The Porgera Landowners Association (PLOA) called for immediate government intervention amid escalating violence in Enga Province, which threatens the safety of local communities, the operations of the Porgera Mine, and Papua New Guinea's economic stability.
A PLOA situation report states the conflict began on August 22, 2024, when violent clashes broke out in the Porgera Mine's Open Pit area between illegal miners and security personnel.
Driven “by desperation,” illegal miners initiated the violence, which rapidly spread to neighboring villages, the report added.
The conflict has since drawn in the Pianda Tribe of Kakadaka Village in Porgera, the Sakare Tribe from Lyonge Village in the Lagaip District, and the Epe Kapi Tribe from the Kandep electorate, who have joined the Sakare in the fighting.
Tensions have intensified, with severe confrontations reported on December 28-29, 2024, and most recently on January 11, 2025.
According to a Press Release issued by the PLOA on January 14, the security situation has deteriorated further “due to internal corruption within the police force.”
Certain police officers have been implicated in aiding illegal miners, including facilitating their transport into restricted mining areas, the association said. “This betrayal has led to a total collapse of law enforcement, leaving the Porgera community exposed and vulnerable.”
The police's failure to restore order “has eroded public trust and deepened the crisis,” PLOA reported. As a result, the Porgera Mine suspended its operations following the December 2024 clashes.
“This suspension threatens the livelihoods of local landowners and poses a severe risk to the economic well-being of Papua New Guinea. Prolonged instability could result in the mine's permanent closure, carrying devastating national consequences,” it said.
In response, the PLOA is demanding swift and decisive action from the government, including:
- Immediate Suspension of Mine-Related Discussions: All negotiations concerning the Porgera Mine, including the Community Development Agreement (CDA), must be halted until security is fully restored.
- Police Accountability: Officers aiding illegal miners must be identified and dismissed to restore integrity within law enforcement.
- Deployment of a Competent Security Force: A well-trained, well-equipped security force must be mobilized to eliminate illegal mining activities and restore law and order.
- Engagement of Local Leaders in Peace Talks: Special Mining Lease (SML) leaders should be involved in peace negotiations to leverage their local knowledge in resolving the conflict.
- Adequate Funding for Security Operations: The State of Emergency (SoE) operations, the Porgera Development Authority (PDA), and the PLOA must receive sufficient funding to combat lawlessness effectively.
- Long-Term Violence Prevention Plan: A comprehensive strategy must be developed to prevent future conflicts and promote constructive engagement with landowners.
The PLOA specifically appealed to Hon. Aimos Akem, Member for Lagaip, and Hon. Don Pomb Ploye, Member for Kandep, urging them to take decisive action to end the conflict.
Leaders of both the Sakare Tribe involved in Lagaip and the Epe Kapi Tribe in Kandep are being called upon to prevent further bloodshed.
The association emphasized that as the nation approaches its 50th Independence Anniversary, celebrations “will be overshadowed by the Porgera Mine's closure and the resulting economic crisis.”
The PLOA stressed that the Porgera Mine is vital to the country's economy and that ongoing violence threatens national stability. Without immediate intervention, the social, economic, and political consequences for the country “could be catastrophic,” it said.
"The time for action is now," the PLOA stated, urging the government and all relevant stakeholders to prioritize the safety of Porgera's people and the stability of the nation's economy.
