PNG to discipline mining companies in breach of mining laws

Posted by PNG Today

Papua New Guinea Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Geoffrey Kama has informed stakeholders that his Ministry and the Department of Environment and Climate Change will strictly follow the existing laws to discipline any mining companies in breach of any laws governing the mining industry and there are no short cuts in shutting down the mines.

Kama said this when meeting with the Basamuk landowners on Sunday last week at Basamuk Refinery in the Rai Coast District of Madang province.

He went to have an independent assessment on the Refinery’s’ Saturday 24 August slurry spill into the Basamuk harbor. His senior officers including Managing Director of CEPA, Gunther Joku and deputy managing director, Michael Maue including Madang Governor Peter Yama accompanied him to Basamuk.

Ramu NiCo President Gao Yongxue and his vice president Wang Baowen received the minister and his delegation in Madang and accompanied them to Basamuk.

This is the second visit of a senior state minister after Mining Minister, Johnson Tuke who visited Basamuk Refinery for an independent assessment on Tuesday 27 August in his capacity as the Mining Minister.

The Environment Ministers visit follows after his chief investigators from CEPA, Lave Michael, Joseph Umare and Robert Sine, Manager Mining with MRA were on the ground at Basamuk on Monday Aug 26 to conduct an investigation into the slurry spill.

Kama told the principal Basamuk landowners that Marape-Stevens government will not go ahead and shut down Ramu NiCo Project or Basamuk Refinery as demanded but will strictly follow the laws so that all parties are given fair treatment.

The minister’s call came after the landowners demanded that Basamuk Refinery be closed following the slurry discharge and other outstanding matters including socio-economic benefits.

Last week, Member for Rai Coast, Peter Sapia, Madang Governor Peter Yama and the landowners demanded for the closure of Ramu NiCo Project.

But Kama said investigation into the alleged slurry spill is still underway by the Mines Inspector and Mines Inspectorate alone has the power to shut down the mine and not him.

Meanwhile, Als Environment Testing Laboratory in Brisbane, Australia will analyse the sea water samples collected from Basamuk Refinery to determine the concentration of heavy metal level in the sea area where the slurry entered after slurry overflow on Saturday 24 August at the refinery.

Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Ltd designated ALS Ltd, an internationally recognised laboratory specialising in environmental analysis services to analyse the samples to give credibility to the final report that will be produced by MRA and CEPA.

Vice president of Ramu NiCo, Wang Baowen said the Australian based company was selected after full consideration was given to accredited laboratories in PNG and abroad.

He said after uncertainties and speculations have been created by various groups, Ramu NiCo wants to put these concerns to rest by results ALS Ltd will provide.

“We understand the concerns of our landowners and the government.

We know many people want to engage their own consultants. The best we can do is engage an independent and credible third party like ALS so we all accept their analysis,” Mr Bao said.

“The inspectors from CEPA and MRA who investigated the incident will separately receive the results and make their own recommendations, off which we will accept and implement as required.”

He said ASL Ltd has branches throughout Australia and its head office in Brisbane where the heavy metal testing will be done and results anticipated for return approximately within two weeks from Friday last week.

“Under CEPA direction, we have collected seawater samples from five different locations, the primary one being the slurry discharging point within the harbor.

Samples collected vary in depth from the surface, including five meters below the surface to enable cross section of sampling to determine concentration of potential heavy metal at different layers of the harbour,” Mr Bao said.

“CEPA and Ramu NiCo will receive the test result directly, although separately from the Brisbane analysis laboratory.

“CEPA and MRA will interpret the analysing result and determine whether there are significant impact on the harbour and surrounds.

Ramu NiCo will also use the result from third party, ASL and Basamuk Central Chemical Laboratory to analyse and report to CEPA and concerned government bodies.’’

He said Ramu NiCo is committed to get to the bottom of the investigation by engaging third parties and the notable laboratory in Australia.

Go to this link for more: https://news.pngfacts.com/2019/09/png-to-discipline-mining-companies-in.html

Papua LNG Agreement Shaping Up

By Meriba Tulo, EMTV News, Port Moresby

The National Government has now granted approval for Papua LNG project to proceed with the implementation of the Project Gas Agreement, following an NEC sanctioned review.

Prime Minister James Marape, and Petroleum Minister Kerenga Kua addressed the media this afternoon, outlining the State’s position on several issues including National Content, Petroleum Pipeline Third Party Access, Pipeline Ownership, and LNG Tankers.

The Prime Minister expressing his reluctance to sacrifice the greater interest of the country in the haste of getting projects secured or undertaken.

“Our minister has undertaken in the last 90 days the fullest appreciation of the court agreement in totality the context of law we have, and ah has made greater approaches to the project partners to ensure that we secure what needs to be secured within the context of what is our rights and entitlements. Respecting the agreement that was signed before we took office.”

The Petroleum Minister explaining the importance of engaging PNG owned and operated companies under existing and future agreements

“Citizen-owned PNG-based companies who’ve been here during hard times, good times, bad times, they should now be given an opportunity to contract to the project and ensure they will make sure that some of these constructions span is kept in this country and we’ve gone for as much as we can and uh total has agreed they agreed with the spirit and intent of that approach however that approach however the appropriate time to discuss that approach will be after the project designs have been finalized which is what they call FEED then we can assemble a technical team on both sides and we can use a pencil to mark out what should go to the contractor, the operator to engage and what should be contracted out to Papua New Guinean-based companies”

“And so they’ve agreed that in principal the states participation will be maximized and that spirit will be respected so that commitment to keep an open mind and an open heart about maximizing opportunities for Papua New Guinean companies, landowner companies, provincial government companies during the construction phase is left open and we will approach it with that spirit in mind.”

These agreements now pave the way for the State to realize increased National Content during the construction phase, future pipeline ownership, and future shipping ownership, which the leaders say are substantial gains

Go to this link for more: https://emtv.com.pg/papua-lng-agreement-shaping-up/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Papua New Guinea sticks to gas deal with Total for $13 billion project

By Sonali Paul - Reuters

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Papua New Guinea said on Tuesday it will honor a gas deal that Total SA signed with a previous government for a $13 billion plan to expand gas exports, after securing minor concessions from the French company.

The decision removes uncertainty over the plan to double liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from the Pacific nation that arose after new Prime Minister James Marape came to power in May promising to win more benefits for the impoverished country.

The Papua LNG gas agreement is one of two agreements needed for Total and its partners, Exxon Mobil Corp and Oil Search Ltd, to go ahead with the LNG expansion plan.

“The government has now cleared Total to proceed full steam ahead with the implementation of the Papua Gas Project,” Petroleum Minister Kerenga Kua said in a statement.

Doubts about the gas deal escalated in August, when the government suddenly called for talks to revise the agreement.

Kua said Total had made some concessions, promising to prepare a detailed plan outlining how much local equipment and services would be used in the project and to negotiate with any third party wanting access to the project’s petroleum pipelines.

It would also be willing to negotiate for Papua New Guinea to take a stake in the pipelines after the state has repaid all its loans and costs on the project, and would consider buying LNG carriers in a joint venture with the state. “Most of these are substantial new concessions on potential future benefits,” Kua said.

The companies had insisted that the Papua LNG gas agreement that Total signed in April should be honored, and Oil Search warned in August that costs on the project could rise if it was delayed by prolonged talks.

An analyst said the government had capitulated to Total, winning only non-committal offers to consider future steps that might benefit the country.

“This is a big win for the industry, but they can’t say that, because they need to let the prime minister and Kua save a little political face,” said the analyst, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue. The three companies welcomed the government’s decision.

“We are looking forward to working with the Government of PNG to conclude the required gas agreement for the P’nyang project,” Exxon Mobil said in an emailed comment, referring to the second of the two agreements needed.

Oil Search’s Managing Director Peter Botten said the project would “help deliver billions of kina in value to the PNG economy, support local businesses and provide greater employment opportunities for thousands of Papua New Guineans,” referring to the PNG currency. Shares in Oil Search, which have dropped over the past three months amid uncertainty over the gas agreements, closed 2.1% higher shortly after the government’s announcement in a flat broader market.

“There should be a handsome re-rating,” Adrian Prendergast, an analyst at Morgans, said a day ahead of the announcement.

“In the time the political developments have been happening it (Oil Search) has really derated more than the total value that we place on this expansion.” At Monday’s close, Oil Search shares were down about 14 percent since the previous prime minster stepped down.

Go to this link for more: https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-papua-total-lng/papua-new-guinea-sticks-to-gas-deal-with-total-for-13-billion-project-idUKKCN1VO115

Court grants leave to Undialu to seek review

Posted on The National

THE Supreme Court has granted leave to Hela Governor Philip Undialu, pictured, and the Electoral Commission to seek a judicial review of a decision by the National Court that ordered a recount for the Hela regional seat.
Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika granted the leave application saying they had good reason to be granted leave.
“I have read the applicants’ grounds of review.
“I need not get into the merits of the grounds but I am persuaded that there are good reasons to grant leave,” he said.
Sir Gibbs said the applicants relied on Order 5 Rules 1 to 17 of the Supreme Court Rules which provide for the procedure by which an aggrieved person may apply for judicial review.
“Before the judicial review is heard, leave must be sought first.
“This is what the applicant here seeks.
“He wants the Supreme Court to review the National Court decision but he is now seeking leave first.”
Unidalu’s lawyer, Goiye Gileng submitted on Aug 18 that the National Court as per Justice Joseph Yagi had made an error when ordering the recount because he failed to explain why he refused Undialu’s witnesses to the alleged illegal practices during counting in 2017.
Electoral Commission lawyer Lance Okil supported the application and petitioner Francis Potape’s lawyer Paul Othas objected.


Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/court-grants-leave-to-undialu-to-seek-review/

Maino crowned Miss PNG

By CHARLES MOI - The National

SAFETY and cost of airfare and accommodation are factors that result in a low number of tourists to PNG compared to other Pacific island nations, according to newly-crowned Miss PNG Lucy Maino.
Maino, 23, from Kairuku in Central, outclassed five other woman to win the crown at the Stanley Hotel and Suites in Port Moresby on Saturday.
She was announced winner after midnight in an event which started late and was plagued by technical glitches.
During the show, Maino, who was sponsored by Paga Hill Estate, was asked why the tourism numbers were low in PNG and what should be done.
She said: “We need to be aware and educate those within our communities about how tourism can help our country.
“It starts with simple things such as social skills, and customer service. Things that will help with tourism retention.”
A princess by heritage in the Mekeo custom, Maino also bagged awards for Miss Friendship, best sarong wear, best talent and best traditionally inspired dress – a tapa strapless dress with bird-of-paradise headpiece designed by Cynthia Chapman.
Maino, a business administration graduate from the University of Hawaii, also co-captained the woman’s soccer team to this year’s Pacific Games in Samoa.
“I would like to thank God for all he has done in my life (and) I would not have made it this far if it was not for Him,” Maino told more than 400 guests, including Prime Minister James Marape.
“To our Miss Pacific Islands Leoshina Kariha the shoes you have left are humongous to fill. What you have done for PNG we ought to be proud of you.
“In the recent Pacific Games, our theme was one team one dream. With that same theme that is how I am going to represent PNG in the Miss Pacific Islands regional pageant which will be held here.”
Maino won K6,000 and will represent PNG at the regional event for the Miss Pacific Islands pageant in November.
Miss PNG Air Services Helen Ipauki was first runner up and Miss East New Britain Ellen Morgan the second runner up.

From left: Miss PNG Air Services Helen Ipauki, Miss Jack’s Madang Lavianna Leong, Miss Sanctuary and Rapopo Resorts Natasha Metta, Miss Pacific Leoshina Kariha, Miss IBS Magarita Sariman, Miss East New Britain Ellen Morgan, and Miss Pacific Islands PNG Lucy Maino performing an opening dance during the crowning night at the Stanley Hotel and Suites in Port Moresby on Saturday. n Report on Page 3. – Nationalpic by KENNEDY BANI

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/maino-crowned-miss-png/

First 100 days for PM James Marape

Posted by Niugini Times

The best achievement of PMJM’s Government within 100 days is putting PO, Namah and Patrick Pruitch together in Opposition. Others include; 
1. Splitting PNC and NA; two very powerful Parties; to take back PNG. 
2. Tabling UBS Saga and the subsequent COI
3. Renegotiating Papua LNG 
4. Undertaking to pass the Whistle Blower and ICAC Bills 
5. Being honest about PNGs economy and getting the right people in place to make the necessary but painful changes. 
6. Visiting most departments and institutions that support the government and putting all public servants on notice to perform and earn honestly.
7. Undertaking to refinance the K27 billion Loan recklessly piled up by subsequent government.
8. Giving the K320 million EU grant to the Sepik people and putting emphasis on Agriculture
9. Review of Papua LNG Agreement with some key conditions: 
9.1. DMO price from US$4.5/JCC to be reduced so we buy cheap gas for gas power generation, petrochemical, etc. 
9.2. Increace Reserve gas volume for DMO from 5% to 8%
9.3. Gas Pipeline to be nationally owned.
9.4. Shipping Business to be owned natinally
9.5. Well defined Local Content Policy to promote local business.
9.6. Central Bank to scrutinise flow of cash to manaze Forex and Inflation
10. Bring in 4 Opposition MPs to his cabinet: K.Kua, Dr. Lino, B.K, and number of Governors and MPs
11. Commitment to change our resource laws.
12. Upcoming Sackings of departmental heads who do not share the vision of taking back PNG.

Go to this link for more: https://timesniugini.wordpress.com/2019/09/02/first-100-days-for-pm-james-marape/

MARGARIMA SECONDARY SCHOOL IN CHAOS

By Amos Libe

It is sad to see one of the most iconic and once academically excelled secondary schools in Hela Province now being in a deteriorated state.

From reports from both staff and students, the academic standards and infrastructure at the school has deteriorated to a point were classes had to be cancelled for the past 2 weeks.

There has not been any food rations available in the school for both the day and boarding students. The morale of the remaining staff have been at an all time low due to the unorthodox and ad hoc running of the school.

There have been allegations of gross misuse and abuse of school subsidies and funds which has led to the running down and closing of the school. There is no continuity and consistency. There are various issues that are not being properly being managed by the school administration and the incompetent and compromised board of Governors that have contributed to this situation.

I make this call to the Hela Provincial Administration and Komo Margarima District Administration as well as the Provincial Education board to get a team to investigate why and how the school has been running in this manner. Create a dialogue to find ways to resolve the many issues affecting the school and possible solutions to ensure both staff and especially students are kept in class.

It is very disheartening to see students, especially grades 10 and 12 students, being sent back home because either there are no teachers to teach them or due to other administrative issues which are no fault of the students. These students are the future of our province and country. We have to start here.

With grade 10 and 12 exams only weeks away, this is an urgent appeal on behalf of the staff, students, parents and the community to ensure administrative issues at the school are resolved and we have successful graduates at the end of the year. A repeat of the failures of last year and yester years must not occure!