Mining Minister, Johnson Tuke, has announced that he will make it his business to have the revised Mining Act passed in Parliament this year.
Tuke said the revised Mining Act, which contains six new laws, will immediately be brought before the National Executive Council for endorsement.
The Minister announced this during a Ministry handover-takeover ceremony in Port Moresby.
He takes on the role of Mining Minister from former Namatanai MP, Byron Chan.
In his maiden speech as Mining Minister, Tuke said he will ensure the new law is passed by the end of the year. This also includes the Mineral Resources Authority Act (2005) review.
“The proposed changes to the Mining Act are focused on improving the regulatory framework of the mining sector through the application of international best practice principles.
“So inline with the undertaking that was given by the Prime Minister at the PNG Mining and Petroleum Conference in Sydney last year, I will ensure the new law is passed by parliament before the end of this year,” he said.
“In addition, I’m also quite pleased to know that the six new policies that were developed for the mining sector in PNG, these new policies will be brought before cabinet immediately for endorsement so that they can be applied in PNG to address predominant issues in the mining sector.”
Minister Tuke gave praise to Chan for his leadership as the Mining Minister in the 9th Parliament and that he will continue the progress he has made.
That includes the review of the Mining Act (1992) and the upgrading of the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management (DMPGM) capacity.
Tuke has given the assurance that while the Government is committed to bringing change, it will also protect the interest of investors.
“Let me assure the people of PNG that this government is a government that will bring about change to benefit the people and serve the interest of Government.
“It will also protect the interest of the investor and ensure there is transparency, accountability, in the mining sector under my leadership,” Tuke said.
Chan said he was happy that a man of Tuke’s stature has taken on the role.
(Loop file pic)