THE new Porgera Mine Development Forum scheduled to take place today in Wabag but was stopped due to court order obtained by landowners last Friday, was again rescheduled for tomorrow.
This follows today’s Supreme Court decision against the court order, allowing the forum to go ahead.
Prime Minister James Marape while welcoming the court ruling, urged all parties involved in the new Porgera Mine to avoid any further delays in reopening the mine.
He stressed on a need for common understanding between everyone to ensure timely reopening of the mine.
PM Marape said following the Supreme Court’s decision, the development forum is proceeding as planned tomorrow in Wabag, Enga Province.
He said the forum aims to pave the way for the earliest possible reopening of the mine and is expected to last for a minimum of two weeks in order to address all pertinent concerns among stakeholders.
“The New Porgera Development Forum’s process is a required step to reopen the mine.
“Reopening the Porgera Mine is a matter of great national significance, and unnecessary delays must be avoided,” he stressed.
The Prime Minister again urged all stakeholders, including landowners and all provincial governments, to heed the call made by Mining Minister Hon. Sir Ano Pala for Section 3 consultations to be started.
He also acknowledged the existence of various outstanding issues among landowners such as SML, LMP, Riverine, Power plant and Power Pylon, which should be thoroughly discussed during the development forum.
“Under my administration, the government is committed to ensuring a more favorable arrangement in the New Porgera, building upon the insights gained from the past three decades,” PM Marape affirmed.
Stressing the significance of the forum, Marape said: “Tomorrow is the first step in a process that will span at least two weeks, allowing for a comprehensive resolution of all pertinent matters.”
He underscored his commitment to addressing both his Tari-Pori seat and national leadership responsibilities in order to resolve all pending matters in Porgera.
As a result, he called upon all stakeholders to engage in the development forum proceedings.
“I assure all landowners that the New Porgera Development Forum will serve as a platform to effectively address all concerns.”
