The Mineral Resource Authority estimates that there are over 70,000 small-scale miners in the country.
Given the huge numbers, the MRA has embarked on providing training through the Small Scale Mining Training Centre.
An avenue it uses to drum home the message of safe practices is through the Centre.
Located in Wau, Morobe Province, the centre was established through funding support from the European Union.
Samuel Leonhard, is a trainer at the centre.
According to Mr Leonhard, the centre has been established as an avenue to allow Papua New Guineans who are in the small scale mining industry to understand the processes involved, as well as dealing with risks associated with this activity.
“The training provides an overview of topics key topics including simple geology, mining techniques, occupational health & safety, proper use of mercury, and business skills in business management & book keeping.
An integral part of training at the Centre includes Book Keeping – all in line with efforts to build a Savings Culture among the country’s alluvial mining communities.”
And with more people expected to take up small scale mining, they are being encouraged to contact the centre to undergo training that will help them improve all facets of operations – training that is of a high standard.
