Gold Corporation Bill consultation must take into account concerns of all stakeholders: Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative has thrown its support behind the government’s decision to delay the passage of the Gold Corporation Bill and seek wider stakeholder consultation.

Mining Minister Muguwa Dilu at a consultative workshop this week said opportunity will be given to all stakeholders to make their recommendations for the amendment of the Gold Corporation Bill.

In the next six months, stakeholders are expected to submit their recommendations for possible amendments to the bill before it reaches Parliament.

PNGEITI executive director Lucas Alkan said there must be transparency in all phases of discussions and recommendations by both government and stakeholders in the lead up to the amendment and even to the passage of the bill.

“This is an important bill as it will underpin the growth of the economy whereby PNG will have its own gold refinery and go into downstream processing of all natural resources to finished products ready for export.

“We commend the government for not rushing to pass this bill to seek views from the stakeholder. However, we call for transparency in all discussions and recommendations concerning the amendment of this bill.

“PNGEITI plays an important role in promoting good governance in the country’s extractive sector and therefore, it is our wish to see all discussions and recommendations done in a transparent manner."

Mr Alkan also called on the government to disclose the content of deal it made with a Singaporean Company, Refinery Holdings Pte Limited.  

He further appealled to the government to consider the interest of the mines, the government, the stakeholders among other parties concerned must be catered for in these proposed amendment to the bill.