New Porgera Limited (NPL) made an announcement today that they will assist the Papua New Guinea Defence Force with the clearance of the main road leading to the Porgera gold mine and the Porgera valley, located in Enga Province approximately 30 kilometers from the devastating mountainside collapse.
In a statement, NPL said it is mobilizing heavy earth-moving equipment on both the Porgera and Wabag sides of the slip to assist in the clearance of the road.
A geotechnical engineer provided by the New Zealand government with expertise on landslides is also expected to arrive soon to advise on recovery activities.
The mine’s community relations team continues to engage with medical and other relief teams on the ground offering assistance, which to date has included food, first aid materials and other essential supplies to the location.
NPL is also coordinating with other resource companies in PNG to provide longer-term assistance by the industry to the victims of the landslide.
NPL further said that there were no employees with residences in the path of the landslip site and a handful of employees living in the impacted area reported no damage to their homes.
Despite the landslides, the Porgera mine is currently operating without restriction.
Meanwhile, Barrick CEO and President Mark Bristow extended his condolences and sympathies to the affected villagers as they and the PNG government respond to this tragic event.
Mr Bristow stated that at this time of need, Porgera stands ready to provide additional relief and assistance to support impacted families and communities.