By GEORGINA MICHAEL
MINING Minister Rainbo Paita yesterday revealed plans to implement new reforms to the mining industry in Papua New Guinea.
He said this while responding to questions by Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa about the recent issuing of a mining exploration licence in Milne Bay.
“I’m also letting the House know that under the initiatives of our Government, we’ve been asked to review those processes involved,” Mr Paita said.
“If we are to give exploration licenses, instead of just giving in first comes first serve, we have to put them on public tender, which basically puts our licenses on the market so whoever has the capacity, money, good standing and international reputation can get the license.
“Now as it stands, the regime is first come first serve. Under Prime Minister’s advice and the reforms we are doing in mining, we’ll do a public tender.
“After September 16 and going forward, we will do an international tender for all exploration licences so that people can bid and whatever company that really has the money can get exploration licence and they can start, the state can either come in later or at the start of project to partner.
“These reforms will come under the initiative of the new Mining Act we are about to bring through,” Mr Paita said.