Milne Bey and East Sepik provinces are among a number of provinces to have new mines.
Acting Managing Director of Mineral Resources Authority Philip Samar saysthese will be realized inthe next few years.
Since 1970 mineral extraction has dominatedthe national economy. It has contributed more than six million kina every year.
Withthe exception ofthe Ok Tedi copper gold Mine, almost all ofthe mining in PNG has been gold mines.
The two largest gold mines arethe Pogera inthe Enga Province and Lihir inthe New Ireland Province. The Hidden Valley gold and silver mine inthe Morobe Province andthe Ramu Nickel cobalt mine commenced production in 2010.
Government’s Mineral Resources Authority is now looking ahead for five more mines. They will be producing gold and copper.
Acting Managing Director Philip Samar said Milne Bey and East Sepik Provinces are amongthem.
Mr. Samar saidthe mines are currently undergoing feasibility studies. They should be declared mines inthe next 5 years.
Meantime,the authority is also reviewing closed mines.
Bernadette Efi, National EMTV News
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