Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI) has thrown its support behind the Government’s decision to delay the passage of the Gold Cooperation Bill and seek wider stakeholder consultation. Mining Minister Muguwa Dilu at the consultation workshop on 15th April said that all stakeholders would have the chance to provide proposals for amending the controversial Gold Corporation Bill. Stakeholders are expected to submit their recommendations for the possible amendments to the bill in the next 6 months, before it reaches the parliament. PNGEITI Executive Director Mr. Lucas Alkan said there must be transparency in all phases of discussions and recommendations by both government and stakeholders in the lead up to the amendment and even to the passage of the bill. According to Mr. Alkan, this is a significant bill as it will support the economic growth in Papua New Guinea (PNG), which will include the establishment of a gold refinery and downstream processing of all natural resources into finished goods suitable for export. “We applaud the administration for delaying the passage of this measure in order to hear input from the stakeholders and suggestions regarding the modifications of this legislation,” he stated. “PNGEITI plays an important role in promoting good governance in the country’s extractive sector and therefore, it is our wish to see all discussions and recommendations done in a transparent manner,” said Mr. Alkan. Mr. Alkan also called on the government to disclose content of the deal made with a company from Singapore, Refinery Holdings Pte Limited. The PNGEITI Executive Director concluded by saying that the interest of the mines, the government, and the stakeholders among other parties concerned, must be catered for in these proposed amendments to the bill.