Nick Bunn

They are querying that the 33% equity given to them by the passing of the 10th Supplementary Act and NEC Decision 402/2014 does not mandate the Mineral Resource Development Corporation (MRDC) to manage it.

Representing the landowners of the mine villages, Community leader Nick Bunn said the NEC Decision 402/2014 directed that the 33% should be distributed between the mine villages, Provincial Government and CMCA and nominate their holding companies that will hold the equity on their behalf.

President of Ok Tedi Mine Impacted Area Association (OTMIAA) Nick Bunn on behalf of the people of Western Province said the benefits must be shared with the right full landowners of the mine Villages.

He said the landownership issue has been outstanding for a very long time.

“We are now looking forward to working closely with the Government to ensure that the K5b for the people of Western be given back through a transparent, fair and benefit structure which will be distributed according to the sharing structure which will be agreed to through the awareness program.”