Newly appointed Vice Minister for Mining and Rai Coast MP, Hon Peter Sapia today thanked Prime Minister Hon James Marape for his confidence in appointing him into this very important role. “It will be an honour to serve the Prime Minister and support the hardworking Minister for Mining Hon Johnson Tuke in delivering and advancing major reforms in mining and major projects within the mining space that are being driven by the Marape-Basil Government,” said Vice Minister Sapia. “The Prime Ministerial appointment, sealed with the swearing in and signing ceremony yesterday (May 11) at Government House, further affirms the solidarity of the Marape-Basil Government and our collective focus to ‘Take Back PNG’,” added Hon Sapia. “For Rai Coast specifically, I will assist Minister Tuke and the Government to expedite and progress the review of the Ramu Nickel Mine Agreement which has expired. “Mining is one of the most important sectors for our country. Under the Prime Ministers call to ‘Take Back PNG’ I am here to deliver for our people of Papua New Guinea. “In office as the Vice Minister for Mining, and as MP familiar with mining matters arising from Ramu Nickel Mine, I intend to work with Deputy Prime Minister Hon Samuel H. Basil whom is in charge of the economic sector and with the hard-working Mining Minister for economic recovery to take place sooner rather than later. “We will do this by delivering major mining projects and reforms which will ultimately benefit our landowners, and our country in creating jobs and to bring us economic independence which is a key objective of the Marape/Basil Government. “Wafi Golpu Mining Project is one of the most important projects which I will support the Minister for Mining and the current Government to successfully deliver during my time in office. “I again thank the Prime Minister for his confidence in my ability and the United Labour Party in giving us this important Vice Ministry. “May God Bless Papua New Guinea,” the new Vice Minister concluded.