K20 million in direct contracts have been awarded to landowner businesses in New Ireland Province by Simberi Mine operators Saint Barbara Limited in 2016 along.
This was highlighted by St Barbara Managing Director, Bob Vassle’s, presentation during the PNG Chamber of Mining and Petroleum Conference in Sydney, Australia this week.
Vassle emphasised St Barbara’s commitment to the people and communities around the Simberi mine operations and spelled out many social program objectives as well as engaging local businesses.
“St Barbara also supported landowner businesses through 30 direct contracts which, in financial year 2016, was valued at K20 million. This included a bakery, boats, earthmoving, relocation of houses, roads and exploration logistics,” Vassle said.
He said salaries, royalties, and a host of other payments resulted in an overall contribution from the company to PNG in 2016 amounting to nearly K180 million .
This includes K900,000 spent on training during the year, the enrollment of 17 apprentices, the awarding of three scholarships to universities and other education initiatives to advance the skills of employees and locals.
Vassle adds that most of the 630 PNG nationals employed at Simberi were Simberi and Tabar islanders (54%), New Irelanders (5%) and other PNG nationals (36%), and expatriates making up 4%.
He said St Barbara also supported communities with focuses on road and water infrastructure, education and medical services.
Picture credit: energy-pub.com.au