By Julie Badui Owa – EMTV News, Lae
The Member for Bulolo and Minister for Communications Sam Basil today (July 12) told the landowners of Wafi Golpu mine to consider the environmental impacts by the mine before agreeing to views of the mine developer and the government.
He said the Hidden Valley mine that was overseen by Newcrest had outstanding issues with environmental impacts.
The member for the host District of the mine has warned the landowner groups to be careful when agreeing to the views of the mine developers and the government.
“From past experience with the Hidden Valley Gold mine, the landowners did not receive their royalties and there were various issues with environmental impacts caused by the mine.”
However, Newcrest General Manager for Social Performance Graham Hancock said they have reviewed the environmental impact statement and will make sure it will not repeat at Wafi Golpu mine.
Dr Hancock said a lot of money, time and effort was put into reviewing the statement so that they won’t repeat the same mistake.
The stakeholders of the Wafi Golpu project began their second day of consultation in a closed-door meeting this morning (July 12) at the Lae International Hotel.
