APEC Mining Task Force Chair Pays visit to Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) of Papua New Guinea(PNG)

Following a hectic APEC first Senior Official Meeting (SOM 1) meeting held in Port Moresby from 5 – 6 March 2018, the APEC Mining Task (MTF) Force Chair from Chile, Mr Rodrigo Urquiza Caroca made time available on 6 March, 2018 to visit the Mineral Resources Authority and the MTF team. He was introduced to the staff of the Regulatory Operations Division by the Executive Manager, Mr. Roger Gunson.

The APEC MTF Chair plays a key role in coordinating MTF activities within APEC economies that are associated with mineral trade and investment, governance, best practices and policies.

The visit was timely for the MRA as it discussed preparation for the upcoming APEC Mining Week, which is scheduled to be held this year in the APEC third Senior Official Meeting (SOM 3) from 17 – 25 August, 2018.

The APEC Mining Week features key sessions involving public private dialogue on mining issues and best practices in the APEC economies, mining companies CEOs meeting and APEC economies’ Minister Responsible for Mining meeting.

Mr. Caroca was then taken to Motukea wharf to see under water mining equipment. He was impressed to see the level of advance PNG made in terms of innovation and technology in its mining sector.

Mr. Caroca was presented PNG gifts, which include a cane woven tray, two hand-made highlands Bilums (bag) and a packet of local PNG coffee.

Mr. Caroca thanked the ROD’s staff for the gifts and he said he will take them with him to Chile.

Roger Gunson- EM ROD(Left) presenting the present to Mr.Rodrigo Urquiza Caroca(Middle) and Chief Mining Warden of MRA, Mr.Andrew Gunua(Right),