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), 

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Ramu Nickel Mine Prepares for Royalty Payment

The Ramu Nickel and Cobalt Mine in Kurumbukari, in Madang Province is preparing to pay long waited royalty to the landholders. This was reported in the National News Paper dated 28th December 2017.

Landholder Royalty for Ramu Nickel Project has not been paid since shipment till to date. This delay could be due yo the tax holiday given to the developer by the government or as a condition in the Mining Developments Contract(MDC).

This matter was brought to light but it was further delayed since then to settle administrative processes. It is now looking promising as the developer takes initiative to organize the landholders in preparation for royalty and other benefits that are ongoing.

The Mining Act 1992 is somewhat drafted in way as to cater for landholders grievances and expectations. Like in the case of landowner royalty, it will he paid directly into their accounts rather than landowners front the company's office or government's office to get their rightfully due payments.

Credits to MCC for this step towards royalty payment.

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Bulolo Opposing New Exploration

 
The Bulolo people (both local & Business Communities) have overwhelmingly objected the Exploration Licence Application lodged by Wabu Alluvials Limited which is also a local company.

 As a process of licence grant, the applicant must meet the requirements specified in the Mining Act 1992 of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

Wabu Alluvials Limited lodged an Exploration License Application with the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) to obtain an Exploration Licence to explore for minerals. While the licence is under the process of granting or refusal by the Minister for Mining, the local communities and the business communities lodged written objections with the Mineral Resources Authority through the office of The Chief Mining Warden. The landholders objected the ELA stating that the company will disturb their environment and also interrupt their routine business activities. They even published on the National News Paper through the Bulolo District Administrator Tae Gwambelek.

It is a requirement under the Mining Act 1992 that the applicant must facilitate a Mining Warden Hearing which is conducted by the appointed Mining Warden to gauge the views of the affected landholders, pursuant to Section 108 of The Mining Act 1992.  Once the views of the affected landholders are gauged, a report of this hearing is provided to the Mining Advisory Council (MAC) for further deliberation to the Minister for Mining. Finally, the Mining Minister has the final authority whether to grant the licence or otherwise based on MAC’s Advice.

All the related licences/leases specified under the Mining Act 1992 follow the same process. This is transparent and views of the affected stakeholders are fairly gauged.

WardenHearing for this application was adjourned to a later date which will be fixed by the Registrar of Mineral Tenements and the Chief Mining Warden.

The next post will be the procedures of Mining Warden Hearing Process. Stay in tune

News Paper Article opposing the exploration application.

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Mine Waste Management Training in Japan, 2017

Mine Waste Management Short training sponsored by Government of Japan through JICA in co-orporation with the Government of PNG through CEPA, MRA and DMPGM.

The training lasted two weeks and 6 officers from MRA and CEPA attended the training. The training comprise of theory and practicals and site inspections throughout Japan.

The training was a good exposure and skills acquired will be applied in drafting policies to encourage mining with environment friendly manner.This project will continue till 2018.

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