The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) is calling on community leaders, landowners, and small-scale miners to unite in tackling the escalating issue of unregulated alluvial mining across the country.
Unregulated alluvial mining poses a serious threat to the mining industry, local communities, and legitimate small-scale miners. Recent reports have highlighted a surge in illegal mining practices, gold smuggling, and a decline in lawful alluvial gold production, raising alarm across the sector.
In response to these developments, the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has issued a public stop-work notice targeting unauthorized alluvial mining operations involving heavy machinery.
This enforcement followed confirmed reports of individuals and companies conducting illegal mining activities in designated alluvial mining districts and other regions.
The MRA emphasized that these operations violate the Mining Act 1992 and warned that further breaches would result in legal consequences.
Echoing this regulatory stance, Mining Minister Rainbo Paita issued a strong warning to all operators:
“Operate within your permits or leave.”
Minister Paita reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance approach to illegal mining, stressing that all mining activities must comply with the terms of their permits and licenses.
He emphasized that failure to do so undermines the integrity of the sector and will not be tolerated.
PNG CORE said as the peak body representing the minerals sector, PNG CORE is deeply concerned about the environmental damage, social disruption, and economic harm caused by these unregulated activities.
“Such operations not only endanger surrounding communities but also erode sustainable development opportunities and fair competition for compliant miners.
PNG CORE urges community leaders and landowners to take proactive steps to protect their land and people’s future.
This includes refusing access to illegal miners, reporting suspicious activities to the authorities, and verifying all mining engagements with the MRA before proceeding.
Small-scale miners are also strongly encouraged to pursue legal operations by securing the necessary licenses and permits for machinery use. Legal compliance ensures safer, environmentally responsible mining practices and contributes meaningfully to both community welfare and national development. Addressing illegal and unregulated alluvial mining requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach focused on formalization, environmental stewardship, community health, and strengthened governance,” PNG CORE said.
PNG CORE Vice President Mr. Assik Tommy Tomscoll, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to responsible and sustainable development across the resources and energy sector.
“PNG CORE unequivocally condemns unregulated alluvial mining.
These activities are not only environmentally destructive and socially harmful, but also represent unfair competition that undermines legitimate, regulated alluvial miners and the broader resource sector committed to operating sustainably, safely, and in partnership with landowners and communities.
PNG CORE fully supports the national mining laws and the essential regulatory role of the Mineral Resources Authority.”
PNG CORE remains steadfast in its mission to promote responsible resource development that delivers genuine, sustainable benefits for all Papua New Guineans.