Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape assures the country that his government is doing everything within it’s mandate to reopen Porgera Gold mine, contrary to what PNC Party Leader Peter O’Neill may say.
“Unlike the former PM ( O’neill) who does not respect legitimate government processes and concedes to foreign interests, like his give away of 10% in State equity for Wafi Golpu project by an MOA, I choose to differ. Every opportunity to gain for country, our provinces and land owners, we must gain . “ PM Marape says.
“Our government is not uncertain about what to do in Pogera . We knew what we want to do with our national resources right from day one since my inauguration ‘richest black Christian nation’ speech on 30th of May 2019.
And in the case of Barrick Ltd in Pogera, it’s not nationalisation or expropriation as some may think or promote. Companies and mining lease holders in Pogera had unbroken and profitable years since 1989 when lease was issued.” PM Marape said
The lease expired in August 16 2019 and Government is duty bound to honour our National Constitution’s desire to harvest resources at better terms for our country, including our landowners.
When Mining Advisory Council ( MAC ) refused the lease application by Barrick, the State in compliance to Mining Act has given section 000 notice, to procure Barrick’s asset with a view to reopen and operate the mine at the earliest. That notice was given to BNL within the 30 days required yet Barrick Ltd chose to go to court.
“The court Barrick filed slowed down the process to reopen the mine, otherwise the mine will now be operating. And in respect to our Judiciary, I have remained silent since, however with continued negativity Barrick and Mr O’neill spins out in respect to Pogera, I have to get this news out for public knowledge on how we are tracking.” PM Marape says.
On record, Government has indicated to Barrick Ltd, that they will be given first consideration for partnership, but under new terms. “ But first things first, the resource will be defined as belonging to the people that includes Land owners, the provincial government and the Country.” PM Marape says.
“If they ( Barrick ) withdraw the court cases, we can talk commercial with them, we not stupids and idiots running this government, we can read numbers and laws; the time when industries had lopsided win is over, its now “you win - PNG win “ equity based principle.
Pogera is not a new mine but an old one and Multinationals must appreciate that the State and country will forever bear and cost and scares of environmental and social disorder, needless to remind us on Bougainville and in the sunset years of Pogera , I as the chief custodian of my country’s resources must do it right for future generations.” PM Marape says.
“To the land owners and employees and contractors , we have been ready to run the mine but the recent past lease holder in Barrick Ltd and their court cases has been the impediment. We will restore you all to better benefits you lost when we reopen the Pogera Gold mine.
Look at Ok Tedi mines ownership structure, the one third , two thirds equity/ownership principle is the starting base in which National Government will talk with the Province and Landowners.
And for my compatriot, the former PM Hon Peter O’neill, I am not going to be like you selling our country too cheaply to foreign interests. That is where our political DNA differs hence my resignation from your political world views. I am doing what I have to do as a true Nationalist. And this is also the views of my coalition of leaders in Government led by Pangu Party“, PM Marape says.
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O'Neill calls PNG PM Marape "Childish" Over his Porgera Mine Crisis outburst on Social Media