Mineral Resources Authority PNG

12/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Minister for Mining Hon. Solen Loifa, MP responds to Hon Sam Basil Jr on his concerns relating Hidden Valley Project CDA.

Minister for Mining Hon Solen Loifa has responded to concerns raised by the Member for Bulolo Hon Sam Basil Junior, relating to the signing of the revised Community Development Agreement (CDA) for the Hidden Valley Mining Project.

The Minister said he had carefully considered each of the matters raised against the applicable legal, policy and administrative framework, as well as the decisions and agreements already reached through the CDA negotiation process.

“I am satisfied that the matters raised are either adequately addressed under the revised CDA, are matters properly reserved for the Wafi-Golpu negotiations, or maybe pursued separately through the appropriate Government and administrative processes. For clarity and completeness, I respond to each of the matters raised as follows.”

1. Bulolo DDA to be signatory to the Hidden Valley and Wafi Golpu MOA:

The amendment to Section 98 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local-level
Governments (OLPLLG) do not apply to the current Community Development Agreements (CDA) or revised CDA. The amendment to Section 98 of the OLPLLG will apply to new mines.
The general rule is that the amendments to any particular law/policy is supposed to have a prospective effect, and not to operate retrospectively. In addition, the amendment to Section 98 of the OLPLLG relates to a Development Forum. Pursuant to Section 3 of the Mining Act 1992, Development Forum is applicable to a Special Mining Lease. The Hidden Valley Mine Project operates on a Mining Lease (ML), which does not require a Development Forum.

2. The Mumeng, Watut LLG and Bulolo Wau Urban LLG position is to increase the Royalty from 2 percent to 5 percent:

The royalty distribution was captured in the CDA as per the PEC Decision No 2 of 3rd February 2025, during the late Governor Hon. Luther Wenge’s term in office.
The revised CDA negotiations was concluded on 13 June 2025, capturing positions
provided by the parties to the CDA. Distributions of royalty captured under the revised CDA includes the following:
(a) Wau Rural LLG – 1%
b) Watut Rural LLG – 1%
(C) Wau Urban LLG – 1%
d) Bulolo Urban – 1%

3. Five (5) Percent state paid equity in both Hidden Valley and Wafi Golpu Mine to Bulolo District for the opportunity foregone and the lack of development and impact in the affected areas and absence of Future Generations Fund (FGTF):

The State has not exercised its option to take up equity in Hidden Valley Project.
For Wafi project, this is yet to be negotiated.

4. An Environment Levy of 1 percent of the gold extracted for sale should be remitted to the Future Generation Fund:

Future generation trust funds are established for landowner benefits, particularly a portion of landowner royalties. Under the revised CDA clause, FGTF will be established after the CDA is executed and signed.

5. The Wau Waria District and its 3 LLGs and the three landowner groups to be given royalty from Wafi Golpu.
This distribution can be discussed and negotiated in the Wafi Golpu CDA:

6. Morobe Provincial Government to establish Benefits Sharing Authority for Morobe to hold its equity and royalty and dividends:

This matter can be pursued separately between Morobe Provincial Government and Bulolo DDA outside the CDA arrangements.

7. Establishment of Anga Wau Special Authority that will cater for infrastructure and socio-economic projects which will cover the Bulolo, Wau-Waria and Menyanya Districts. For too long, the Menyamya district has been a passer-by and even the Bulolo Highway that is included in the Hidden Valley MOA has deteriorated over the life of the mine. The people of Watut have no access to electricity, high school or TVET or good road. Even the people of Menyamya can benefit from this spin off:

This matter can be pursued separately between the Morobe Provincial Government and the Bulolo DDA outside of the revised CDA. Menyamya District is considered in the revised CDA with a royalty distribution of 5% and Lae - Bulolo - Wau - Menyamya road through the Tax Credit Scheme program as per the NEC Decision No.172/2026.

8. Morobe Provincial Government to factor the non-impact Districts like Kabwum, Finschhafen, Markham, Tewai Siassi whilst Bulolo wants to include Wau-Waria and Menyamya:

This matter can be discussed at the Wafi Project Development Forum and through a consolidated PEC Decision.

9. The K200 million:

The K200 million relates to Wafi project IDG funds that can be discussed and negotiated at the Wafi Golpu forum.

10. The Morobe Provincial Government (MPG) PEC Decision.
The MPG resolved the current MPG benefit distribution structure in the revised CDA for Hidden Valley through a PEC Decision during the term of the late Governor Hon. Luther Wenge, MP:

The State has no influence over the PEC Decision and is not able to unilaterally change or amend the PEC Decision.
Having considered and addressed each of the matters raised in letter by Hon Basil Junior, I am satisfied that there are no outstanding issues that warrant any further delay to the ex*****on of the revised Hidden Valley Mine Project CDA.

The matters relevant to the Hidden Valley CDA have been adequately addressed through the negotiation process and the applicable decisions already made. Those matters relating specifically to Wafi-Golpu, or requiring separate consideration by the Morobe Provincial Government, Bulolo DDA or other relevant authorities, can be appropriately pursued through the respective processes and should not impede the conclusion of the Hidden Valley CDA.
“Accordingly, I am satisfied that the revised Hidden valley CDA should now proceed to signing as scheduled,” said Minister Loifa.

Hon. Solen Loifa, MP - Minister for Mining

12/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE

REVISED HIDDEN VALLEY PROJECT CDA SIGNED

Minister for Mining Hon Solen Loifa on-behalf of the State, yesterday formally signed the revised Community Development Agreement (CDA) for the Hidden Valley Mining Project in Lae, Morobe Province.
The signing of the CDA by the Minister was witnessed by the Acting Managing Director of the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), Mr Harry Kore, the Governor for Morobe Province Hon Rainbo Paita MP, Member for Bulolo Hon. Sam Basil Junior MP, Member for Wau Waria Hon. Marsh Narawec MP, representatives of the Harmony Gold Company Limited, the State Team, the project landowners and impacted communities.

Parties to the CDA are:
1. The Nakuwi Association Inc (landowners)
2. Bulolo Urban Local Level Government
3. Wau Urban Local Level Government
4. Watut rural local level Government
5. Wau Rural Local Level Government
6. Morobe provincial government
7. The Independent State of Papua New Guinea
8. Morobe Consolidated Goldfields Limited (Hidden Valley Mine)

Three out of these parties, which are the State, Nakuwi Association Inc and the operator of the mine Morobe Consolidated Goldfields Limited (Harmony Gold), signed the agreement. The remaining five parties Bulolo Urban Local Level Government, Wau urban Local Level Government, Watut Rural Local Level Government, Wau Rural Local Level Government and the Morobe Provincial Government, will sign later as they have to agree on a benefits sharing re-distribution break-up through a Provincial Executive Council (PEC) meeting scheduled today.

At the signing ceremony, Hon Loifa acknowledged the efforts of the Marape-Rosso Government, landowners, impacted communities and the former Governor for Morobe Province, Late Luther Wenge. Late Wenge was instrumental in delivering the CDA with the support of the current Governor Hon Paita and the Morobe Provincial Government.

The signing of the revised CDA will pave way for the parties to the CDA to access benefits.

It is important that landowners and communities use their benefits wisely and in a manner that will improve their lives including venturing into sustainable development.
All parties must take ownership of the CDA and ensure they honour their respective commitments.

16/07/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Regulatory and Legislative Reform

The Mineral Resources Authority has commenced a programme of reforms aimed at improving regulatory services and investor
confidence, said Mining Minister Hon Solen Loifa.

The Minister was speaking this morning during the PNG Resource Week at the Apec Haus in Port Moresby.

He said that the proposed amendments to the Mining Act include:

• Increasing the Exploration Licence term to five years
• Introduction of a Mining Retention Licence
• Enabling online mineral tenement applications and
• Modernization of the overall tenement administration system.

Hon Loifa said the reforms would provide explorers and developers greater certainty and sufficient time to undertake geological assessment, drilling, feasibility studies and stakeholder engagement.
He said the Government was also progressing new mine safety and health legislation, to modernise workplace standards and align Papua New Guinea with international mining practices.
“A safe, transparent and efficiently regulated mining industry benefits government, investors, employees and communities,” said Minister Loifa.

He announced that MRA was digitizing the mineral tenement application process and migrating the mineral tenement database and host it locally.
The online system will improve accessibility, transparency and the monitoring of applications. It will also reduce unnecessary delays and provide investors with a clearer and more accountable process.
Hon Loifa said the reform responds directly to concerns raised by the industry and reflects the Government’s commitment to improving the investment environment.

Minister Loifa speaking at the PNGCORE organized PNG Resource Week.

09/06/2026

Question Time in Parliament today.

Mining Minister Hon Solen Loifa, answers questions from MP for Wau-Waria Hon Marsh Narawec on mining matters. In addition, Deputy PM and Minister for Lands & Physical Planning Hon John Rosso, responded to Hon Narawec on land/mining matters pertaining the Wafi-Golpu project.

06/06/2026

03/06/2026

In today's Parliament session, Minister for Mining Hon Solen Loifa, responded to the Governor for Western Province Hon Taboi Awi Yoto, and MP for North Fly Hon Hon James Donald, on the leaders' concerns on the environment along the Strickland River, in pertaining to the Porgera Mine's operations. The leaders questioned the Minister last Friday May 29 during Parliament question time.

27/05/2026

PRESS RELEASE

MRA SPECIAL PROCUREMENT COMMITTEE SWORN-IN

The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) Special Procurement Committee of the National Procurement Commission (NPC) was sworn-in today, at the NPC office in Port Moresby.

This committee is a Special Committee of the NPC Board, sworn-in by the NPC to undertake and manage procurements. The committee has a financial threshold of up to K5m, as specified in Section 26(1)(f) of the National Procurement Amendment Act 2021. The Managing Director of the MRA is the Chairperson of the MRA SPC.

The committee composition is as follows:
1. Mr. Harry Kore, Acting Managing Director, MRA - Chairperson [Internal Member]
2. Mr. Winterford Eko, Acting Deputy Managing – Regulatory & Administration Functions, MRA [Internal Member]
3. Mr. Lave Michael, Acting Deputy Managing Director – Technical and Operational Functions, MRA [Internal Member]
4. Mr Saki Beka [internal member]
5. Mr. Samson Metofa, First Assistant Secretary, FRCD - Department of Finance [External Member]
6. Mr. Frank Hare, Manager Procurement, Sub-National - National Procurement Commission [External Member]
7. Ms. Lilian Vevara, Deputy State Solicitor - Procurement, Office of the State Solicitor, Department of Justice & Attorney General.

The committee which was sworn-in by Counsel Barry Mol, will be responsible for MRA’s internal procurement of goods & services.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Kore, reiterated the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability in the procurement business.

He said: “For us in the mining sector, we need to have that (good governance, accountability) to give confidence to our investors, our people, and to show our people back in the villages that we're here to serve their interests, not our own interests.

He said the establishment of the committee was an important catalyst to achieving MRA’s objectives, one of which is to expand the mineral geological database of the country. He said for the state to encourage mineral investment in the country, we must be able to procure and apply appropriate technology to conduct mineral exploration and geological investigations at deeper depths.

“The MRA's drive is that by ensuring timely access to genuine and quality exploration data and geological information, it (MRA) will enhance the State’s capacity to promote Papua New Guinea’s mineral resources, reduce exploration uncertainty and associated costs, and improve investor confidence in the country’s mining sector."

The NPC’s Board Secretary Mr Wesley Dickson expressed confidence with the MRA SPC Committee saying that NPC was ready to work with the committee.

26/05/2026

PRESS RELEASE

TUAIM IS MRA’s NEW BOARD CHAIRMAN

The Mineral Resources Authority has a new Board Chairman.
He is Mr. John Tuaim. Mr. Tuaim was sworn-in as the Chairman today in Port Moresby, together with other directors in a special occasion, witnessed by the Mining Minister Hon. Solen Loifa, Acting Managing Director of the MRA Mr. Harry Kore, his staff, and the PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy’s Interim Executive Director Mr. Philip Samar and other stakeholders.

Mr Tuaim has a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and is currently the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC). He also sits on a number of boards as a director. These are the boards of the Pacific International Hospital, Hevilift Group of Companies, Dirio Gas & Power Limited, New Porgera Limited (NPL) and Fubilan Catering Services Limited.
Chairman Tuaim said at the ceremony that the board was all about ensuring good governance, transparency and accountability – a view shared by Mr. Kore.
“That's the role of the board and we set the strategies at the top level and we guide the management and their team to drive it. We are not here to do your job, we are not here to replicate anything, we are here to provide direction and leadership,” said Chairman Tuaim.
Mr Tuaim said the country depends on the extractive industries. The MRA is an important entity that regulates the exploitation of the country’s natural resources for the economic well-being and prosperity of the nation. “This authority needs to get the prominence, attention and the direction that it deserves, and to be without a board for four years is not good enough,” said Mr Tuaim.
The Chairman said there was a need to better regulate the mining industry and that’s where the board comes in. He said that the MRA deals with the private sector and with an industry that is well equipped, well-resourced and well financed. He said if the MRA was to effectively regulate the mining industry, it (MRA) had to match the industry or be better. That is where the board comes in to set strategies and direction for the organization.
He challenged the staff and management to step up and perform their roles to meet the expectations of the authority, the industry, the government and the country.

Mr Tuaim speaking at the swearing-in ceremony today.

26/05/2026

PRESS RELEASE

GOOD GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTIBILITY ARE THE PILLARS OF ORGANISATIONS: MR KORE

The Acting Managing Director of the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), Harry Kore, has said good governance, transparency and accountability are important pillars of an organization.
Mr Kore said this today during the swearing-in ceremony of new Board Directors (see separate story with names of the new directors) of the MRA in Port Moresby. The swearing-in of the new directors comes after four years of operations without a board.
“This is an important step in restoring essential institutional mechanism that undertakes accountability continuity and strategic discipline within the Mineral Resource Authority,” said Mr Kore.

For over four years, the absence of a functioning board had left a critical governance gap within one of PNG's most important regulatory institutions. While management has continued to carry out its responsibilities, good governance practice reminds us that management ex*****on and board oversight are not interchangeable. They are complementary pillars of institutional strength. One cannot fully substitute the other. The re-constitution of the MRA Board therefore, is the deliberate reaffirmation that governance matters, that stewardship matters, and that institutions entrusted with managing the nation's mineral wealth must themselves be governed with discipline, independence, and foresight.

The Board is re-established at a time when the MRA is going through a merger and transition period.
The former Department of Mural Policy and Geo Hazard Management is currently being merged into the MRA through NEC number 240 of 2025. This institutional alignment as directed by the government, requires the full support from the Board to ensure that the intended objectives of the merger are successfully realized. At the same time, the MRA continues to advance its commitment towards the ISO 27001 accreditation, in addition to the digitization of systems and procedures, which requires rigorous standards in document integrity, information security, and organizational control.

In this context, the restoration of the board oversight becomes even more significant. Strong systems require strong governance, accreditation requires accountability. And institutional trust requires both. If people don't trust us, we have a problem. From a governance perspective, there are three compelling reasons why the board's reconstitution is both necessary and timely.
1. The board restores strategic stewardness, an institution of MRA’s significance requires more than operational management. It requires an independent body to set direction, challenge assumption, test strategy choices and ensure additions align with board statutory mandate and national interest.
2. The board strengthens institutional disciplinary and oversight. In an environment where compliance, data security, and regulatory credibility are increasingly scrutinized, the board provides the highest level of assurance that internal controls, risk management systems, and governance framework are functioning effectively and responsibly.
3. The board reinforces institutional and external confidence. Whether for government, investors, industry, stakeholders, landowners, or the PNG public, confidence in MRA depends not only on what the authority delivers, but on how it is governed. A functioning board signals stability, accountability, and organizational maturity.

The effectiveness of the board will determine not only how MRA performs, but more importantly, how MRA can navigate the opportunities and responsibilities of PNG’s mineral future. It will also determine how effectively MRA can expand its functions, venture into new horizons, and sustain PNG’s mining potential.

As an institution, we look forward with renewed purpose and aspiration to be an authority, defined by accountability and trust. One that better serves our people by promoting PNG's natural resource potential, strengthening our resource sovereignty, and maximizing the benefit flow from our resource wealth.

26/05/2026

PRESS RELEASE

MRA BOARD SWORN-IN

The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has new Board of Directors.
They are:
1. Mr. Harry Kore, Director, (MRA),
2. Mr. Jude Tukuliya, Director (CEPA),
3. Mr. Donald Hehona, Alternate Director (Treasury Department) (absent)
4. Mr. Steven Nukuitu, Alternate Director, (Finance Department) (absent)
5. Mr. Roger Kara, Alternate Director (National Planning & Monitoring Department),
6. Mr. John Tuaim, Board Chairman.

Three non-ex officio directors, one from PNGCORE, another from the PNG Business (PNGBC) Council, and an independent PNG Business person are yet to be appointed. PNGCORE has nominated a candidate and is pending approval while PNGBC is yet to nominate a rep. Four people have applied for the independent (PNG Business man) Director’s position. The applications are going through the government’s appointments process.

The six directors were sworn-in today in Port Moresby, during a special ceremony witnessed by the Mining Minister Hon Solen Loifa, Ministerial and MRA staff, representatives of PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNGCORE) and other stakeholders.
Minister Loifa said during the swearing-in ceremony, that the occasion marked an important milestone in the MRA’s history. He said the MRA had been without the board for almost four years, adding that a board is a critical body that provides strategic leadership and good governance for organizations like MRA.

The Minister said the swearing-in of the directors was timely as the former Department of Mineral Policy & Geohazards Management (DMPGM), and MRA were going through a merger process and that the board had a critical part to play in over-seeing the whole process.
He challenged the new board directors to deliver for the organization and the country.

“It's not just sitting on a board and carrying the title as the board member or the board chairman. The country and the organization require your technical expertise, your skills and your leadership ability in providing a strategic direction for MRA.”
The Minister said that it was his firm belief that with the caliber of leadership the chairman and the directors bring, the MRA would be able to find a new direction and become a model organization in the country.