The Mineral Resource Authority plans to decentralise as well as establish an office set up in Kainatu, as mentioned by Kainantu MP and Mining Minister Johnson Tuke during the visit of Prime Minister James Marape to Kainantu.
“In my capacity as the Mining Minister I have been working closely with the Prime Minister and we will see that some government offices are brought to the districts and provinces,” he said. “The Prime Minister has given his approval and the National Executive Council decision has been made already. What needs to be done is some final touches so that the MRA office will be set up in Kainantu so the work MRA does will be divided.”
Mineral Resources Authority managing director Jerry Garry confirmed that the plan is to decentralise specific functions to regional centres - such as small-scale mining, development coordination and safety branch, and geological survey.
Garry said subject to availability of funds, MRA may also build a small scale mining school and may hold stage outreach training programs.
“The geological survey branch will undertake geological mapping, assessment of minerals and underground water resources. The team will also assist DDAs and provincial government,” he said.“Development coordination branch will be responsible to attend to landowner issues, fulfilling MoA commitments and ensuring any issues relating to mining and exploration projects are dealt with. The plan is to build an office, classrooms and accommodation for about 15 employees. The ideal site would be at Yonki, by the dam.”
Meanwhile, apart from announcing the likely decentralisation of MRA to Kainantu, Tuke also appealed to the Prime Minister to make sure the Ramu 2 hydro project kicks off.
“Prime Minister, we have already given the country the Ramu 1 hydro project and we do not want any politics, please give us the Ramu 2 hydro project too,” Tuke added.
