Papua New Guinea Mining Minister Solen Loifa has urged mining companies to put worker and community safety ahead of production targets and financial returns, as the government steps up enforcement against illegal alluvial mining operations nationwide.
Speaking through Vice-Minister Sam Basil Junior at the National Emergency Response Conference (NERC) in Lae, Loifa acknowledged the mining industry's contribution to the country's economic development but stressed that responsible mining must be measured by its ability to protect workers and communities.
“Our mining industry plays an important role in our national development aspirations through employment, investment, government revenue, infrastructural development, and opportunities for our people to improve their livelihood,” Loifa said.
However, he said financial performance must never take precedence over human life.
“No mineral, no production target, and no financial return is more valuable than the life of a mine worker and the lives of people living within the local mining communities,” he said.
Loifa said the government welcomed responsible investment in the mineral sector but emphasised that safety standards must be upheld throughout corporate structures, from senior management to workers on mine sites.
“Safety cannot be left entirely to regulators. It must be demonstrated every day by management, supervisors, contractors, and workers on mine sites,” he said.
He urged mining company leaders to make emergency preparedness a boardroom priority and ensure that safety commitments were reflected in practical measures at operational sites.
The minister also called on government agencies, regulators, mining operators and emergency response professionals to work together to strengthen safety standards and protect lives.
He said Papua New Guinea's mining industry should seek global recognition not only for its mineral wealth but also for its commitment to high safety standards and the protection of workers and local communities.
Loifa commended the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) and its acting managing director, Harry Kore, for organising the NERC, describing the conference as an important platform for cooperation across the mining sector.
He said protecting workers and communities required collective responsibility among the government, regulators, industry operators and emergency response professionals.
Government launches illegal mining crackdown
The minister's call for responsible mining comes as the National Government intensifies efforts to curb illegal alluvial mining and gold smuggling through a coordinated enforcement campaign led by the MRA.
The Inter-Government Agency Team (IGAT), comprising six state agencies, launched a major compliance operation in the Wau-Bulolo region of Morobe Province on October 23.
The taskforce includes the MRA, Immigration and Citizenship Authority, PNG Customs Service, Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Conservation and Environment Protection Authority, and Bank of Papua New Guinea.
Kore, who launched the operation with MRA's executive management, said the government was taking decisive action against unauthorised mining activities.
“The State is serious about law enforcement on illegal alluvial mining operations, and we are taking a decisive action,” he said.
The operation resulted in the apprehension of Chinese nationals working for Zhong Sin Mining Ltd at Nauti village along the Watut River on October 24.
The MRA verified that the site was operating illegally, while immigration officials confirmed that the foreign nationals were working without the required authorisation.
The individuals were detained in Lae pending further processing. The company employing them and the local landowner who allegedly facilitated the operation are also subject to further investigation under the Mining Act 1992, as amended, and other applicable laws.
The MRA said the operation followed intelligence gathering and coordination among state agencies over several years, with efforts intensified in recent months.
It marks the first enforcement campaign of its kind under the merged MRA following National Executive Council Decision No. 240/2025, which tasked the authority with improving regulation and addressing illegal alluvial mining and gold smuggling.
Alluvial mining contributes to gold exports
The government estimates that more than 120,000 alluvial miners operate across Papua New Guinea, producing about 90,000 ounces of gold annually and accounting for approximately 3% of the country's total annual gold exports.
The MRA said the contribution could increase if illegal mining and gold smuggling were addressed, allowing more gold production to enter regulated channels.
Kore said tackling illegal operations and smuggling could help recover millions of kina in lost national wealth, ease foreign exchange pressures and support currency stability.
He stressed that the campaign was not intended to eliminate legitimate alluvial mining or deprive local communities of lawful livelihood opportunities.
Instead, the objective was to establish a regulated sector that supports employment, local businesses and government revenue while protecting the environment and customary landowners' interests.
The MRA urged alluvial miners to regularise their operations by securing the necessary licences, permits and approvals before commencing activities. Landowner consent must also be obtained where required under applicable laws.
The authority said enforcement priorities would include identifying unauthorised operations through inspections and investigations, and taking legal action against operators working without the required approvals.
It also called on traditional landowners, community leaders, district and provincial authorities, and the public to report suspected illegal mining activities.
Kore said legitimate foreign investors remained welcome in Papua New Guinea, consistent with the Investment Promotion Act, but compliance with national mining laws and policies was non-negotiable.
The MRA said it would provide logistical and institutional support to IGAT as the government expands the campaign nationwide.
The authority said enforcement would be complemented by public awareness, accessible licensing processes, environmental management, community engagement and the development of lawful livelihood opportunities.
It urged miners to comply with regulatory requirements, warning that those who continued to operate illegally could face enforcement action and penalties under applicable legislation.
