Eco-friendly code for PNG mining industry set

Port Moresby (The National/PINA Nius Online) – A code of practice has been set for Papua New Guinea’s mining industry in relation to environmental issues.

The set of guidelines was launched at Vulupindi House in Port Moresby before government officials, European Union (EU) delegation head Juan Carlos Rey and Chamber of Mines and Petroleum president Dr. Mosley Moramora.

Office of Environment and Conservation (OEC) director Dr. Wari Iamo described the code of practice as a very important tool for the mining industry and the OEC.

“It gives a clear guidance and direction in the management and monitoring of environmental issues relating to mining projects in PNG,” he said.

Dr. Iamo said the formulation of the code took almost one year because the process involved regular consultation with all stockholders, including relevant government agencies, non-governmental organizations and interested individuals.

He said the key stockholder is the mining industry as they will be the operator and user of the document. Dr. Iamo said the document has been developed to result in a “win-win” situation for the OEC as the regulator and the mining industry as the user. He said the monitoring of mining projects and other industrial activities is sometimes difficult due to the Office of Environment and Conservation’s limited resources.

The Office of Environment and Conservation is currently responsible for the monitoring of mining projects in Papua New Guinea, including those in Tolukuma, Porgera, Misima and Lihir.

“These projects are expected to further erode the OEC’s resources.

“The situation portrayed here is that the Office of Environment and Conservation needs to be more strategic in its environmental management and monitoring role and responsibility.

“It needs also to be proactive in managing environmental complaints and issues as they relate to either the permit holders or the landowners.”

The new environmental code of practice has been made possible through the support of the European Union’s long-standing program with the OEC.

Mr. Rey said although the mining industry contributes substantially to the development of Papua New Guinea, like industrial activities it has environmental impacts that have to be managed and monitored.

He said the development of the code is part of the 1.6 million Euro (K4.2 million) program designed to carry out its statutory responsibilities for environmental monitoring and management of mining in Papua New Guinea. “It (the code) shall inform industry players what practices are environmentally acceptable to the Office of Environment and Conservation,” Mr. Rey said.

The code provides guidelines for the environmental management of mining operations, according to international standards.

As with other existing codes, minimum standards are set for mining project operators to adhere to.