PNG Government not aware of Misima Mine Acquisition by OTML and Kingston
The Papua New Guinea Government has disclosed it was kept in the dark about a significant mining transaction involving Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML), Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited (KMHL), and Kingston Resources.
Prime Minister James Marape told Parliament that his administration, including the NEC and the responsible ministry, had not been consulted or informed about the K160 million purchase of the Misima Mine in Milne Bay. “I only became aware through the media and have since tasked a trustee minister to seek full details from KMHL and OTML,” he said.
The issue was raised in Parliament by Samarai Murua MP Henry Isi Leonard, who expressed concern that the local population had not given approval for the mine's sale and had only supported the renewal of exploration license EL 1747.
Criticism has mounted over OTML's involvement in the acquisition, particularly from affected communities still grappling with unresolved development issues such as neglected roads and health services. Misima’s original operator, Placer Dome, ceased operations in 2004 after 15 years of production.
Leonard warned that investment without proper geological reassessment was risky, especially given the site's long mining history. He claimed the exploration license had expired and not been revalidated.
In response, the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) clarified that EL 1747 was renewed. Managing Director Jerry Garry explained the application was submitted before the March 20 expiry, thus maintaining its validity under current mining laws.
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