Mineral Resources Authority (MRA)

Added value for MRA

Kaumu, who is at present the Mineral Resources Authority’s (MRA) Geological Database Specialist, took up the program Master of Science in GIS between 2017 and 2018. Her study focused on Geoinformatics. The study opportunity was possible through the Chevening Scholarship Awards, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program. It is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations.

NEC appoints new MRA MD

Hailing from Gumine District in Chimbu Province, Garry returns to PNG to take up the post after several years working in some of the most challenging countries in the world.

A function was held yesterday to welcome Garry.

The MRA hosted a function in Port Moresby to welcome Jerry Garry as the new MD for the MRA.

Present were Mining Minister, Johnston Tuke, Commerce and Industry Minister, Wera Mori, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister, William Samb, as well as Secretary for Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management (DMPGM), Harry Kore.

Barrick agrees to be party to revised MOA

The agreement was reached on October 31st 2018 in Kokopo, East New Britain, where the parties met to progress the negotiation of the revised MOA.

Barrick took over as operator of the Porgera Mine from PlacerDom in 2016 and had been an observer up until its agreement to join the revised MOA as a party.

As per the agreement Barrick means is now obliged to honor commitments listed under the revised MOA.

They include the resettlement exercise, training and development and supply & procurement, among others.

MRA tightens up on non-compliance

Under the Mining Act 1992, section 167 says, “a person shall not carry on exploration or mining on any land unless he is duly authorised under this Act”.

As part of these regulatory compliance responsibilities, the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has warned alluvial miners who may be conducting unauthorised semi mechanised or mechanised alluvial mining to stop their activities.

This issue of unauthorised alluvial mining is predominant in the Wau and Bulolo areas of the Morobe Province.

Expat alleged to be leaking MRA info

This was raised by Usino-Bundi MP, Jimmy Uguro, in Parliament on Thursday (August 30th), who asked the Mining Minister if he was aware of the alleged activity.

The Usino-Bundi MP alleges that the actions of the expatriate are delaying mining projects.

He added that the same individual was also awarded a work permit while he was still in the country.

“Is the Minister aware that there are some state highly confidential data and information being disclosed to mining companies by an expatriate working in a senior position in MRA?

Chamber hails mining sector

The figures released by the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) on Monday saw the Fatality Frequency Rate (FFR) reported as zero, confirming there were no loss of lives at any of the regulated mining projects in Papua New Guinea last year.

The PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum acknowledged the diligence of the MRA and further congratulated mining projects for their commitment to the safety of their employees.

LOs urged to invest royalties

Mining Minister, Johnston Tuke, and acting Managing Director of the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), Nathan Mosusu, said this during royalty payment for the project on Friday, 6th July.

The royalties totaling K25, 537, 210.13 were paid on behalf of the National Government by Tuke, the landowners and the Madang Provincial Government.

Of the total amount, K17,620,674.99 was paid to landowners and K7,916,535.14 to the Madang Provincial Government.

It was during the payment that Minister Tuke called on them to use their money wisely.

MRA, CEFI sign deal

The MOU is to facilitate partnerships that include the roll out of financial inclusion activities in mine affected communities.

The MOU aims to ensure financial inclusion programs enable communities in mine project areas to be empowered to effectively manage their money.

The MOU was signed by BPNG Assistant Governor (AG), Financial Systems Stability, Ellison Pidik, and MRA Acting Managing Director, Nathan Mosusu.

The signing on Monday is seen as a big step in financially empowering landowners and equity owners of mining projects and small scale miners.

Alliance of Solwara Warriors to object exploration license

EL 1196 is situated on traditional fishing and ceremonial waters of West Coast Namatanai in New Ireland Province and Duke of York Islands in East New Britain Province.

In a statement, the Alliance of Solwara Warriors said: “As maritime communities whose wellbeing and quality of life depend on the health of the sea, we were not consulted before licenses and leases were awarded by the National Government for seabed mining project in the country.

Mining tech prevents poisoning

This follows a recent mercury research study in Wau, Morobe Province, conducted by the MRA, PNG University of Technology and the University of Kyoto.

The study was conducted on the Japanese Mercury Recovery Kit, a prototype amalgam retorting machine for the recovery of mercury and to critically assess its overall performance, efficiency and ease of operation.

The MRA said in a statement that it is an appropriate technology and should be promoted and used in PNG’s artisanal and small scale gold mining industry for mercury and recycling recovery.