MRA isn't just totally ignoring the National Goals and Directive Principles which are the bedrock of our Constitution - it is actively undermining them...

MRA: Coal mining has potential in PNG

Source: Mine Watch PNG via Post Courier

THERE is potential to develop coal mining and coal seam gas industries in PNG, according to the Mineral Resources Authority.

MRA team leader for mapping Chris Wamugl gave a presentation on this topic last week during the week-long 50th annual session of the Coordinating Committee for Geoscience Programs in East and South East Asia, which ended last Friday in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.

His presentation was based on the MRA’s ongoing research on coal mining potential in PNG.

He said his presentation at the CCOP session in Kokopo was to indicate to the participants that PNG had the potential to go into coal mining and there was a need to develop this mining activity.

Mr Wamugl said a lot of work has to be done in this area in terms of more research, exploration, data collection and other activities.

He said in the 1970s, government geologists went around the country exploring for minerals and discovered coal deposits and occurrences mostly in the Gulf, Western, Eastern Highlands, Simbu and Madang provinces which were documented.

However, these deposits were not extensively explored due to a number of limitations and that there were currently no known deposits with an economic viability.

Mr Wamugl said what they needed to do now was to do more research and exploration.

Meanwhile, CCOP PNG Chairman John Arumba said plans were in place by the Department of Mineral Policy and Geoharzards to develop a coal mining policy starting next year.

PNG currently does not have a policy in place to regulate coal operations in the country.

He said PNG relies heavily on gold and copper.

However, they were now diversifying and MRA was doing a lot of research and looking at other potential economic minerals in PNG such as coal