The National aka The Loggers Times | September 6, 2016
FORMER Sandaun Governor John Tekwie says the developers of the Frieda copper-gold project and the provincial government must fulfil obligations, terms and conditions under the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Government Affairs Act.
Project developer PanAust Limited lodged a special mining lease application for the Frieda River copper-gold project with the Mineral Resource Authority.
Managing director Dr Fred Hess said the lodgement of the application was a milestone in the pursuit of organic growth for the company.
Tekwie said apart from stringent legal requirements under the Mining Act for consultations and development forums, there was also the need for consultation and compliance by developers with provincial governments and landowners.
“PanAust must be reminded of its obligation for proper and full consultation with provincial leaders,” Tekwie said.
“Overseas paid junket trips for governors and MPs do nothing meaningful to the many negative realities faced after full operation (such as in the case of Bougainville, Ok Tedi and Ramu Nickel).
“This obligates investor parties and MRA to ensure that full and proper opportunity is given to our province to fully explore, ask, and know, and be included in/with all facts pertaining to the project prior to issuance of any mining lease by the minister.
“No one should ever use our Sandaun people’s non-response as to mean we are not interested.”
Yes,
I support the ideas and the interests of the landowners to be met.If such consensus are overlooked,there will be more problems of disorder as landowner issues can pop out.
You know that the wealth is in Sandaun Province and Development Plans of the Natural Landowners and the Province is of priority.If such first things first are not met then this Mining thing will still delay and will cause alot of ill feeling by the people and those who are being affected directly and indirectly.