Goilala Woman Leader Koma calls for more control on alluvial gold mining

By Harlyne Joku
A concerned Goilala Woman Leader and NGO activist Matilda Koma has called on the Central Provincial Government and Mining Authorities to have more control to monitor small scale alluvial mining activities surrounding the former Tolukuma Gold Mine, in the Goilala district of Central province.
“I have lost a cousin sister and grandchild in Monday’s landslide disaster at Saki and I am saddened. I am thankful to the Member Goilala William Samb and Central Governor Robert Agarobe for their quick response but this is just a reaction to the issue that would not have happened if proper actions were taken in advance by responsible government agencies,” Ms Koma told the Sunday PNG Bulletin.
I am from the Woitape District were the former Tolukuma Gold Mine and Saki is. Saki was inhabited prior to the discovery of gold, but if now according to reports there are 300 people camping there to do alluvial gold mining then that is a lot of people.
From the photos taken of the site it seems quite a big operation for a local group. With such an operation responsible authorities should already be aware of its scale of production and must have in place systems to ensure there is safety on site.
I am aware that Central Provincial Government has a position and perhaps an officer responsible for Mining. And the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has a division responsible for regulating small scale alluvial mining activities. However I am not sure what role they play.
There are other small scale mining camps like Saki all around the former Tolukuma Gold Mine and if the Member for Goilala and Central Provincial Government and MRA are not aware this is taking place then this is very surprising,” Ms Koma said.
She added that small scale mining activities contribute to the nation’s economy and if not properly controlled and monitored then such incidents like Saki will unfortunately occur.
“People in Goilala have been and are currently doing small scale alluvial gold mining without guidance. They use local knowledge to buy and sell. I am not aware of any form of training and risk awareness in Saki and the other alluvial gold mining camps.
The rugged geographical terrain and the handling of mercury need to be properly researched and people trained to handle this dangerous chemical.
MRA need to properly regulate small mines so they can track revenue generation and expenditure,
Ignorance of such concerns bring about detrimental impacts on local communities who struggle to make money to catch up to a modernized society.” Ms Koma said.

(Photo of Matilda Koma, Goilala Women Leader and food rations from Central Province dispatched at Saki by Central Provincial Government. Photo courtesy of MP Goilala William Samb’s office).