Prime Minister James Marape has confirmed that the State Negotiating Team (SNT) is in advanced talks with Wafi-Golpu mine developers, Newmont and Harmony, to finalize the Mine Development Contract (MDC). This step is crucial for the timely issuance of the Special Mining Lease (SML), enabling the mine's development to proceed. Marape made this announcement during a meeting in Lae with key stakeholders, including Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP, John Rosso, SNT Chairman Dairi Vele, Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) Managing Director Jerry Garry, KMHL CEO Sarimu Kanu, and other officials. They provided updates on the Wafi-Golpu project, highlighting the urgency of finalizing agreements. Governor Wenge and landowners expressed a strong desire for a swift SML issuance and for the commencement on the mine. In response, Marape requested the nomination of a representative from the Morobe Provincial Government to join the SNT for the final negotiations with the developers. “We are now going through exchanging notes with Newmont and Harmony for the MDC,” Marape explained. “The MDC will form the basis for the SML to be issued. They have given us their views; we have also provided ours." "I have instructed our team to move fast. Next Tuesday, we’ll meet to finalize the MDC." "After that, we move to the SML.” Marape emphasized that once the SML is issued, Newmont and Harmony will have 30 months to make a Final Investment Decision (FID) for the mine's development. The Prime Minister also addressed the status of Infrastructure Development Grants (IDGs) for Wafi-Golpu, clarifying that these funds are reserved for infrastructure projects, not as free money for landowners. He noted the importance of ensuring proper use and accountability. In a prior statement on July 23rd, Marape highlighted the ongoing negotiations' significance, noting that the state, through Kumul Mineral Holdings Ltd (KMHL), aims to secure a 30% stake in the joint venture, with 10% allocated to the Morobe Provincial Government and landowners. “This milestone achievement sets an important precedent for resource projects in our country,” Marape said, referring to the state's 55% share of economic benefits from the project. He assured them that finer details would be discussed with landowners. Marape also mentioned the ongoing focus of the MRA on the Community Development Agreement (CDA) with Wafi-Golpu landowners, emphasizing that consultations would proceed after completing discussions with Porgera stakeholders.