Life after the mines is the utmost goal landowners, who depend entirely on land and environment, should consider.
The regret of Misima people and life after the mine should be a lesson and baseline for landowners who blindly trail mining giants and government for stomach refuelling. In fact, it is our Government and the Mineral Resources Authority’s fault. There is no policy and guidelines on mine closure and rehabilitation phase in the country.
The Government through MRA is only opening doors to outside investments in mining but have not placed stringent management and monitoring tools like mine closure policy.
Kainantu mine was shut surprisingly with no good explanation for landowners and the citizens of PNG to be in tune with.
While closed, Barrick (mine operator) advanced into other exploration lease areas near the closed mine.
MRA, Lands Department and Barrick (HPL) played delaying tactics in awarding landownership title to battling clans while allowing the mine to operate. There are no tangible changes like water supply, aid posts, schools and well maintained road networks in the landowners’ backyard after the mine is closed.
It’s a life threatening experience to consider.
Post Courier Newspaper 15th September 2010
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