Disagreements over landownership have once again delayed vital agreements linked to the Kainantu Gold Mine, halting the flow of royalties and development benefits to nearby communities. The delay stems from ongoing legal disputes between local landowner groups, which have yet to be resolved due to a vacancy in the Land Titles Commission (LTC). The appointment of a new chairperson is still pending, preventing the Commission from progressing with landowner identification. Mining Minister Rainbo Paita confirmed the setback, noting that while one court matter had been resolved, another was still being challenged. “The Commission can’t make any decisions without a chair. We’re waiting for the Department of Justice to make that appointment,” he said. The absence of a legally recognized landowner group means agreements such as the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and other arrangements under the Mineral Development Policy cannot move forward. This has left significant mining revenues tied up, with no clear distribution plan. In the meantime, government officials are attempting to mediate talks between rival factions. “We’ve been speaking with leaders from both sides,” the Minister said. “If they can agree on a way to work together, we might find a temporary solution while the formal process continues.” He stressed that any progress must still be anchored in law, but the government is open to practical solutions that ensure impacted communities are not left behind. “This delay is affecting people on the ground,” he said. “We want to get benefits flowing, but we also need to ensure the right people receive them.” The situation reflects a broader issue across Papua New Guinea’s mining sector — the difficulty of resolving traditional land claims in the absence of fast and effective legal mechanisms.