorities have been advised of the incident, and the company will be working closely with the police and others in responding to this latest outbreak of violence.

Author: 
Press release