Road works start to connect Porgera Valley to the main highway

Road works to reconnect the Porgera Valley to Enga's Provincial capital by road, started today.

New Porgera Limited [NPL] will assist the PNG Defence Force with the clearance of the main road leading to the Porgera Valley, located approximately 30 kilometers from Friday’s devastating landslide at Mulitaka.

The operator of the Porgera Gold Mine stated that, they are mobilizing heavy earth-moving equipment on both the Porgera and Wabag sides of the slip to assist in the clearance of the road.

A geotechnical engineer provided by the New Zealand government with expertise in landslides is expected to arrive soon to advise on recovery activities.

The mine’s community relations team continues to engage with medical and other relief teams on the ground to offer assistance, including food, first aid materials, and other essential supplies to the location.

NPL is also coordinating with other resource companies in PNG to provide long-term assistance to the victims of the tragic landslide.

NPL said there were no employees with residences in the path of the landslip site and a handful of employees living in the impacted area reported no damage to their homes.

The Porgera mine is currently operating without restriction.

Barrick CEO and President Mark Bristow extended his condolences and sympathies to the affected villagers as they and the PNG government responded to this tragic event.

He said Porgera stands ready to provide additional relief and assistance to support impacted families and communities during this time of need.