PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape has reinforced his government’s strong commitment to securing a fair and beneficial agreement for Papua New Guinea in the development of the Wafi-Golpu mine. Addressing Parliament, the Prime Minister provided an update on the status of negotiations, confirming that discussions are in the final stages, with only three key issues left to resolve.
The Mine Development Contract (MDC), a crucial agreement that determines the state’s
benefit share, must be concluded before the Special Mining Lease (SML) is granted. The
Prime Minister emphasised that since his administration took office, every major resource
project negotiation has been driven by the principle that PNG beneficiaries must receive at
least 55% of total benefits, ensuring greater economic returns to the state, landowners, and local businesses.
Prime Minister Marape explained that the negotiations with investors, particularly Harmony
Gold and Newmont, have been detailed and, at times, challenging. While the investors
seek to protect their financial interests, the government remains determined to ensure that
PNG secures a fair deal over the expected 40-year lifespan of the mine.
“My government has made it clear that we will not sign an agreement that does not give
Papua New Guinea the returns we deserve. This project is expected to operate for four
decades, and we must secure the best possible deal for our country,” Prime Minister
Marape stated.
He announced that he has directed the state negotiating team to finalise discussions as
soon as possible, ensuring that the final agreement delivers at least 55% of total benefits to PNG. A formal letter will also be sent to the CEOs of Harmony Gold and Newmont, making it clear that the government will not compromise on the three remaining issues.
Reflecting on previous agreements, the Prime Minister highlighted concerns regarding the
Lihir Gold Mine, where the government has received limited corporate tax revenue despite
rising global gold prices exceeding USD 3,000 per ounce. He assured Parliament and the
people of PNG that such historical oversights will not be repeated in Wafi-Golpu.
“As a nation governed by the rule of law, we respect agreements, even those that may not
be favourable. However, we will not repeat past mistakes. That is why I have insisted that
we take the time necessary to secure a fair agreement for Wafi-Golpu,” he said.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that he aims to finalise the Wafi-Golpu agreement by 16
September 2025, in time for PNG’s 50th Independence celebrations, alongside other major
projects.
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that delays in concluding the agreement have
affected landowners, district leaders, and the Morobe Provincial Government, but assured
them that these delays were necessary to ensure long-term benefits for all stakeholders.
“We will get there. I understand the concerns of landowners and the Morobe leadership,
and I apologise for the delay. However, it is better to take time and secure the best deal
than to rush into an agreement that does not maximise returns for our country,” he
emphasised.
Once negotiations are concluded, the government will work closely with landowners and
the provincial government to finalise the Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) and ensure
that all relevant parties receive their fair share of project benefits.
The Prime Minister assured Parliament that if the remaining three issues are resolved
promptly, the project will proceed to the final Community Benefit Sharing Agreement,
which will outline the distribution of financial and development benefits for landowners,
Morobe province, and PNG as a whole.
He encouraged all leaders in Morobe, particularly the Vice Minister for Mining and the
Member for Bulolo, Hon. Sam Basil Jr, to work with the government in ensuring the project’s success.
