Papua New Guinea PRIME Minister James Marape has assured the landowners and others involved in the Wafi-Golpu Mine project in Morobe that they will get the best deal.
He said the mine had been delayed for years because the parties failed to agree on issues to get the mining started.
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| PNG Prime Minister James Marape . Photo by the National |
He attended a Wafi-Golpu Mine pre-development forum in Mumeng, Bulolo yesterday.
Marape said the government would discuss the terms with the developer, landowners and other stakeholders.
“Let’s all discuss the best outcome for us,” Marape said.
“The Mining department has been compiling reports from all stakeholders.
“And when instruments are signed for the project, it will happen the way everyone wanted.
“Decisions for the mine will come out from an open, transparent discussion.”
Marape advised the developers Newcrest and Harmony that the Government is ready to hand them the special mining lease (SML) and waiting for them to respond to papers they were given.
Mining Minister Johnson Tuke said the Government was determined to deliver the project.
“I’m ready to sign to start this project which will bring in a huge economic value to the country,” Tuke said.
Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil said he was 100 per cent committed to see the mine come on-stream.
Statement / The National / Pacific Mining Watch