Mr Miner: Treat us like you treat your home
28 May 2011
TO MARK the 100,000th visit to its website (and PNG Attitude’s heartiest congratulations for a job very well done), the PNG Mine Watch blog has provided a nice analysis of the resources development situation in PNG.
Mine Watch comments that the level of interest in mining issues in PNG reflects two contrasting themes.
One is the continuing high level of resource prices on international markets. This is fuelling a high level of interest in PNG’s metals which manifests itself in the exploration of potential new deposits and development of new mines like Frieda River, Yandera, Wafi-Golupu and Solwara 1.
The other theme is the continuing failure of transnational mining companies operating in PNG to observe and implement the same they must toe the line on in their home countries.
The pollution of the Watut River with acid-forming rocks would not have occurred if Newcrest Mining and Harmony Gold were following the standards demanded in Australia.
The dumping of mine tailings containing heavy metals from the Ramu and Lihir mines into the sea would not be allowed in either China or Australia, where the companies that own these mines, MCC, Newcrest and Highlands Pacific, are domiciled.
The human rights abuses and pollution at the Porgera mine would not be tolerated in Canada, home to Barrick Gold.
The world it seems is very keen to take PNG’s metals but the mining executives and their investors seem not prepared to respect PNG’s laws, its people or environment in their rush for profits.
In addition, Papua New Guinea’s politicians and bureaucrats seem too weak or greedy to put up any form of resistance.
The failings that led to two of the biggest mining disasters on a global scale at Ok Tedi and Panguna are not only still apparent in PNG, they are seemingly more prevalent.
Combined with an exponentially greater amount of mining this infers more disasters, more misery and more lost opportunities unless local people are prepared to be much more assertive and vocal in defending their land, their families and their communities.
Source: Papua New Guinea Mine Watch
I support the stance by Bob Danaya.
There is already very high levels of enviromental pollution in the Fly River.
Well said Barbara! PNG needs a change of government and leadership now.
The problems of the country can not be fixed by PM Somare and his government.
The Opposition has many quality MPs there and the country's woes can be properly add
The administration has failed big time. It does not listen to the cries of the people.
PM Somare and his government has now developed the ability to not seriously addressed many problems that directly affects the livelyhood, and wellbeing of Papua New Guineans.
If a grand coalition is formed tomorrow than we will see many major problems being addressed before next year's national elections.
It's time now for Belden Namah to make his move to be the next Prime minister of PNG.
This former military officer will be a more strong and disciplined political leader than PM Somare now or his NA ministers.
Posted by: Reginald Renagi | 01 June 2011 at 06:12 PM
Ok Tedi has closed down production in the wake of a serious leak from a pipeline carrying toxic mine waste to storage pits.
This is a most serious matter and adds to the widespread pollution caused by OK Tedi for many years.
Here's the report quoted verbatim from Radio Australia's Pacific Beat.
Anyone notice the rather curious explanation for the leak? (Clue - it has something to do with the second coming). I've heard some strange explanations from mining companies over the years, but this one is out of this world.
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"Papua New Guinea's Ok Tedi mine has temporarily suspended ore production following concerns over a series of leaks from one of its pipeline which transports mine waste.
"It says the pipeline that transports pyrite concentrates 128 kilometres from the mine's Tailings Processing Plant to underwater storage pits has raptured and waste has spilled into the environment.
"Managing Director Nigel Parker says due to the environmental concerns and the threats it poses to the community, it has decided to suspended ore production.
"He says the mine is fully engaged in a clean-up operation and investigations and further tests will be done to the raptures [sic] in the pipeline.
"The mine has done a feasibility study to extend copper and gold mining operation till 2022.
"But Dr Bob Danaya, the Governor of PNG's Western Province where the Ok Tedi mine is located wants the mine closed.
"He says it should close by 2013 and wants Ok Tedi mine to clean up the damage caused to the environmental in the last 37 years."
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 01 June 2011 at 09:08 AM
Excellent article! Wake up PNG. Don't get 'ripped off'.
With the upcoming elections PNG needs strong leaders who are incorruptible and are able to stand up to the international mining companies and demand First World environmental controls.
Posted by: Barbara Short | 28 May 2011 at 07:24 AM