The New Ireland Provincial government andthe Mineral Resources Authority have discussedthe Simberi mine memorandum of agreement in Kavieng, New Ireland Province.
Central tothe talks are benefits for the landowners, affected communities andthe provincial government.
The New Ireland Province has 2 Gold mines; Simberi and Lihir. Simberi since 2009 reported a total of 4.7 million ounces of gold.
A one week meeting is currently underway on maximum benefits for landowners, affected communities andthe province.
Participants includethe Mineral Resources Authority, New Ireland Provincial governmentoSimberi Gold Company, Simberi Mining AreaLandowners and Sentral Niu Ailan LLG.
High onthe agenda isthe reviewing of each party’s undertakings committed inthe initial agreement in 1996.
The undertakings include benefit’streams, infrastructure developmentospecial support grants and royalties.
The people are more interested in business participation and positive benefits.
The Mineral Resources Authority assuredthem that government is ready to leadthe discussions and find ways forward to achieve a win-win situation for all parties.
The developer, Simberi Mining Company says it is prepared to ensure all parties particularlythe landowners were happy atthe end ofthe week.
Meantime, MRA aims to reviewthe rest of mining project MOAs this year.
Hidden Valley mine project MOA was reviewed recently. ther MOAs yet to be reviewed includethe Ramu Nickel, Lihir, Pogera, SinivitoTolokuma and Ok Tedi.
Bernadette Efi, National EMTV News
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