PORGERA GOLD MINE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT CONTINUES TO FAIL

By Naomi TAKOMA

The long-standing Community Development Agreement (CDA) for the Porgera Gold Mine remains incomplete despite multiple attempts to finalize it. The issue was raised in Parliament, where Member for Lagaip, Aimos Akem, pressed Mining Minister and Member for Jimi, Wake Goi, for a definite timeline on its conclusion.

Akem highlighted that the CDA had failed six times and still lacked resolution. He also raised concerns over the delayed mine resettlement process, which has left villagers from Kulapi, Panedaka, and Alpis living within the Special Mining Lease (SML) area for 30 years. This has led to illegal miners occupying these areas, causing security threats and disruptions at the Porgera mine. He urged the government to provide a clear deadline for resolving these issues.

In response, Mining Minister Wake Goi assured Parliament that 95% of the CDA had been completed, with only minor outstanding issues. He cited a report from the Mineral Resource Authority (MRA), which indicated that the agreement should be finalized by the end of this month or next.

Addressing the resettlement issue, Goi acknowledged the significant disruptions caused by illegal miners. While some progress had been made in relocating affected villagers, funding shortages continued to hinder the process. He projected that improvements could be seen by June or July once necessary funds were secured. Goi emphasized that his department was working diligently to resolve these challenges.

With growing frustrations from affected communities, the government’s commitment to completing the CDA and ensuring proper resettlement remains under scrutiny. Residents and stakeholders now await concrete action to address these long-standing issues.