Simberi Gold Mine

NMSW kick started with an official opening on Monday, April 24 and continued with a range of activities including sports, noticeboard competition, booth set up, drawing competition for local school students, and familiarization tour of an Articulated Dump Truck (ADT).

Health and Safety Manager, Leo Kola, shared the theme for the event which was ‘Mobile Equipment Safety’.

Sir Julius said it is important for the people of New Ireland to have a say on the type of miner  allowed to mine in the province.

Governor Chan said he was disappointed to learn through the media that Newcrest has already gone ahead to strike a deal with American mining  company, Newmont. 

“We don’t all of a sudden want to have another Pogera on our hands, where the mine stops and we have to start from scratch again.

“There must be proper consultation between all parties concerned before final decision on a new mining company is made," he said.

Women staff can now take four months fully paid maternity leave while the men are entitled to 15 days paid paternity leave.

Employees only must complete their six month-probation to be entitled to the parental leave.  

The workers have applauded St Barbara for introducing the ground-breaking policy.

“It is a great incentive for mothers and babies, especially those with complications. I believe it is a first in PNG and I say how lucky my women colleagues are for being employed by St Barbara,” said accountant and local Tabar islander Paskalis Maradangoi.