Minister for Mining Johnson Tuke welcomes new Vice Minister for Mining, Jimmy Uguro

PRESS RELEASE

Minister for Mining Hon Johnson Tuke formally welcomed the new Vice Minister for Mining, Hon Jimmy Uguro to the Ministry recently in Port Moresby.

Hon Uguro takes over the position as Vice Minister from Hon Bari Palma, member for Kerowagi.
The welcome reception came with a specific message from Hon Tuke to the Vice Minister that the mining industry is one, if not, the most challenging industry in the country.

“We have issues relating to the Porgera Special Mining Lease extension application, issues with Wafi Golpu and other issues to manage at the various levels including at the political level, “said Tuke.
However, Minister Tuke said he has confidence that the Vice Minister will provide effective assistance, leadership and advice to the Ministry, having worked in a mining environment in the past.
Hon Uguro, said, having worked with the Madang Provincial Mines Office during the early years of the establishment of the Ramu Mine, he has seen how landowner issues affect mining operations. He urged officers of MRA to spend more time with landowners and maintain good communication with them. He said one of the issues that seem to be prominent is lack of proper landowner identification. He said it was important that social mapping is done effectively on day one before any project commences.

The Vice Minister said if we can do this effectively, we could be able to avoid issues that arise as a result of landownership disputes.
“If we start right, we will finish right.”
The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) Managing Director Jerry Garry, the Secretary for the Department of Mineral Policy & Geohazards Management (DMPGM) Harry Kore, and their staff members joined Hon Tuke in welcoming the Vice Minister at the Mining Haus.