By ORCHY REX
THE highly anticipated draft Mining Bill 2025 was officially presented to the Minister for Mining, Hon. Wake Goi, during the launching at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby yesterday.
The bill, which has been developed for 15 years, is seen as a transformative step in Papua New Guinea’s mining sector.
Officials from the Department of Mining & Geohazard Management and the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) handed over the draft legislation, marking a milestone in the long-awaited amendment process.
The review of PNG’s Mining Act began in 2009 and has undergone extensive consultations with public, private, and statutory organizations.
Now, the draft bill will be made available for public viewing and feedback over the next six months.
Citizens and stakeholders are encouraged to submit their concerns or recommendations in hard copy or email to the Mining Department.
Speaking at the event, Minister Goi said that the updated Mining Act is in line with the Marape-Rosso Government’s vision to increase Papua New Guinean participation in the mining industry.
“This amendment ensures that our country and its people benefit fully from our mineral resources at all stages; from exploration to mining, sales, and even after mine closure,” he said.
Other key speakers included MRA Managing Director Jerry Garry and Mining Secretary McKore Herry, who emphasized the significance of the amendments.
The new bill is expected to reshape the mining sector by ensuring that PNG retains full ownership of its minerals throughout the entire mining process.
A special moment of the event was coincided with the commemoration of the country’s founding leaders, the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Sir Julius Chan.
A minute of silence was observed in their honor, recognizing their role in laying the foundation for PNG’s resource laws.
The Draft Mining Bill 2025 reflects a shift from past agreements where investors gained significant control over mineral resources after signing final investment deals.
Under the proposed law, PNG will: own minerals from the ground through to mining and processing; retain control of mineral sales; and maintain ownership of land and resources even after mine closure.
Minister Goi urged Papua New Guineans to review the bill and provide feedback before the submission deadline on April 4, 2025.
“With this legislation, PNG will never be the same again. We are taking control of our resources, just as our founding leaders envisioned 50 years ago,” the Minister stated.
The bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament later this year, in time for PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary.