The Wafi-Golpu Mine in Morobe Province is the next big mineral project on the Government's agenda, according to Mining Minister Johnston Tuke.
Minister Tuke said that the project would be funded by the end of the current legislative session.
Mining Minister Johnston Tuke declared on April 9 that the Wafi-Golpu Mine Special Mining Lease (SML) will be granted next, following the signing of the Framework Agreement between the State and Barrick Niugini Limited.
He stated that the government intends to have the project accepted as quickly as possible.
“Wafi-Golpu is the next project where this Government is looking forward to endorsing before its term expires. Hopefully, before the end of this political year calendar I will endorse or grant the SML to Wafi-Golpu (Joint Venture),” said Minister Tuke.
The Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture received an Environmental Permit from the State in March.
The Morobe Provincial Government, however, quickly brought the matter to court, protesting WGJV's Deep Sea Tailings Placement process, which had been accepted by the State in the Environmental Permit.
Minister Tuke said they'll keep looking for a way to go on with the K18.4 billion mining project.
“This Government is proactive in its approach, this government is proactive in committing itself to deliver what it has meant to deliver. So Wafi-Golpu irrespective of the court proceedings, the manner is more or less uniform,” he said.
