State Approves Permit Submission for Simberi Mine

The State has approved regulatory requirements for Simberi Mine under the Environmental Act.

Environment Conservation and Climate Change Minister Pogio Ghate and senior officials were in New Ireland recently to sign formal documents.

Ghate said people’s lifestyle are very important to the environment around them and it is crucial for the mining company to comply with regulations set by authorities.

Upon seeing the impacted areas Ghate was pleased with the work done by the mining company and acknowledged the landowners of which the project is situated, the company and other stakeholders for their efforts.

Minister Ghate said Papua New Guinea is also part of the international community to uphold multilateral commitment to conserve biodiversity and conservation.

“It is my duty to see this implemented by developers to achieve its goals as signed in the international forum,” said Ghate.

“I would like to see Simberi Mine support the Government by implementing climate change resilient strategies by thinking globally and act locally. This is critical to see the mine life extension to 2032,” said Minister Ghate.

He said it is important for the mine to continue its disposal of waste be contained in the mine proximity with no harm to the local environment.

“The mine has continued supporting the economy of Papua New Guinea and it is paramount to continue its production at the same time uphold environment obligations,” added Minister Ghate.

Ghate said the signing and issuing of approved principles paves way for the amended permit by State agencies responsible as the mine continues its operation.

Managing Director for Conservation Environment and Protection Authority(CEPA) Gunta Joku said Simberi Mine had done well and have gone through all the necessary documents, submitted the inception report, the Environment impact assessment and have prepared the environment impact statement which they have submitted.

Joku said CEPA received the impacted statement and had consulted on it before submitting to NAC for review and also other government agencies and other stakeholders for further comments.

MD Joku added that the Environmental Council (an Independent Advisory Council) are satisfied and based on that assessment were able to recommend for approval.

Simberi Mine Managing Director Randy MacMahon when acknowledging the Minister said it was better for the Minister to visit the mine and see for himself before giving the State’s backing and approval.

“It’s good to have someone in your possession that wants to ensure things are fit and proper,” said MacMahon.

He thanked the Minister for his time in visiting the mining site despite the 2022 General election period and wish him good luck for the election.