ILLEGAL miners in Bulolo were warned to respect the lawful mining leases as police would not hesitate to take further enforcement actions against those who continue to break the law.
Morobe Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent, Samson Siguyaru made this stern warning following the arrest of 82 illegal miners in Bulolo last Thursday 30th April 2026.
PPC confirmed that the arrest of 82 illegal miners on Mining Lease 518.
He said the Lease owner, Mr. Justin Parker, together with the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), had engaged with the illegal miners over a period of one year to stop the illegal mining activities but despite these efforts, the number of illegal miners continued to increase.
The illegal miners also continued to harass, intimidate, and disrupt workers whilst carrying out illegal mining activities.
As a result, the lease owner, Mr. Parker, lodged a formal police complaint last Thursday and a mass arrest of the illegal miners by the Morobe police.
PPC Siguyaru said that the 82 illegal miners were then transported to Lae for processing and subsequently appeared before the Lae District Court.
PPC said the offenders pleaded guilty and were fined K1,000 each.
He said the convicted individuals also gave assurances in court that they would not engage in the illegal mining activities again on the registered mining lease.
PPC also praised his police officers for their efforts and professionalism for arresting the illegal miners.