Marape pushes for 55% state stake in Wafi-Golpu

Prime Minister James Marape has given assurance to the people of Morobe and Bulolo that the State negotiating team is working hard to ensure it gets a 55 percent stake in the Wafi Golpu project.

Mr Marape told Parliament, a lot of things needed to be negotiated, including the life span of the mine, which was initially set at 60 years and now brought down to 40 years.

He asked the people for their patience while the SNT was negotiating this project, for the best terms to benefit the people and country.

The PM added he will also provide an update on the progress of the proposed mine in the province.

Marape says exploration licenses for the mine are presently held jointly by Newmont and Harmony.

His comments were in response to questions from Bulolo MP Sam Basil Jnr on a lack of land boundaries survey, and delays on the mine start.

Basil Jnr raised questions on a lack of visit by Lands and Physical planning to establish the mining area and its boundaries and the start date of the mine: