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The Essential Role of PNG’s Mineral Resources Authority

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MRA logo ontop of a backdrop of alluvial mining picture

The Mineral Resources Authority is a government agency responsible for executing all mining-related functions on behalf of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. The authority is the custodian of the mining sector in PNG. MRA accounts for over 60% of PNG’s export revenue. 

Established right after Independence on September 16, 1975, the Independent State of PNG had its own Parliamentary system with several Members of Parliament appointed to Ministries, including Natural Resources, which had the Department of Natural Resources. 

The department administered;

  1. Mining Development Act 1976
  2. Petroleum (Prospecting & Mining) Act 1976
  3. Continental Shelf (Living & Natural Resources) Act
  4. Mining (Bougainville Copper Agreement) Act, and
  5. Mining (Safety) Act 1977

In 1983, the Ministry of Natural Resources was realigned and renamed, to the Ministry of Mineral and Energy. The department under the ministry was the Department of Minerals & Energy that administered all legislation under the former department of natural resources. 

In 1992, during the reign of Sir Robbie Natalie as the Prime Minister of PNG, the department reviewed the Mining Development Act 1976 that resulted in the creation of a new legislation, which is the current Mining Act 1992. 

In 1998, the Government, under the leadership of former Prime Minister when late Bill Skate was the Prime Minister, the separated mineral resources and petroleum & energy.  resources and their office stations separated. All mineral resources sector and its relevant legislations were placed under the new Department of Mining and petroleum and energy legislations were under the Department of Petroleum and Energy. 

In the year 2000, the World Bank gave USD$10 million loan to the PNG Government for the Mining Sector Institutional Strengthening Project with the primary aim to strengthen the national capacity of national government agencies to attract new foreign investors to the mining sector. One of the recommendations was to establish an Authority, an organization free of political interference with its own funds from the production levies collected from the mines, which led to the birth of the Mineral Resources Authority. 

In 2005, the Government enacted the Minerals Resources Authority Act 2005. This legislation paved the way for the birth of the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA). 

Until 2007, MRA became operational, from its brand new building known as the Sir Paul Lapun Haus, commonly called the Mining Haus. Unfortunately, the building burnt down in 2014. The cause is still unknown. 

MRA currently administer the following legislations;

  1. Mining Act 1992
  2. Mining (Safety) Act 1977
  3. Mining (OkTedi Continuation Agreement) Act 2001. 

MRA FUNCTIONS & APPROACH

On 19th August 1998, the National Executive Council (NEC) considered a Policy Submission requesting approval for the creation of the Mineral Resources Authority through an Act of Parliament. On 9th November 2005 and which came into force on 1st January, 2006.

The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) is a government institution established to regulate, grow and sustainably manage the mining (minerals) industry to maximize mineral export revenue for PNG. 

MRA’s key functions and responsibilities is to;

  1. Advise Minister on matters relating to management, exploitation, and development of PNG mineral resources in PNG. 
  2. Oversee administration and enforcement of Mining Act 1992, Mining Safety Act, Mining Development Act, Ok Tedi Acts and Bougainville Copper Agreement Act (whose responsibility is now with the Bougainville government).
  3. Promote orderly exploration and development of PNG mineral resources, and administer and manage all exploration and mining tenements in PNG.
  4. Negotiate mining development contracts and MOAs, provide liaison and facilitate meetings between stakeholders of specific exploration and mining projects.
  5. Conduct geo-scientific investigations into PNG geological resources and promote these resources to potential investors and developers.
  6. Provide small scale mining services. 

According to MRA, successful mining and exploration requires a good understanding and respect for the diversity of the country, both win terms of cultures and socio-economic contexts, as well as biodiversity and natural characteristics. 

MRA assists companies in abiding by existing legislation in this regard, and in providing overall advice, and in expertise which has been built up from work conducted throughout PNG.

Meanwhile, MRA is principally a government regulatory institution providing regulatory services to companies holding exploration and ming tenements in PNG. 

MRA is also a scientific institution conducting surveys and explorations to understand better the geology and mineralization of PNG. It is the custodian of all mineral and other earth sciences data in PNG. 

WHAT MRA DOES

The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) is a government institution established to regulate, growth and sustainably manage the mining (minerals) industry to maximize mineral export revenue for PNG. MRA is the custodian of over 15, 000 volumes of exploration reports and over 900,000 data points of mineral data. It is the first point of contact for any businesses in the mining sector. 

As the mining business encroaches on customary land, local communities are impacted one way or the other, and with the perceptions and expectations on improvement of their lives. The MRA plays an important role in facilitating and managing these perceptions and expectations. It is the middleman for all stakeholders in the mining and exploration and related activities. 

PERMITS

The Tenements Administration Branch is headed by a manager who is also the Registrar of tenements. The Register’s Office administers the PNG Mining Act 1992 which is the Law that regulated mineral exploration and mining in PNG. 

Apart from administering permits, the branch also oversees the revenue from alluvial gold exports. It also maintains a repository of mine production and royalty data. The permitting process will be fully electronic soon should the revised Law is enacted. 

TYPE OF TENEMENTS

There are various types of Mineral Tenements provided for under the Mining Act 1992 which are issued by the Mining Minister on recommendation from the Mining Advisory Council. These tenements are;

  1. Exploration License (EL) – enables the holder to conduct mineral exploration within the area on land and offshore within the State of PNG. The license term is two years subject to extension. The area six is 1 sub block or 3.14 square kilometers minimum. The rights to develop mineral resources within the EL rests with the EL holder. Alluvial Mining lease is held only by naturalized citizens for mining 
  2. Mining Lease (ML) – a mining Lease is generally issued for small to medium scale alluvial and hard rock mining operations. The lease terms up to 20-years and can subsequently be extended for up to 10-years. The area size sis up to 60 square kilometers. Mining lease for hard rock resource development can be held 100% by a foreign entity. Mining lease for alluvial purpose with foreign interests can be had in the ration 49%:51% favouring nationals.
  3. Special Mining Lease – Large and mega mining projects are usually undertaken under a SML. The Mining Minister in considering the size of the mineral deposit, the method of treating it, the infrastructure required for the project, economic consideration and financing of the property may decide on the project being undertaken under mining development contract. The mining development contract is entered into between the State and the project proponent and it captures terms not already captured in the mining law. The decision by the Minister brings about a mining development forum where the terms of the contract are negotiated.
  4. Alluvial Mining Lease (AML) – this lease is held only by naturalized citizens for mining alluvial minerals. The citizen must be the owner of the land over which the lease falls. The area size can be up to five hectares maximum and the term of the lease is up to five years extendable Gold is the alluvial mineral usually mined under an AML. With no alluvial minerals definition in the mining law, it is generally perceived all other alluvial minerals are inclusive. 
  5. Lease for Mining Purpose (LMP) – LMPS are leases that hold infrastructure that support mining projects. The lease is usually issued outside but adjacent to a primary mining tenement, if the primary tenement cannot hold all the infrastructure required for the mining project. The term of the LMP is tied to the term of the primary tenement. The area size of the LMP can go up to 60 square kilometers maximum. 
  6. Mining Easement (ME) – A tenement that serves as an easement for infrastructure that supports a mining project. An easement may overlap other establishments. The intent is to excise certain land areas from the establishments for the purpose of the easement. Easements usually caters for infrastructure that requires narrow lateral extent but covers long distances such as roads, railway, power transmission lines, pipelines, waterways, to name a few.

PROCESS FOR APPLYING FOR A MINING LEASE

  1. Register on the MRA Portal
  2. Submit a lease application with supporting documents including proposals, financial and technical capacity evidence, land title information;
  3. Mining Warden Hearing where community views are recorded, and 
  4. Recommendation by the Mining Advisory Council
  5. Final grant or refusal by the relevant authority. 

MRA Use of Templates/Forms

Form 4: For a standard Mining Lease

Form 5: For an Alluvial Mining Lease

Form 3: For a Special Mining Lease

Form 8/17: Used for application particulars and boundary descriptions

Form TMP1: For online portal registration. 

These forms are available from the MRA website or head office in Port Moresby. 

MRA has five (5) Divisions

  1. Development Coordination Division
  2. Regulatory Operations Division
  3. Geological Survey Division
  4. Corporate Services Division
  5. Office of the Managing Director 

The Managing Director is responsible to the Board for matters relating to administration and institution of the MRA including its day to day operation and activities.  The Managing Director is responsible for the Minister relating to the implementation of the provisions of the Mining Act 1992 and all mining regulatory or policy matters.

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Calls Grow for United Front Against Illegal Alluvial Mining in PNG

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Alluvial Mining site - muddy river bank

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.

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MRDC is Platinum Sponsor for PNG Resources Week 2025

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Mineral Resources Development Company Managing Director, Augustine Mano.

The Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) has confirmed its significant role in the upcoming 2025 PNG Resources Week, stepping up as a Platinum Sponsor.

This move, announced by the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE), highlights MRDC’s continued investment in the national conversation surrounding resource development and its impact on communities.

MRDC’s sponsorship is a contribution that supports PNG CORE’s function as a central platform for the resource sector.

PNG CORE facilitates vital discussions among landowners, communities, government, the private sector, academia, and industry leaders. This collaboration is essential for addressing challenges and opportunities within Papua New Guinea’s development landscape.

MRDC’s financial backing directly enables PNG CORE to host high-profile events like PNG Resources Week, providing a necessary forum for these diverse voices.

Sponsorship Aligns with Community Investment Record

The theme for the 2025 PNG Resources Week, “50 Years of Resources Building PNG Communities,” directly aligns with MRDC’s established track record of community investment. Since 2018, MRDC has committed nearly K80 million through its Community Investment Trust Fund (CITF).


These investments have supported infrastructure projects in key areas such as education, health, social and economic programs, and renewable resources. Such initiatives play a role in augmenting government services and contributing to improved quality of life in communities affected by resource operations.

Perspectives on the Partnership

PNG CORE Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Pansy Taueni-Sialis, acknowledged the sponsorship’s practical benefits.

“We thank MRDC for coming on board as a Platinum Sponsor for the 2025 PNG Resources Week. Their support enables PNG CORE to continue creating platforms that unite stakeholders and spark transformative conversations.

MRDC’s work in reinvesting in communities and advocating for landowner interests resonates strongly with our mission to capture the hearts and minds of Papua New Guineans. Together, we are building a legacy of pride, progress, and partnership in the resource sector.”

Augustine Mano, Managing Director of Mineral Resources Development Company, emphasized the event’s importance for landowners. “We have been a long-standing partner of PNG CORE and a major sponsor of its initiatives. The event is an important platform for our landowners to engage, share experiences, and collaborate in areas of mutual interest,” Mano stated.

MRDC’s Platinum sponsorship provides substantial support for the 2025 PNG Resources Week, ensuring the event can effectively gather key stakeholders to discuss and influence the future of PNG’s resource industry. The PNG Resources Golden Exhibition will also feature prominently, marking half a century of development in the nation’s resource sectors.




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Pope Francis emphasizes equal sharing of resources

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Pope Francis emphasize equal sharing of resources

Papua New Guinea is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, a proclamation even Pope Francis acknowledges.

But Papua New Guinea is also challenged with socio-economic developments that do not reach the rural majority despite the presence of numerous extractive industries.

The Pontiff in his remarks this morning at the APEC Haus said Papua New Guinea besides consisting of islands and languages, is also rich in natural resources.

“These goods are destined by God for the entire community.

“Even if outside experts and large international companies must be involved in the harnessing of these resources, it is only right that the needs of local people are given due consideration when distributing the proceeds and employing workers, to improve their living conditions.

“These environmental and cultural treasures represent at the same time a great responsibility, because they require everyone, civil authorities and all citizens, to promote initiatives that develop natural and human resources in a sustainable and equitable manner,” said Pope Francis.

Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae in acknowledging the work of the Catholic Church in the country also requested the Pope in his capacity as a world leader to help advocate on Climate Change and its impacts that is felt by small island nations like PNG.

“Climate change is real and is affecting the lives of our people in the remote Islands of Papua New Guinea.

“Across the Pacific, islands are sinking and are affected and displaced.

“We seek your prayers and support for global action and advocacy on climate change, we need to let the world know that there is no more time.

“What the world needs is commitment for action,” Sir Bob said.

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CANCONEX Allows for Informative Conversations

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CANCONEX

President of the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy or PNG CORE, Anthony Smare says the Community Affairs and National Content Conference and Expo or CANCONEX is a safe space for uncomfortable courageous conversations.

Smare made the comment during the conclusion of the 2024 National Community Affairs & National Content Conference & Expo. CANCONEX, the conference and Expo started on the 1st and ended on the 3rd of July, and was hosted by the University of Papua New Guinea.

There were presentations by companies and stakeholders in the Mining, Petroleum and Energy sectors, and afterwards panel discussions, creating interaction between Resource Landowners, activists and Major Companies in the extractive and Energy industries.

With the focus on Community Affairs and Local Content, discussions on challenges and innovations in improving and addressing issues of national interest, that affect resource landowners and companies alike, were presented to over a thousand attendees over the three days.

One of the highlights of the CANCONEX was a continuation of last years inaugural CANCONEX in Lae, which featured the Issues of Bougainville; this years edition also welcomed the resource landowners from Bougainville and key partners which included the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), the Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) and the Panguna Land Owners.

Sensitive discussions on the legacy issues of the Panguna mine and the progress of reopening the mine took center stage, with the audience very much in tune.

The President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), Ishmael Toroama, was present, he gave a speech and later the president was part of a panel discussion with BCL, and representatives of the Landowners, which included Theonila Roka Matbob, member for the Ioro Constituency in Central Bougainville, which is part of the Panguna mine area.

President of the PNG CORE, Anthony Smare on stage during CANCONEX 2024

President of PNG CORE, Anthony Smare was invested in the conversations and facilitated the panel discussion, on Bougainville issues, he stressed during the closing of CANCONEX that the discussions were informative and very diverse.

“We need safe spaces for uncomfortable courageous conversations, we saw this in the session, the ABG President was here and Bougainville Copper Limited was here, BCL was not welcome back to Bougainville for 20 years, But I was surprised to hear them say that, mining was essential to grow their economy, as the President had said.

“But they were doing it in a way that they knew they had legacy issues and through processes such as remediation in which the people and the ABG are involved in, and that illustrates the importance of having safe spaces where extremely diverse views can be heard where people don’t take it personally but they realize its important to build a future where people feel included and they own that future,” Smare added.

With the convergence of resource owners and companies together not all views are agreed to, but like the President of PNG CORE alluded to in his closing remarks, the convention attendees are always expected to keep an open mind when observing discussions.

“I salute the companies that support this and that sponsor this, because they know that the people that are most uncomfortable with these conversations are the companies themselves, when they hear being mentioned.

“CANCONEX is successful because of what we want people to commit to when they come in, which is to open your mind to opinions which you don’t agree with, with people you don’t necessarily agree with or that you think you have nothing in common with, someone you have never met before, and this event only works because of the commitment the attendees make, you attend all the sessions and you talk to the interns the CEOs, Resource Landowners and community activists you have a whole spectrum that come here,” Smare added.

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Natural Resources

Preserving Papua New Guinea’s Ecosystems: MAKATA Takes a Stand Against Sand Mining to Safeguard Biodiversity and Leatherback Turtles

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Huge leatherback turtle.

Environmental advocate Wenceslaus Magun has sounded the alarm over the potential negative impacts of sand mining on biodiversity and local communities in the Sumgilbar Area of Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The region, spanning 51 kilometers from Murunas to Tokain in the Sumgilbar LLG of Sumkar District Madang, is under threat from the growing sand mining industry, particularly in the absence of a regulatory framework, allowing large-scale operations to proceed unchecked.

“Unregulated sand mining threatens both marine and terrestrial ecosystems in the Sumgilbar Area,” Magun stated.

Vanansius Barrar of Murukanam village Sumkar District says his village is under threat from logging activities and now sand mining is becoming a threat for locals who depend on the marine life for sustenance.

Sand mining, a rapidly expanding sector in PNG, poses significant environmental risks in the Sumgilbar Area, covering both land and sea territories, including crucial bodies of water like the Gilagi River.

The lack of comprehensive policies exacerbates challenges, with limited monitoring and transparency regarding sand extraction activities and the involved parties.

“The absence of effective policies and monitoring mechanisms enables unsustainable practices that jeopardize the environment,” added Magun.

Contrary to popular belief, sand is not a renewable resource and unregulated extraction poses immediate threats such as habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.

The environmental risks include coastal erosion, degradation of marine ecosystems, and disruption of freshwater systems.

Social risks are equally alarming, especially for communities’ dependent on the sea for food and finance.

Huge Leatherback Turtle laying in the sand. [[PHOTO FILE: Wenceslaus Magun]]

These risks include the depletion of fish stocks, loss of livelihoods, and the erosion of cultural practices tied to marine environments.

“Communities relying on these ecosystems face severe socio-economic impacts,” Magun emphasized.

Academic researcher, Ms. Winnifred Duk, currently pursuing a PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Goroka, supports this view.

“As sand protects the environment and is not a renewable resource, the large scale of mining sand would bring environmental concerns, and social and economic impacts, including the direct habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity,” says Duk.

The negative consequences of sand mining are profound. They encompass forced migration, loss of fertile land, increased social issues, and regulatory challenges linked to illegal operations.

The loss of biodiversity can lead to the collapse of local ecosystems, further endangering species like the leatherback turtle and undermining the food security of local communities.

“The threat to biodiversity and local livelihoods is immediate and requires urgent intervention,” Magun warned.

Another local, Willie Mayng, said their land is a conservation area and is a nesting zone for the endangered leatherback turtles.

The absence of policies governing sand mining in PNG is a critical issue requiring urgent attention.

The government’s acknowledgment of this lack underscores the need for a shift towards sustainable practices prioritizing ecosystem preservation.

“Without a proper regulatory framework, the detrimental effects of sand mining will continue unchecked,” Magun urged.

In response to the environmental concerns, Wenceslaus Magun, in collaboration with the Turtle Island Restoration Network, initiated the Sea Turtles Restoration Project in Karkum village.

This project aims to prevent the loss of endangered sea turtles, marine habitats, ecosystems and biodiversity while restoring food sources and promoting alternative economic opportunities.

“Our focus is on protecting both the environment and the community’s livelihood,” Magun explained.

The project’s primary goal is to involve resource owners in marine and near-shore resource management plans and empower indigenous communities to actively preserve their environment.

This not only benefits endangered species like leatherback turtles but also supports the livelihoods of the people.

Group of men standing next to a huge leatherback turtle in the water.
PHOTO FILE: Provided by Wenceslaus Magun.

Magun and his team emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage and traditional practices intertwined with the environment.

“Integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation efforts is key to our success,” stated Magun.

The project seeks sustainable solutions that balance community needs with environmental protection, aiming to raise awareness about the significance of preserving endangered species and promoting alternative income sources.

Through the Sea Turtles Restoration Project, Magun and his team collaborated with the Turtle Island Restoration Network to establish the MAKATA Association, a local NGO sustaining the project.

MAKATA ensures the vision of saving, protecting and restoring endangered leatherback sea turtles and marine resources is achieved; allowing inhabitants to sustainably utilize these resources for improved lifestyles in harmony with their cultures and spirituality.

“By fostering sustainable practices, we can ensure a better future for both people and nature,” Magun affirmed.

On November 17, 2008, representatives from each of the four clans in Karkum village signed a conservation deed, granting them more control over their resources.

This deed maintains customary practices, empowering them to be direct custodians and stewards of their resources.

The conservation deed enables them to assert their customary rights, respond to threats, and actively manage land and sea to protect important areas while recording and safeguarding traditional knowledge.

“The conservation deed is a crucial step in empowering local communities to protect their heritage and environment”. Magun concluded.

**This article was produced with the support of Internews Earth Journalism Network**

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Environment

ACT NOW! reveals evidence of illegal logging in ENB

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ACT NOW! reveals evidence of more illegal logging in new case study

ACT NOW! has released another case study report that reveals more illegal logging under the pretext of agriculture development.

This new report titled “A New Forest Grab” focuses on the Mengen agriculture project in East New Britain Province.

ACT NOW! says the report reveals how a Malaysian owned logging company, KK Connections, has used highly suspicious claims that will establish a forest plantation and agriculture projects to obtain a Forest Clearing Authority (FCA), which it is now using as cover to export thousands of cubic meters of round logs.

An FCA is only supposed to be used to allow the clearing of small, discrete areas of forest for agriculture or other land use changes, but satellite images analyzed by ACT NOW reveal the logging company in the Mengen area is roaming over a large area, selectively felling and extracting valuable timber with no forest clearance or agriculture planting.

The second report follows its first report, Ten Years Without a Crop, published last month in conjunction with Jubilee Australia.

The first report according to ACT NOW! revealed how another Malaysian-owned logging company, Global Elite Limited who has already sold US$31 million (115 million kina) worth of round logs from the Wammy FCA in West Sepik Province, but has not established promised palm oil or rubber plantations.

ACT NOW!’s Campaign Manager Eddie Tanago said to make matters worse, both reports highlight how the FCA logging operations have been approved by the PNG Forest Authority without the informed consent of a significant proportion of customary landowners.

He said just last week, Prime Minister Marape again reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the protection and sustainable management of our forest resources, yet the PNG Forest Authority is continuing to allow illegal logging across the entire country.

ACT NOW! Is calling on the PNG Forest Authority to cancel the Forest Clearing Authorities for both the Mengen and Wammy projects and to impose a moratorium on logging in all FCA areas.

In total there are 24 active FCA logging operations across nine Provinces which cover an average area of 61,849 hectares, the equivalent of more than 11,000 rugby fields.

Eddie Tanago, said: “FCAs are routinely being used as a loophole to authorize the theft of PNG’s forests. We call on the National Forest Board and PNG Forest Authority to extend the current moratorium on new FCAs, suspend logging in all existing FCAs and conduct a comprehensive public review of the projects”.

ACT NOW says it is also calling on the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Fraud squad to open investigations into these illegal logging operations as they are continuing under the supervision of Forest Authority officers.

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Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Process in Judicial Review

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Process in Judicial Review

There’s notable development made in the ongoing discussions between the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) in relation to the Judicial Review Dialogue.

This includes the appointment of five Bougainvillean directors to reflect it’s local representatation.

“I am pleased to advise that good progress has been made in our ongoing discussions with Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) aimed at amicably ending long-running Judicial Review proceedings in the National Court of PNG, “said Toroama.

In January 2018, the Bougainville Government refused an extension of BCL’s exploration licence (ELO1).

In April 2018, the Court granted a leave to BCL for a judicial review of the decision.

Toroama said much has happened since then, including the historic referendum that’s paving Bougainville’s path to independence.

“BCL has also continued its transition as a local company, and the ABG currently has 36.45% shareholding in BCL. Through this, the process of transferring another 36.45% presently held by the National Government started,” said Toroama.

Judicial Review
Panguna Mine Pit

In total, the ABG and people of Bougainville are set to have a 72.9% ownership stake in BCL.

As a result, the ABG and BCL have agreed on terms for a deed of settlement that would result in BCL ending the judicial review proceedings once the parties have delivered on a series of undertakings.

These include BCL contributing funds to assist Panguna reburials and reactivating the Bougainville Copper Foundation education scholarships program.

For its part, the ABG has agreed, consistent with the Bougainville Mining Act 2015, to reconsider BCL’s EL01 extension application with a view to extending the exploration licence for five years.

“It must be stressed that this would NOT be a mining licence; the issuance of which is subject to a separate process. BCL has agreed to file a notice with the court for the discontinuance of the Judicial Review,” said Toroama.

An extension of EL01 will allow BCL to continue its program of community support and work cooperatively with the ABG, landowners and the broader community to achieve mutual goals.

An abandoned bridge near the once busy mining area of Panguna.

Any future redevelopment of Panguna under a mining licence will inevitably require the involvement of many project partners. The ABG will continue to progress dialogue with landowners and important stakeholders in preparation for the eventual granting of a mining licence in the near future.

In the meantime, required feasibility related activities must be progressed under an exploration licence; these activities will take years to complete before the project sees actual mining development stage.

“Panguna is also a Bougainville-wide agenda given its relationship with the Bougainville Crisis. This fact, coupled with evidence of strong backing across Bougainville from prior consultative forums undertaken by the ABG in North, Central and South Bougainville supports my decision to pursue this path as President,” President Toroama said.

Related: https://insidepng.com/key-bougainville-plans/

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Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Identifying Marine Boundaries

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Coastal Water Survey

Teams conducting the Coastal Water Survey in Bougainville have been deployed to all three districts in the Region.

The survey is vital as it will allow the transfer of fisheries powers from the National Fisheries Department, to the Autonomous Bougainville Government and will be carried out within three nautical miles in Bougainville.

This move is considered a significant progress towards Bougainville’s political aspirations, especially in defining territorial sovereignty and rights through the reference coordinates for baseline, internal waters and coastal waters.

It is being facilitated through the ABG Department of Primary Industries & Marine Resources, the National Fisheries Authority, the National Department of Justice and Attorney General, the National Maritime Safety Authority and the Geoscience Energy & Maritime (GEM) Division of Pacific Community (SPC).

The findings of this survey will help Bougainville in mapping its coastal hazards or disasters such as tsunamis in coastal communities.

The Coastal Waters Survey is aligned with the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for formalizing maritime boundaries. By aligning with UNCLOS, this enhances Bougainville’s standing on the international stage.

Being a martime region, the ABG believes this survey will enhance maritime services, regulate shipping, and boost economic development

An additial bonus the survey gives the maritime benefits, is that the Coastal Water Survey adds value for future land demarcation, paving way for development, including road infrastructure projects

Coastal Water Survey | Identifying Marine Boundaries | Inside PNG News

Related: https://insidepng.com/coastal-waters-survey/

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Business

8th Pacific Tuna Forum 2023 commences in Port Moresby

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8th Pacific Tuna Forum Kicks off in Port Moresby

THE Acting Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning, John Rosso, officially opened the 8th Pacific Tuna Forum this morning in Port Moresby in the presence of Ministers and Departmental Heads from the fisheries sectors across the Pacific region.

Under the theme, “Strengthening Tuna Sustainability and Industry development in the ‘Blue Pacific Continent’ through increased innovation, partnership and participation”, stakeholders will address challenges faced by the regional tuna industry and chart a course forward for the future of the tuna resource and whole industry.

Managing Director of the Papua New Guinea National Fisheries Authority said, the last Tuna Forum in 2019 was disrupted by Covid-19 but this year’s conference is well represented by all the Pacific nations.

“Pacific island countries value the importance of maintaining dialogue. These meetings have assisted countries in the region to come together and develop common positions and strategies to ensure the sustainable management of tuna in our region”, Ilakini said.

Mr Phil Roberts, Chairman of the 8th Pacific Tuna Forum and Board Director of Tri Marine International Pte Ltd, Singapore who described PNG as a ‘True leader in Pacific Industry and tuna management’ said the challenge now is maintaining the momentum whilst facing global challenges such as climate change and the developments in the industry through the creation of jobs and economic activity.

Head of event organizing Partners

“Fisheries in the Western Pacific is the best managed in the world, there’s a lot to do but I feel optimistic,” he said.

The Pacific Tuna forum is known for its impact on the sustainable management of tuna resources and preserving the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.

The two-day forum will focus on key areas including Sustainable fisheries management; Ecosystem Conservation; Climate Resilience; Market Access and Trade; and Indigenous and Local Knowledge.

Expected outcomes from the forum discussions include Policy Recommendations, Innovative Solutions, Stakeholder Collaboration and Public Awareness for Tuna Fishing and Marine Resource sectors in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.

The 8th Pacific Tuna forum is organized by the National Fisheries authority of Papua New Guinea with INFOFISH and regional partners including the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Parties to the Nauru Agreement Organization and the PNG Fishing Industry Association.

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