Photo Credit: Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture
Landowners of Morobe's US$5.4 billion (K18.48 billion) Wafi-Golpu gold and copper project are urging the government to proceed with the project.
The landowners of the special mining license 10, who were represented by their presidents from Hengambu, Yanta, and Babuaf, stated the project had been delayed for far too long. The landowners in the SML 10 region, according to Yanta landowners association president Victor Geactulu, Babuaf landowners association president Jack Raban, and Hengambu landowners association president John Nema, wanted to see the project go through.
“The Government, after that development forum, has to progress to the signing of the mine agreement for the operation to start at the mine site,” Nema said.
He said that when the multi-billion kina project is completed, it will improve the economy, which is now in a depression.
“We call on the Government and the Morobe government and stakeholders to decide on an effective way forward for the immediate start of the mine,” he said.
The construction of the Wafi-Golpu project is now before the court, according to Morobe government lawyer Ralph Saulep.
“We will not hesitate to cite people for contempt if the situation warrants it,” he said.
He stated that the court had heard all questions relating to the legitimacy of the environmental permit given last December 18 and the mine's delay, including the challenge to the grant of the special mining lease.
Anyone who feels he or she has standing, according to Saulep, can petition the court to participate as a party.
Reference:
The National (1 June 2021). “Call for Govt to fast-track project”.
