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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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New Medical Gear Boosts Children’s Care at Mt. Hagen Hospital

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Children in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands region will receive better medical care thanks to a significant donation of equipment to Mt. Hagen Hospital.

The PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE) Charity Golf Challenge, an annual fundraising event, raised over K280,000 to purchase vital medical devices for the hospital’s pediatric ward.

The new equipment includes essential tools like a phototherapy light for newborns with jaundice, portable ultrasound machines for quick diagnoses, and a patient monitor for real-time tracking.

These items will help doctors and nurses provide critical support to young patients, especially as the hospital faces a growing number of children needing care due to internal migration and conflict in the region.

Jane Holden, CEO of the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority, highlighted the urgent need for this support, explaining that the pediatric ward, originally designed for 48 beds, is now caring for over 100 children.

Despite these challenges, Mt. Hagen Hospital consistently provides high-quality care with limited funding.

Western Highlands Governor, Wai Rapa praised PNG CORE for recognizing Mt. Hagen Hospital’s vital role as a referral center for the entire Highlands region.

PNG CORE President Anthony Smaré emphasized that the donation is more than just equipment but a symbol of their commitment to supporting healthcare in regions that often go unnoticed.

This initiative, supported by various companies and the government, marks the beginning of a long-term partnership to improve healthcare for children in the Highlands.

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PNG Anti-Corruption Efforts Emphasized in Port Moresby March

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PNG CORE had four teams at the 15th Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption 2025, walking under the theme: “Integrity at the CORE: Strengthening PNG’s Resources for Generations”.

THE 2025 Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption, a powerful demonstration of collective resolve against graft, drew over 2,000 participants from 186 teams to Port Moresby on Sunday.

This annual event, spearheaded by Transparency International PNG (TIPNG), served as a vital platform for citizens, civil society, and the private sector to underscore the critical importance of integrity, transparency, and good governance in Papua New Guinea.

The Walk’s theme, “Integrity & Action Now“, resonated deeply throughout the diverse crowd, highlighting the urgent need for tangible steps in combating corruption.

Organizations like the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE), which fielded four teams, showcased their unwavering commitment to these principles.

Their banner, “Integrity at the CORE: Strengthening PNG’s Resources for Generations“, captured the sentiment that ethical leadership and responsible resource development are paramount for the nation’s future prosperity.

Men and women wearing blue shirts holding a banner during the walk of corruption
PNG CORE had four teams at the 15th Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption 2025,
walking under the theme: “Integrity at the CORE: Strengthening PNG’s Resources for Generations”.

This highly visible civic movement plays a crucial role in fostering public awareness and galvanizing collective action against corruption in all its forms.

Participants, including PNG CORE, emphasized the shared responsibility of promoting accountability and safeguarding national wealth for future generations.

The sheer numbers involved in the walk sent a clear message: that a significant portion of PNG society is united in its stance against corrupt practices.

Mrs. Pansy Taueni-Sialis, Chief Operating Officer of PNG CORE, articulated the core message of the event, echoing TIPNG Chair Peter Aitsi’s sentiments.

“Saying no to corruption starts with us and is reflected through our actions,” Taueni-Sialis stated, emphasizing the personal commitment required from every individual.

She highlighted the broad participation, including family members and students, as a testament to the growing understanding and response to the call for a corruption-free Papua New Guinea.

Beyond the symbolic march, the event also encouraged community engagement, with PNG CORE sponsoring the “Best Dressed School Team” category, won by Kopkop Lower Secondary School. This initiative further reinforced the importance of instilling values of integrity and accountability from a young age.

Kids who took part in the walk against corruption wearing white tshirts and holding blue goodie bags they won for being the best dressed group.
Students of Kopkop College with their PNG CORE merchandise bags after winning the award
for Best Dressed -School.

The enduring leadership of TIPNG in fostering a culture of accountability and civic engagement was widely commended. The 2025 Walk Against Corruption served as a powerful reminder that sustained efforts, collaborative partnerships, and a unified voice are essential in upholding the values of integrity, transparency, and sustainable development for the betterment of Papua New Guinea.

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