Out-going Mining Minister Honourable Sir Ano Pala, officially handed over the Mining Ministry to the new Mining Minister Honourable Muguwa Dilu recently, during a ‘hand-over-take-over’ ceremony.
Hon Dilu was appointed as the Mining Minister in a cabinet reshuffle last week, that saw his predecessor Sir Ano, appointed as the National Planning & Monitoring Minister.
The hand-over ceremony was attended by the Acting Managing Director of the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), Jerry Garry, the Secretary of the Department of Mineral Policy & Geohazards Management (DMPGM), Harry Kore, their respective staff members, MRA board representatives, and representatives from the mining industry.
During the occasion, Hon Sir Ano highlighted that the priority projects for the government were the Porgera and the Wafi Golpu projects.
He told Minister Dilu that most of the work on these two projects had been done.
The porgera project had been officially declared open with the compensation agreement almost complete. The Wafi Golpu project is at an advance permitting stage for development, pending conclusion of negotiations of the Mining Development Contract (MDC).
However, he said there were other projects around the country that would need his political leadership and guidance.
Minister Pala expressed confidence in Minister Dilu, adding that he was a young, dynamic and a competent leader, and would provide good leadership for the sector.
Hon Sir Ano assured Hon Dilu, that the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) and the Department of Mineral Policy & Geohazards Management (DMPGM) were two of the best state agencies. He expressed confidence in staff members of these organisations, saying that they (staff) were highly trained and are professionals in their respective roles. He urged Minister Dilu to support them and provide the necessary political leadership.
Minister Pala said during his tenure as the Mining Minister, he allowed the MRA and DMPGM staff to perform their roles independently without his involvement in the internal affairs of the two organisations.
He said his job was to make decisions based on competent advice from the two organisations.
He congratulated Hon Dilu on his appointment and wished him well in the future.
