THE Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) is urging a unified effort from community leaders, landowners, and small-scale miners to combat the growing problem of unregulated alluvial mining across the nation.
This call comes amidst increasing concerns about the negative impact on the mining industry, local communities, and legitimate small-scale operators.
Recent reports have highlighted a concerning rise in illegal mining activities, including gold smuggling, which has coincided with a decline in lawful alluvial gold production. This trend has raised alarms throughout the sector, prompting swift action from regulatory bodies.
MRA Issues Stop-Work Notice
In response to these developments, the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has issued a public stop-work notice specifically targeting unauthorized alluvial mining operations that utilize heavy machinery.
This enforcement action follows confirmed reports of individuals and companies engaging in illegal mining within designated alluvial mining districts and other regions.
The MRA emphasized that these operations are in direct violation of the Mining Act 1992 and warned that continued breaches would lead to legal consequences.
Government Takes Hard Stance
Mining Minister Rainbo Paita issued a stern warning to all operators “Operate within your permits or leave.”
Paita reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance approach to illegal mining, underscoring that all mining activities must adhere to the terms of their permits and licenses.
He stressed that failure to comply undermines the integrity of the sector and will not be tolerated.
PNG CORE Highlights Broader Concerns
As the leading representative body for the minerals sector, PNG CORE is deeply concerned about the environmental degradation, social disruption, and economic damage caused by these unregulated activities.
Such operations not only endanger surrounding communities but also hinder sustainable development opportunities and create unfair competition for compliant miners.
PNG CORE is appealing to community leaders and landowners to proactively safeguard their land and the future of their people.
This includes denying access to illegal miners, reporting suspicious activities to authorities, and verifying all mining engagements with the MRA before proceeding.
Small-scale miners are also strongly encouraged to pursue legal operations by securing the necessary licenses and permits for machinery use.
PNG CORE states that legal compliance ensures safer and environmentally responsible mining practices, contributing meaningfully to both community welfare and national development.
Coordinated Action Essential
Addressing illegal and unregulated alluvial mining requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach. Key areas of focus include formalization of operations, environmental stewardship, community health, and strengthened governance.
“PNG CORE unequivocally condemns unregulated alluvial mining.
“These activities are not only environmentally destructive and socially harmful, but also represent unfair competition that undermines legitimate, regulated alluvial miners and the broader resource sector committed to operating sustainably, safely, and in partnership with landowners and communities.
“PNG CORE fully supports the national mining laws and the essential regulatory role of the Mineral Resources Authority,” said PNG CORE Vice President, Assik Tommy Tomscoll.
