Wafi Golpu SML Grant Expected by Oct

The government hopes to issue the Special Mining Lease (SML) for the Wafi Golpu project by October 2023.

Mining Minister Hon Sir Ano Pala revealed this on Thursday in Lae, during the Wafi Golpu stakeholders consultative meeting.

Sir Ano said there were only three processes left that needed to be completed before the SML could be granted. They are the staging of the Development Forum, completion of the Mining Development Contract (MDC) and the cabinet’s approval for the SML to be granted.

The Minister appealed to the landowners and impacted communities of the project, to work with the government to ensure necessary processes such as the Development Forum is successfully staged. He urged them to negotiate well for their benefits and assured them of the government’s support throughout the processes.

To view more download a PDF