After receiving the Sandaun government environment impact statement, Environment and Conservation Minister Were Mori has approved the Frieda River mining project to move forward - with safety and health protocols in place.
This mining project has also the same characteristic and style to that of the Ok Tedi and the suggested Wafi-Golpu projects.
“They are related and because of that, the nature of mineralisation is refractory, meaning there is the presence of sulphur,” he said. “And for us to develop and exploit the resources at Frieda, we have to put in place measures that will mitigate the impacts on the environment. In the not so distant future, I would like to have an audience with governors of both East and West Sepik and their provincial governments as to how we could move forward the Frieda River development.”
He added, “Development can take place but it must be done with the understanding of both East and West Sepik. The potential impact on the Sepik River must be taken into account. The Sepik River has got a large catchment basin and all the creeks, tributaries that flow to the North of the Frieda River make their way down into the Sepik River. Currently, we have got ongoing issues pertaining to the environment. My department will ensure that in whatever we do to maximise the exploitation of our natural resources, we have to ensure that we do not destroy the environment.”
