By GEORGINA MICHAEL
OPPOSITION Leader Douglas Tomuriesa has questioned the granting of a mining exploration licence that covers tenements in the Huhu Local Level Government area of Milne Bay Province.
Mr Tomuriesa, who is the Member for Kiriwina Goodenough, alleged that the Mining Department had overlooked an objection by landowners of the tenement areas to the lease application by Mido Mining Limited.
He asked Mining Minister Rainbo Paita to clarify the situation and granting of the exploration licence to the company.
“A company, Mido Mining Limited, has been granted exploration license in Milne Bay Province, particularly the Huhu Local Level Government area,” Mr Tomuriesa said.
“The current exploration license covers Guga, Bou and Divinai tenements that is towards the tip of PNG.
“We understand PNG needs more exploration of its mineral resources and we are not against that, however, the manner in which the licenses are granted raises a lot of concern and questions.
“Is it proper and in compliance with the Mining Act of not following the correct process in order for a mining license to be issued?
“There was also an objection filed just before the closure of the date, what is the result of that objection filed by the land owners.
“If the process of granting the license was not followed and heard to as stated in the Mining Act, will you cancel the exploration license and redo the process, to comply with the mining Act to protect our people’s right and the landowner’s ownership of their resources and the land they call home?”
Minister Paita told Parliament he was not aware of the matter and would seek clarification by his department.
“However, on the particulars of the one in relation to the process in granting the exploration license and the wardens hearing are important things to consider,” Mr Paita said.
“Exploration is the backbone of these two industries. Without exploration we can’t do much because the cost of exploration is too much to bear by most of the partners, private companies and investors that are coming to carry that risk in trying to explore resources in this country.
“The process is quite clear. When they do an application of exploration licence, there must be a warden’s hearing, after that it has to go through the Mining Advisory Committee and then it comes to the Mining Minister.
“It has to go through a warden’s hearing so that the land owners can give their consent that there is exploration happening in their land. Without consent from landowners, local leaders and provincial leaders, the application will not continue.
“I can assure the Opposition Leader that If that is the case then we will cancel the application to ensure that the process is followed.
“I also confirm that the warden’s hearing must happen before it comes through the Mining Advisory Committee and then it has come to the minister. That established process has been there for the last 50 years.
“We will review, and we will formally write to you and ensure the details of the formal process was followed and if it was not then we will take all measures to ensure that we cancel the exploration licence.”