The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE), on behalf of PNG’s resources sector, has initiated a relief appeal for communities in the Porgera Paiela District, Enga Province.
This follows a landslide in the early hours of Friday May 24, 2024, which is believed to have buried more than 600 people, and affected close to 8,000 people from Tulipana and Kayokalam villages in the Maip-Mulitaka Local Level Government.
PNG CORE President Anthony Smaré in announcing PNG CORE’s appeal, offered condolences to those affected, and acknowledged the work being done by local authorities, national disaster officials, and international organizations in responding to this natural disaster.
“As the peak body representing the mineral resources and energy sectors, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Porgera Paiela District. It is very sad to note that whole villages in the Mulitaka LLG buried, with families now having to fend for themselves in these difficult times, but also to monitor danger of further landslides and geotechnical instability.”
“We acknowledge the work by authorities and organizations in recent days, particularly by New Porgera Limited, operators of the Porgera Mine, in assisting all who have been directly affected.”
“As part of industry’s support to the people of Porgera Paiela District, we have initiated a disaster appeal fund for our members to support the emergency relief efforts.”
“This is to ensure that the necessary support is provided to communities, especially for emergency relief supplies, and other essential items in the coming days and weeks. A PNG CORE coordinating committee for the appeal has been formed comprising representatives from all of PNG’s major mining and energy operators, with a major role being played by New Porgera Limited and its operator Barrick Niugini Limited. The Committee will be chaired by Karo Lelai, New Porgera Limited’s Country Manager. PNG CORE Councilor Stanley Komunt from Newmont, who is from Enga Province, is the Committee’s Deputy Chair.”
“We encourage PNG CORE members who would like to support emergency relief efforts to contact the chamber on Aid@pngcore.org “
“The PNG Resources sector stand with the affected communities in the Porgera Paiela District and the people of Enga Province in these tough times and will be there to offer our support in the coming days.”