Prime Minister James Marape has commended leaders from West Sepik and East Sepik provinces for their united commitment to advancing the Frieda River Copper-Gold Project.
Prime Minister Marape said the leaders’ collective position reflects maturity, unity, and a shared vision for responsible resource development that balances economic opportunity with environmental protection.
“I commend the provincial leaders for their joint decision to progress the Frieda River Project,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“My government will facilitate the process responsibly and transparently, ensuring that all approvals meet the highest legal, environmental, and community standards.”
He reaffirmed that the Government remains fully committed to protecting the environment while moving the project forward.
Marape assured the people of Sepik that the Frieda River will be developed to the highest environmental management standards and that the government will not allow any mining activity to harm the Sepik River, which is the lifeline of the region.
“This commitment is also personal to me, as my wife’s family comes from the Sepik River and Chambri Lakes area, we will protect the river while ensuring responsible economic development.”
Prime Minister Marape described the Frieda River Project as one of three major mines anchoring Papua New Guinea’s northern resource corridor alongside Porgera and Ok Tedi and a key driver of the Government’s plan to responsibly unlock the country’s resource potential.
He has directed the Department of Mining to provide a full overview of all major resource projects in the region, including Mount Kare and Kili Teke, to remove non-genuine investors and resolve outstanding legal issues that have hindered progress.
“We want credible investors who are ready to responsibly develop our resources,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Now that the Sepik leaders are united on Frieda, the Government will ensure the project is advanced properly and in full compliance with national standards.”
Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged West Sepik Governor Tony Wouwou, Public Service Minister and Nuku MP Joe Sungi, Works and Highways Minister and Telefomin MP Solan Mirisim, and Culture and Tourism Minister and Vanimo-Green River MP Belden Namah, as well as other leaders from West and East Sepik, for their maturity, leadership, and cooperation in progressing the Frieda River Project.
