Mineral Resources Authority

Resolution points set for K92 Mine

This follows the closure of operations at the Mine following an arson attack by landowners resulting in millions of kina in damages to the mine property.

In a media conference today, MRA Managing Director, Phillip Samar, said the resolution is yet to be agreed to by all parties which he will meet later this week.

Samar said the unsuspecting attack on the mine was a result of outstanding landowner issues which Bilimoia Interim Landowner Association (BLA) claim have not been met.

Mining sector sees a rebound in 2016 revenue

This is a 38 per cent increase from the preceding year, which recorded K7.2 billion.

According to MRA production reports by mines, Lihir Mine generated the most revenue with K3.57 billion.

Ok Tedi fell in the second spot, generating K2.1 billion (K2, 064b)after an impressive 10 month production run following a hibernation of the mine caused by the El Nino Drought.

Porgera moved down to third spot after generating K2 billion (K1.995b).

Mt Kare Landowners want Minister’s decision to start mine operation

 

John Tarale from the Komai clan, Jeffery Leo and James Kerene from the Heli clan, speaking on behalf of the 12 main clans of Paiala in Enga Province told Loop PNG that it is now 29 years since Mt Kare was first discovered and up until today nothing has happened.

“Our people are dying and were are the next generation of landowners and we want Minister Byron Chan and Summit and MRA to set aside the court case and to start the gold mining operation,” Tarale said.

PNG mineral prospects high

The Minerals Resources Authority said positivity remains high following the registration of the Frieda River and Wafi-Golpu SMLs and the entry of Anglo American, as reported in the Mining and Petroleum Review (Vol.4 Issue 3).

The SML applications have been described as a unique situation in PNG mining history as there has been, on average, one project per decade.

The MRA says active licenses have increased for the period January to August 2016, from 125 to 134 (a 7 percent increase), which is consistent with the renewals increasing from 54 to 68.

Ramu project landowners demand K10 million BDG

The warning was issued on Wednesday during a meeting attended by the four LOA chairmen, Tobby Bare of Kurumbukari LOA, Peter Tai of Inland Pipeline, Jeffery Gamrai of Coastal Pipeline LOA and Sama Mallembo of Basamuk

The chairmen also questioned why the National Government pays close attention to other mining projects in the country by paying their  BDG and ignores its commitment towards Ramu Nickel project landowners.

Ramu Nico chainsaw operators get certification

The operators were awarded their Level One and Level Two certificates following a training conducted by the Timber and Forestry Training College (TFTC) recently.

The eleven chainsaw operators attended a 10-day training from June 19 to 28 to recognise them as qualified chainsaw operators at a mine logging site. It is also part of the continuing efforts to improve and meet safety compliance standards set by the Mineral Resources Authority for its logging operations at the mine operated by Ramu NiCo (MCC)

Inspectors in Madang to investigate Basamuk incident

They arrived at Ramu NiCo’s Basamuk Refinery on April 14 to conduct a preliminary investigation into the April 12 case.

MRA deputy chief inspector of mine, Lave Michael, and inspectortor Andrew Onguglo arrived from Port Moresby and will work to establish the cause of the incident and advise the Company on future outcomes.

Ramu NiCo is cooperating fully with the inspectors.

Change to Mining Act may curtail exploration: Chamber

Executive Director of the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, Greg Anderson said stable government policies and a favourable investment climate are critical for future growth within PNG's resources sector.

He said the sharp drops in mineral and petroleum prices has adversely impacted PNG's current economic outlook but these sectors will return to their traditional role as strong contributors to PNG's economic prosperity once commodity prices increase again.