Source: The National

A COMMUNITY leader on Lihir Island, in New Ireland, says the leaders should now be focused on sustaining the economy after the mine closes.

Lihir Island hosts one of the world’s largest and richest mining projects in being developed by Newcrest Mining Limited.

Lihir Sustainable Development Programme chairman Ben Misren told Public Enterprises and Investments Minister Ben Micah, Lihir leaders and the business community that the economy experienced on the island would soon be gone.

“The one we are fighting for is the ongoing economy after mine closure,” he said. Misren was speaking during the opening of a new poultry layout facility in Lihir on Monday by Micah.

Present were business project partners Mainland Holdings, suppliers of Niugini Tablebirds.

“Today, you are witnessing one of those projects that (will continue) after the mine closure,” he said.

“We, as Lihirians, should work together to build a non-mining economy that will sustain the livelihood of our people, our children and the future leaders of this island.

“Mining will go tomorrow. What is left then is something that is indicated by one such project.”

Micah paid tribute to Mainland Holdings board chairman William Lamur and Colin Vale of the Anitua Group of Companies “for their sleepless nights” and the thoughts of “ever making it work”.

“It is not easier than what it is now. It was a nightmare. We thought we were gonna go down,” Micah said.

Misren assured the crowd that there were more such projects coming up, including an extension to the piggery to include an abattoir and meat birds for the poultry project.

“Our biggest task as Lihirians is to ensure we control, manage and own these projects.”