In a presentation on the Wafi-Golpu deep sea tailings placement, Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Wera Mori said that Papua New Guinea’s Wafi-Golpu mining project starts production soon - five years after its construction phase. He added that block caving is the method to use for this copper/gold project.
“Upon granting of the special mining lease, it will take at least five years to construct all necessary infrastructures at a cost of approximately US$5 billion (K17.48bil) before the first ounce of gold and pound of copper are produced,” he said.
Following the recommendation of the Environment Council (EC) after the developer had met necessary environmental requirements and processes, Mori said he is set to grant Wafi-Golpu joint venture (WGJV) an environmental permit.
“The granting of the approval in principle will now pave way for the State negotiating team including representatives of the Morobe government to start discussions with the developer, WGJV, on a mine development contract,” Mori said. “The minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change has 28 days from Sept 10, the date of the environment council decision to grant the approval in principle The 28 days lapsed on Wednesday, Oct 7.”
Because no one had contested the decision of the EC during the 28-day period, Mori said that he is required to grant the approval.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Maraque urged the stakeholders to establish a waste disposal project for the Wafi-Golpu, adding that the development of this project is essential for the economy.
