The Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform and Service Delivery has held a high-profile inquiry into the integrity of alluvial gold operations in Papua New Guinea, bringing together key state regulators and industry players for a series of presentations and Q&A sessions.
The inquiry aims to address long-standing issues in the alluvial gold sector, including compliance, regulation, environmental impact and the role of state agencies in ensuring transparency and accountability. Alluvial gold mining, largely carried out by small-scale miners and local enterprises, remains a critical income stream for rural communities, but concerns about governance, environmental protection and revenue flows have triggered renewed parliamentary scrutiny.
In the first session, the Committee heard from state authorities tasked with oversight of the sector. Each agency presented its involvement in the industry, its current challenges and its approach to improving regulatory effectiveness.
These agencies included the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA), PNG Customs, National Airports Corporation (NAC) and Maritime Transport Authority.
Committee members engaged the regulators in a robust Q&A session, raising critical questions about coordination gaps, weaknesses in enforcement and opportunities for digital monitoring of gold exports.
The second session featured representatives from the alluvial gold industry, providing the Committee with first-hand perspectives from miners, enterprises and advocacy groups.
These representatives included the Artisanal Gold Council, Tribal Mining, Golden Valley Enterprise and Sustainable Alluvial Mining Services.
Industry participants also raised concerns about inconsistent enforcement of regulations, limited government support for artisanal miners and the need for stronger partnerships with state regulators.
Committee Chair and Governor of Northern Province, Garry Juffa, stressed that the inquiry was not only about uncovering challenges but also about charting a way forward for a transparent and sustainable alluvial gold sector.
The hearings emphasised the need for inter-agency collaboration, stronger compliance mechanisms and policies that balance economic benefits with environmental protection.
The Committee is expected to compile its findings into a comprehensive report with recommendations for reforms in regulation, oversight and support to small-scale miners.
The committee members are Garry Juffa (Chairman), Allan Bird, Rufina Peter, William Powi, Peter Ipatas and Marsh Narawec.
