article for pro idc

Locals support developer

MT Kare Gold prospect resource owners from the Hula clans of Mt Kare have thrown their support behind resource developer Summit Development Ltd amid opposition from other landowners from Mt Kare.
Principle resources owner and chairman of Heli Aga Association Inc, Hewe Balope while yesterday refuting claims by another landowner group published in The National newspaper said: “Summit Development Limited has the ultimate support of the entire landowners from both the Enga and Huli sides of the project area.
“We have welcomed the developer wholeheartedly and don’t want to hear and entertain so-called landowners who have no basis to claim ownership or beneficiary,” said Mr Balope.
“Over the last 30 years or so, many ‘wanabe’ developers and explorers came and went and made money out of Mt Kare through exploration licences, leaving us in limbo.
“We have lost all the opportunities of the past years and we now realise our mistakes.
“We wouldn’t want all these histories to repeat. Since SDL has shown genuine interest to invest and develop a large scale mine, we embrace it and are looking forward to develop this project,” Mr Balope stressed.
Yesterday, The National published an article quoting the secretary for Apa Youpe Mt Kare Gold Deposit Co Ltd Karath Mal who called for a probe on mine report by SDL subsidiary Indochine.
Mr Mal reportedly said: “I condemn the report of Indochine for saying the landowners are already being identified.”
Reacting to this quote, Mr Balope said this claim has no basis. The chief of Heli clan said there is no basis for activities and human rights groups to jeopardise the project, which is about to be developed in a few years time.
“All land investigation studies and landowner identification studies are completed as well as the warden’s hearing. Where were Mr Mal and his activists at the time of these surveys and warden hearing? I would urged them to refrain from making misleading information as it would not do any good but stir up conflicts in the area,” he added.

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20130204/hpost03.htm