Copper and gold mining in papua new guinea

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a significant producer of copper and gold, with many mining operations throughout the country. Here's an overview of the copper and gold mining industry in PNG:

Copper Mining:

  1. Porgera Gold-Copper Mine: Operated by Barrick Gold, this mine is one of the largest gold and copper mines in PNG. It produces around 800,000 ounces of gold and 100,000 tonnes of copper per year.
  2. Lihir Gold-Copper Mine: Operated by Newcrest Mining, this mine is another significant producer of gold and copper in PNG. It produces around 900,000 ounces of gold and 100,000 tonnes of copper per year.
  3. Kainantu Copper-Gold Mine: Operated by Harmony Gold, this mine is a copper-gold deposit that produces around 100,000 tonnes of copper and 100,000 ounces of gold per year.

Gold Mining:

  1. Porgera Gold Mine: As mentioned earlier, this mine is a significant producer of gold in PNG, producing around 800,000 ounces per year.
  2. Lihir Gold Mine: Also mentioned earlier, this mine produces around 900,000 ounces of gold per year.
  3. Hidden Valley Gold Mine: Operated by Harmony Gold, this mine produces around 200,000 ounces of gold per year.
  4. Wafi-Golpu Gold-Copper Mine: A joint venture between Harmony Gold and Newcrest Mining, this mine is expected to produce around 1.5 million ounces of gold and 100,000 tonnes of copper per year.

Challenges and Controversies:

  1. Environmental Concerns: Mining operations in PNG have raised concerns about environmental degradation, water pollution, and deforestation.
  2. Community Displacement: Mining activities have led to the displacement of local communities, with some facing relocation and loss of traditional lands.
  3. Corruption: Corruption has been a significant issue in PNG's mining sector, with allegations of bribery and embezzlement.
  4. Taxation and Revenue: There have been disputes over taxation and revenue sharing between the government and mining companies, with some arguing that the government is not receiving a fair share of the revenue generated by mining activities.

Government Initiatives:

  1. Mining Act 1992: The Mining Act aims to regulate the mining industry and ensure that mining activities are carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner.
  2. Mining Policy 2011: The Mining Policy aims to promote the development of the mining industry while ensuring that the benefits of mining are shared equitably among all stakeholders.
  3. Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI): PNG is a member of the EITI, which aims to promote transparency and accountability in the extractive industries.

Overall, the copper and gold mining industry in PNG is significant, but it also faces challenges and controversies. The government has implemented various initiatives to promote responsible mining practices and ensure that the benefits of mining are shared equitably among all stakeholders.