St Barbara Ltd’s Simberi operations in New Ireland is set to transition from mining oxide ore to sulphide.
The mine which has been producing gold since 2009 said that its social and environmental impact studies (SEIS) are presently being finished for submission to the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (Cepa) and Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) in March.
Sulphide mining is predicted to extend its mine life for at least another 10 years and produce more benefits for stakeholders.
St Barabara managing director and chief executive Craig Jetson said, “We are at an important stage of operations at Simberi, as we continue to productively mine the oxide deposit and plan for a bright future via the Simberi sulphide project.”
He added, “Iso will capably lead us through this transition as we support our Simberi community, contribute to New Ireland and deliver on our commitments to PNG.”
Meanwhile, the firm said that since 2009, the mine has brought K84.3 million in royalties, paid an annual 0.5 per cent production levy and contributed over K97.4 million in contracts to landowner businesses.
“In 2020, the company paid over K28 million in income tax,” according to St Barbara. “Other community benefits delivered since 2012, when St Barbara acquired the mine, amount to over K119 million. They include health and education infrastructure development, roads and bridges maintenance, cocoa farming, mariculture projects, education scholarships and employment and training.”
