The landowners of the Special Mining Lease (SML) area of the Porgera Mine in Enga province now want full participation in mine contracts under the new agreement of the new Porgera Mine. The landowners have established a landowner company which they aim to apply for contract bids issued out by the state and developer, Barrick Niugini Limited (BNL). Chairman of the landowner company Mr. Sol Taro said for too long they have received a small portion of payments in royalties and not benefiting from the contracts issued out to companies to provide services to the mining project. He said for 30 years of the mine’s life, they have not really benefited much through contracts with the mining company. Now that the government had stopped the approval of a new SML after the first one expired, they jumped on the opportunity to make new deals with the state and the developer to the benefit of their people. “Now new Porgera, we established a new landowner company- Ari Group of companies, with subsidiary companies for each clan coming under Umbrella Company, to get contracts for nine subsidiary companies with 25 clans as shareholders.” “We want to get 100 per cent in contract from new Porgera,” said the Chairman. Mr. Taro said that the company has the funds now and is ready to participate in new Porgera mine project going forward. The new landowner company has also invited potential investors to partner with them in providing services through their contract engagements. The Ari Group of companies is a registered company, having already registered with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA). The landowner company will officially launch on the 19th of May in Lae city where government officials have been invited to attend. The chairman said before they all go to the Development Forum of the Porgera mine, their request for contracts will be sent to the state and developer. Under the umbrella company, there are 9 subsidiaries specializing in transport, equipment hire, catering, energy supply and logistical services.