The initial stages towards the recommencement of the Porgera Mine will start today following a security forum which saw leaders and security forces kick off talks, hosting an audience in a call to end violence between local tribes, which may hinder the operation of the mine in the future.
Prime Minister James Marape during the forum stated that the National Government is working day and night to ensure that the mine is opened in September and may look at working on Sabbath to accomplish this.
PMJM appealed to the people of Porgera and the surrounding communities to cease fighting and tap into the spin off benefits from the mine.
“Let your children live in peace and get the benefits from the mine and stop the killings.”
The Security forum between all stakeholders was held at the Paiam oval, where the PM also urged local communities, landowners and mine lease areas to bring their issues and grieviances to the newly established Porgera Mine Development Forum in Wabag in the coming month.
He said the government would love to hear from the people and find out what they need, adding that people will share 51 percent stake in the New Porgera Mine.
“The National Government wants the next 10 years not to be wasted like the last 30 years.”
“I am sorry and we apologize for the closure of the mine for the last 4 years but it was a short-term pain for the long-term gains.”
“We have wasted 30 years with the benefits and there is nothing to show for and yet we complain for the four years of closure to negotiate for more.”
PMJM further urged the people of Porgera to stop the fighting, drop their guns and pick up businesses from the mine, warning that the Government along with the security forces will crackdown on those that would like to continue the violence.