MRA clarifies Misima mine exploration license renewal

The Mineral Resources Authority has clarified the Exploration License of EL1747 for the Misima Mine, in Milne Bay province was renewed after its expiry on the 20th March this year.

An application for its renewal was launched on the 19th February.

MRA Managing Director Jerry Garry clarified this with NBC News, following strong opposition from the locals and landowners of the Mine - after the announcement of its acquisition worth over K160 million by Ok Tedi Mining Limited and Kingston Resources Limited Exploration last week.

There were also claims the exploration license was expired.

Mr. Garry said by operation of the law when a renewal or extension application is launched - the law allows for the tenement to be active beyond the expiry date until a determination is made by the state under the due processes and procedures prescribed under the Mining Act.

He further explained that part of this process is the warden's hearing which gathers the views of the locals and this was conducted on 12th May.

Meantime, the mining regulatory body in the country said while landowners are welcome to manage their own mining resources in their provinces, there are some considerations that must be taken into account.

Garry said among these, is whether there is an active license that has to be dealt with and through proper processes.

He was responding to specific calls by locals to manage their own mine through the district development authority.

He added there is also the consideration that mining exploration is a highly technical and capital intensive exercise:

Kingston is the first company to focus on recommencing gold production at the mine since Place Dome ceased operations in 2004, following a 15 year mine life.

The move by mining giant, Ok Tedi Limited to acquire Misima Gold and Silver Mine has been slammed by locals and affected communities of the Misima Mine in Milne Bay province.

The mining company and the National Government have been accused of “failure in addressing unresolved legacy issues left at the mine, with benefits critical infrastructure, health facilities, roads and airports deteriorated.

Local MP, Isi Henry Leonard said the mine which operated for over 20 years did not have a mine closure plan implemented and Government and agencies responsible have allegedly failed to “hold the developers accountable for environmental damage - including destruction of gardens and fishing grounds.”

The landowners through their local MP have resolved they will not permit the extension of the expired tenement or transfer of rights to any new operator without free, prior and informed consent, that there has been a breach of trust with past developers and the Government through violation of agreements, failure to address environmental damage and neglecting post closure rehabilitation.

They're calling for an immediate halt to all negotiations for tenement extension or transfers, for the Government to be accountable and come up with solutions to hold Mine developers accountable for damages.

The landowners of the Mine want recognition of their rights to manage their own resources through their own district mining company.