While the environmental permit application for the Frieda River copper-gold project advances, women from the Wabia community within the lease are gearing up to participate in the project’s activities.
PanAust, the parent company of Frieda River Limited (FRL), is progressing with its four-pillar development initiative to boost economic growth in East and West Sepik with the aim to bring economic benefits to the whole of PNG.
The projects include the mine, the Frieda River hydroelectric project, the Sepik power grid project, and the Sepik infrastructure project.
FRL is committed to working closely with government agencies and landowner leaders as the projects progress.
“The company has made us aware of both the positive and negative impacts of the mine,” landowner leader Martina Aki said. “As women, we need to be prepared. We must educate ourselves to maximise the opportunities the mine presents.”
FRL has already provided Adult Literacy Level 1 training to communities around the mine, and is now working with other development partners to further support the women’s pursuit of financial literacy, including skills in governance, banking, and budgeting.
“We need to learn how to market our garden produce and manage our finances so we can take care of ourselves and our children, educate our children, and develop our community,” Aki said.
“We recognise that Frieda River is in a remote location. It needs a well-developed road network and a dam before mining can start. We are supportive of this major development.”
Subscribe to PNG Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.
