Papua New Guinea Prime Minister said that he would like all stakeholders in the Wafi-Golpu project to work together to bring the project forward. This came after the developer of the project made baseline studies to the PM, supporting Deep Sea Tailings Placement (DSTP), at a workshop in Port Moresby.
The Prime Minister mentioned that he has heard the concerns and the call of the landowners in the impacted areas, as well as Governor for Morobe Ginson Saonu, to make sure that all processes are strictly followed. He added that he understood the concerns of the Governor for the people of Morobe and that moving forward, he wanted to make sure that the people had their share of benefits - with no to little visible impacts on the surrounding environment.
He said, “However, in the course of discussions of the best tailings disposal method for the project, time is running ahead and time lost can never be gained again. Time lost is an opportunity wasted, and so it is important that we make a decision as soon as possible. Conversation on issues surrounding the waste disposal options has been going on in the public space for so long, (more than four years) and the people and country are missing out on gains that could have been had.”
The Prime Minister added that when the method for disposal must be set to cover for any environmental issues that may arise. He added that every stakeholder - which included the government - must be prepared to take care of the cost.
Mr. Marape said he is ready to make tough decisions just in case the negotiations fall through.
