Alluvial Mining industry in Papua New Guinea (PNG) should be a restricted business.
This was raised by the Provincial Member for Northern province, Gary Juffa in Parliament this morning, stating that Alluvial Mining is a restricted business and only Nationals should participate in it; however, recently there has been an increase in the number of foreigners participating in this industry.
“There is a lot of foreigners taking part in this business that is restricted for nationals and these foreigners are using big machinery to mine and this has caused a lot of issues in the community between the locals and the foreigners,” Mr. Juffa said.
Mr. Juffa said there are instances where foreigners were attacked due to this restricted business that is supposed to be for nationals.
He questioned the Ministers and organization under the government who are responsible for this industry and also ICAC and Immigration to do their job and monitor these foreigners who might be operating illegally in the country.
“Production for Alluvial Mining is increasing in the country but there are a lot of foreigners operating in this industry as well,” he added.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso stated that yes, there is a lot of foreigners participating in Alluvial Mining because nationals are going into partnership with these foreigners.
Deputy PM Rosso said Alluvial Mining license are given to nationals and most licenses are held by locals.
“These locals with licenses go into partnership with foreigners to do business hence there are big machines operating in this industry and the foreigners are there because they are partnering up with nationals.
I have ensured few foreigners were deported for conducting illegal businesses in the country and I will continue to make sure more are deported,” Mr. Rosso said.
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