Wafi-Golpu

Wafi-Golpu LOs dissatisfied

President of the Babuaf Landowner Association, Jack Raban, said while he welcomes Prime Minister James Marape’s update on the progress of negotiations, they want to take part in discussions about the break-up of equities and royalties.

Yesterday, at the mining development forum for special mining lease (SML) 10 in Lae, PM Marape announced a 10 percent equity stake for landowners and the provincial government, along with 3 percent in royalties.

PM Addresses Project Beneficiaries

He made the appeal when addressing the Wafi-Golpu Stakeholders Project Update Meeting attended by hundreds of people at the Mumeng Lutheran Church Hall. 

“The development forum, SML and MDC process is a National Government programme, but under my Pangu-led Government’s policy of involving provincial government, districts, LLGs and council wards, and most importantly all landowners. I have given approval for this development forum process to be open and transparent and must embrace all stakeholder views," PM Marape said. 

Wafi-Golpu approval on Govt sights

Minister Tuke said it is their intention to have the project approved before the expiry of this term of Parliament.

Following the signing of the Framework Agreement between the State and Barrick Niugini Limited on April 9th, Mining Minister Johnston Tuke announced the granting of the Wafi-Golpu Mine Special Mining Lease (SML) was next.

He said it is the Government’s plan to have the Project approved soon.

Morobeans against DSTP

Representatives from the Evangelical Lutheran Church Lae Circuit aired their concerns at a recent gathering at the remote Bambok village of Nawaeb district.

They are saying no to DSTP because they do not want an incident similar to the 2019 Ramu NiCo slurry spill that polluted the marine life of Basamuk Bay in Madang Province.

Resource law changes after 2025

Prime Minister James Marape says this assurance has been made to stakeholders in the mining and petroleum sectors.

The Prime Ministers revealed this when announcing the non-renewal of the Porgera Gold Mine Special Mining Lease.

Marape said the announcement of the non-renewal of the SML should not scare investors and stakeholders in the mining and petroleum sectors.  

PM anticipates billions from projects

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said both projects, if approved, will bring in an investment of US$26 billion (K82.6 billion) and will have a significant injection into the economy of our country.

He said this in parliament on January 22nd.

“In total there will be close to US$26 billion, which is close to K100 billion investment in the country and that will have a significant injection into the economy of our country,” said O’Neill.

Tailings management options investigated

Speaking at the Australia-PNG Business Council Forum Newcrest Country Manager, Peter Aitsi, said the investigations into the tailings management options which include, deep sea tailings placement, is being done along with further geo-technical interpretations.

Aitsi said the outcomes of these activities will be forwarded and placed with the Special Mining Lease (SML) application and feasibility study which have been submitted.