PRIME MINISTER ASSURES WAFI GOLPU MINE DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT TO BE FINALIZED
By Sandra ULG
Prime Minister James Marape has reassured the country, especially the people of Morobe that the Wafi Golpu Mine project development contract will be finalized soon.
PM Marape said this in response to questions raised by Bulolo MP Sam Basil Jr on the updates of the Wafi Golpu Mine Project on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday 18th March, 2025.
He said they are almost there as far as the mine development contract is concerned. Mine development contract proceeds with the issuance of the Special Mining Lease (SML).
He says Mine development contract really is the contract between the State for benefits that is to be passed on to Papua New Guinea beneficiaries and the investors. The structure of the agreement since Marape/Rosso government took office was always on the major principle that PNG beneficiaries take 55% and above and investors take below 55%.
The Prime Minister adds that it is no secret the government,wants to grow the economy and major project is the easiest low hanging fruit to gain on the upside to grow the economy.
He says in there are only three major issues, remaining to sort for the Wafi Golpu Project, and a 40-year mine license will be issued once these issues are resolved.
Marape apologized for the delay but says the government is negotiating for a 55% total benefit for beneficiaries in the Wafi Golpu project to give maximum return to the country, including the landowners thus the delay in signing the project.
