THE Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) has launched the long-awaited environmental audit into the Porgera Gold Mine.
It marks a historic milestone in addressing the perennial environmental legacy issues affecting the people of Porgera and communities along the Strickland and Fly River systems.
The launching was conducted by CEPA Managing Director Jude Tukuliya, who reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to ensuring environmental accountability, transparency, and justice for affected communities.
The audit, the first of its kind in more than three decades of mining operations in Porgera, will investigate longstanding environmental concerns and complaints associated with the mine’s operations and their impacts on surrounding communities and river systems.
Speaking at the official launch at Porgera today, Mr Tukuliya said CEPA has a legal and moral obligation to investigate and address environmental complaints raised by communities over many years.
“CEPA is mandated to investigate and address environmental issues affecting our people and environment. It has a legal as well as a moral obligation to our people and the country to do such. But it is unfortunate that despite concerns raised over many years, this level of comprehensive environmental audit was never undertaken by previous managements and governments,” Mr. Tukuliya said.
He commended the Marape-Rosso Government for fully supporting the audit process and ensuring all stakeholders work together towards achieving credible and transparent outcomes.
Mr. Tukuliya also acknowledged the cooperation and support from Enga provincial leaders, landowners, community representatives, state agencies, and development partners who have contributed towards making the audit possible.
“This audit will ensure no stone remains unturned concerning the environmental aspects and issues surrounding the Porgera mine and it’s impacts on the people and environment,” he said.
“The findings and outcomes of this audit will provide the foundation for addressing many of the ongoing social and law-and-order issues affecting Porgera and communities living along the Strickland and Fly River systems.”
The audit will be conducted in two phases. Phase One has commenced immediately following the launch and includes site inspections, stakeholder consultations, environmental sampling, and technical analysis, with a draft report expected by the end of June 2026.
Phase Two will begin in August 2026 and focus on detailed technical reviews, document analysis, and further field verification. The final report will be submitted to CEPA, the National Executive Council, and relevant stakeholders by November 2026, before being made publicly available to guide future remediation, policy decisions, and compliance measures.
Communities affected by the environmental impacts of the mine have welcomed CEPA’s leadership and described the audit as a breakthrough moment for environmental justice and accountability.
Community leaders and local representatives expressed satisfaction and appreciation towards CEPA and Mr. Tukuliya for taking decisive leadership in initiating the audit after decades of concern.
They said the people have waited for more than 30 years to see a comprehensive investigation into the environmental impacts of the mine and commended CEPA for finally responding to the voices and concerns of affected communities.
Local leaders stated that the audit gives renewed hope to communities who have endured years of environmental, social, and economic hardships allegedly linked to mining activities and environmental degradation within the region and downstream river systems.
The audit is expected to assess environmental compliance, identify legacy environmental impacts, evaluate mitigation measures, and recommend practical pathways for remediation, restoration, and long-term environmental management.
CEPA reaffirmed that the audit process will be transparent, independent, and inclusive, ensuring all stakeholders, particularly affected communities, participate throughout the process.