The hearing for the Simberi mining lease (ML) early renewal drew strong crowds earlier this month as the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) prepares its report.
St Barbara said it was pleasing to see the strong support for the early renewal of the ML, with 150 people turning up to the hearing.
Of the 150 attendees, 18 spoke in support of the renewal and the associated enhanced royalty benefits package proposed for the sulphide expansion phase of operations.
“We are very grateful for the support shown by the Landowner Association, the New Ireland Provincial Government, our local Member of Parliament, the Namatanai Development Authority and now the many members of the local community who attended the chief warden’s public hearing on the proposal for the early renewal of the Simberi mining lease,” St Barbara managing director and chief executive officer Andrew Strelein said.
“We are also appreciative of the professionalism of the Mineral Resources Authority in progressing the application for early renewal of the Simberi mining lease and for the conduct of the public hearings on schedule.”
The MRA chief warden will now issue a report of the findings from the hearing to the Mining Advisory Council (MAC). The MAC will consider the application before making a recommendation to newly-appointed Mining Minister Rainbo Paita.
“Renewal of the Simberi mining lease is a key step towards unlocking the 2.7 million ounce sulphide ore reserve at Simberi and expanding gold production to over 200,000 ounces per annum,” Strelein said.
Subscribe to PNG Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.
