Papua New Guinea Nears Finalization of Porgera Mine Community Agreement
Papua New Guinea is closing in on the final stages of completing the community development agreement (CDA) for the Porgera mine, with Mining Minister Wake Goi confirming that the document is 95 percent finalized.
Speaking in Parliament on Friday, Goi expressed confidence that the agreement would be ready by the end of this month or early next month. He described the remaining five percent as minor issues that need to be resolved to prevent them from escalating into larger challenges. A report from the Mineral Resource Authority (MRA) also indicated that the CDA is nearly complete and on track for finalization.
The update came in response to questions raised by Lagaip MP Aimos Akem, who sought an update on the progress of the agreement between New Porgera Ltd (NPL) and the communities surrounding the mine. Akem also pressed the government on whether plans were in place to resettle residents living near the special mining lease (SML) area, many of whom have been affected by ongoing conflicts and illegal mining activities.
“There are illegal miners operating within the SML zone, causing significant disruptions,” Akem said. “These communities have not yet been relocated, and this issue must be addressed within the framework of the CDA.”
Minister Goi acknowledged the difficulties posed by the presence of illegal miners and admitted that maintaining control over the region had been a persistent challenge. He noted that resettlement efforts had been progressing slowly but assured lawmakers that solutions were being actively pursued.
“The company wants to move forward, but there have been numerous obstacles,” Goi explained. “We are working to improve the situation, and by June or July, we expect to see advancements in identifying suitable land and securing funding for the resettlement of affected families.”
The Porgera mine continues to play a pivotal role in Papua New Guinea’s economy, underscoring the importance of finalizing the CDA and addressing the needs of local communities. The government has pledged to balance supporting the mine’s operations with ensuring the welfare of those impacted by its activities.
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