The Government has refused the application by Barrick Limited to extend the Special Mining Lease for the Porgera Gold Mine, for another 20 years. Prime Minister James Marape made the announcement following a National Executive Council decision based on the recommendation of the Mining Advisory Council. | TVWAN Online

After 30 years of the Porgera Gold Mines operations, it has now gone back to landowners to have their say, on whether the Special Mining Lease application for an extension for another 20 years is approved. On Tuesday, Paiam Town was abuzz with locals from the Districts, converging to have their say on whether Barrick, through its subsidiary and mine operator, Porgera Joint Venture, can continue to operate or not. The Warden Hearing was hosted by the Mineral Resources Authority Chief Mining Warde

Barrick Niugini Ltd has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the PNG government and local communities to ensure that Porgera gold mine continues to deliver value to its stakeholders past the expiry of the Special Mining Lease on August 16, 2019. President and Chief Executive Mark Bristow, along with Zijin Executive Director and Senior Vice President George Fang, met with Prime Minister James Marape today to discuss the operation going foward. | TVWAN Online

There is a division among landowners, as to the continuity of Porgera Joint Venture, a subsidiary of Barrick Limited, as operator of the Porgera Gold Mine. Opposing views were shared, during the Porgera Mine Warden Hearing on Tuesday. Meanwhile, PJV says the economic benefits to the District, Province, and country are at risk if the lease is not renewed. | TVWAN Online

The PNG Government has yet to advise the State Negotiation Team of its options under the Mine Development Contract to put forward to Porgera Gold Mine operator, Barrick Niugini. Mineral Resources Authority Managing Director, Jerry Garry, said this when meeting with the Porgera Landowners Association in Enga Province recently. Garry said there are two processes involved one of which comes under the MRA and the other under the State. He said the process with the MRA is almost complete however, the