![]() Picture Credit: Minera Resource Authority The mine has recently gone into operation. In April 2020, the PNG government refused to renew Barrick's mining lease for the Porgera mine, citing environmental and social concerns. However, the mine has also been the subject of controversy due to environmental concerns, social issues, and disputes with local landowners and communities. Porgera is known for its high-grade ore deposits and has a long history of profitable production. The need to control guns in the country is critical as PNG fights to win back investor confidence with positive positive news such as the first gold bar produced in the province affected by tribal conflict. The uncertainty surrounding the aftermath of the Enga Massacre adds to the concern. And it should be this positive news hitting the global headlines but again, the Black Wednesday and Enga Massacre has done more reputational damage. Production of first gold bar in the country has been a long term vision for the government and people of PNG and Prime Minister Marape stand to be commended for his effort. ![]() However, when projects like Porgera are involved, these conflicts easily escalate into disputes over land and other resources, leading to retaliatory killings that have recently garnered global headlines, particularly in the highlands of PNG, including Enga. ![]() Historical tribal conflicts are not new to PNG. He said another challenge had been to effectively manage landowners' and stakeholders' expectations. Whilst PM Marape reaffirmed his 'Take Back PNG' vision, Managing Director of the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) Jerry Garry made a revealing comment saying it had been a huge challenge for the MRA, in terms of ensuring that the application for SML13 by New Porgera Limited ( NPL) in 2023, met all regulatory requirements and were compliant with laws. Prime Minister Hon James Marape was on-site accompanied by the Governor for Enga Province Hon Sir Peter Ipatas, Mining Minister Hon Muguwa Dilu, Member for Laiagap Hon Amos Akem, Country Manager for Barrick Niugini Limited Karo Lelai, Managing Director of the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) Jerry Garry, and Managing Director of Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited (KMHL) Sarimu Kanu. Only to have the country produce its first ever gold bar from Porgera Gold Mine which is in Enga. How do you describe the unimaginable and horrifying images of the recent indescribable and despicable Enga Massacre, where the mutilated bodies of hired gunmen are piled up on a police vehicle? If Enga Province in Papua New Guinea were a television screen, it would seem as though someone has just switched from watching a horror movie to a more friendly and positive film.
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