REPRESENTATIVES of the Papua New Guinea Government and Harmony Gold mining company met on Wednesday to continue discussions on permitting the Wafi-Golpu mining development project.
Harmony Gold chairman Patrice Motsepe thanked the Government for its supporting the signing of the Wafi-Golpu framework and memorandum of understanding (MoU) in April.
The MoU supports the Government and Harmony Gold’s intent to proceed with the tier-one project, which is subject to the finalisation of the permitting process and approvals by developer partners Harmony Gold and Newcrest Mining Ltd.
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| PNG Government, Harmony Gold meet on Wafi-Golpu Mining Project |
They were updated on the progress of discussions with the Government and the relevant stakeholders to develop the detailed agreements further in support of a Special Mining Lease (SML) grant.
Motsepe said: “Harmony, through its subsidiary companies, owns the Hidden Valley Mine and will be a significant partner with the State and Newcrest in the Wafi-Golpu Project development.
“Harmony is proud of the contribution it has made to Morobe through the creation of jobs, business development opportunities and regional infrastructure.”
Harmony’s chief executive officer Peter Steenkamp added: “We look forward to the finalisation of the various agreements that will underpin the project’s SML grant and participating in the subsequent project development. We look forward to concluding the permitting of the Wafi-Golpu project, enabling us to continue creating shared value for all our stakeholders in PNG.
“Harmony has also helped develop training of about 76 per cent nationals, which is continuing to increase through our superintendent and leadership development programmes.”
The National /Pacific Mining Watch