a ‘dam’ tricky situation , page-11

This is a further contextual comment on the so called "new" news on riverine pollution in PNG.
The "brain-deadness" bit arises as a consequence of the “do nothingness” bit.......
The do nothings bit arises because of the “I don’t give a shit” bit.............
FYI, overt structural and administrative deficiencies in the legislative framework of PNG laws and governance systems have been highlighted to previous PNG Ministers who have done nothing.
This has been going on for years.
Hence my comment as to why nothing changes.
No of this seems to impact on mining practices hence the issue of self regulation.
Thats why all of this stuff is just blathering pointless verbage if no one os prepared to upset the apple cart and look at the obvious cause on non action.
The Mining Act is denied the jurisdoiction to do anything and the Enviornment Act 2000 is meaningless and innefective.
My bet is that nothing will be understaod.
The same consequence for the 2007 Constitutional Law Reform Commission publication of the "issues paper".
Miners have to apply their own standards to protect themselves and communities from te inaction of te PNG government.
Nothing really difficult about it.
FYI


".............Inquiry into mine waste most welcome........

Editorial | Post Courier

IT IS close to six years since reports surrounding the alleged polluting of the Angabanga River emerged in the local press and compelled then Justice Minister Bire Kimisopa to issue a reference.

That reference in July 2007 led to the Constitutional Law Reform Commission publishing an issues paper early this year on the matter which now gives rise to an inquiry into mine waste tailings systems and its impact on the health and general wellbeing of Papua New Guineans.

Time is normally of the essence in such inquiries but in PNG where the mining industry continues to experience an unprecedented period of growth and expansion and exploration at an all time, it is never too late to investigate mine waste tailings systems and its impact on communities, including ordinary Papua New Guineans.

The terms of reference for the inquiry are specific in that the working committee will collate the views and comments of Papua New Guineans living within the mine tailings disposal areas (these includes waterways and coastal areas) on mining waste management and disposal systems and its consequential effects on the environment. Collate reports on the alleged high toxicity levels of hazardous chemicals and heavy metal traces found to have occurred in the sample population in mine waste disposal areas will be considered and finally highlight the need for corrective measures to be taken when the final report is handed to the Justice Minister.

The CLRC secretary Dr Eric Kwa has revealed that their work will include a review of the various legislative frameworks, which the mining industry is currently using to govern their waste disposal regimes.

“The key aspect that we are basing our research on is the impact that these mine waste tailings have on the health of the people in the surrounding project area and the environment impacts. We want to review the Environment Act 2000, the Mining Act 1992 and other legislations to determine how best we can address the issue,” he said.

We welcome the review of the various legislations, however, we hope that the working committee will in its deliberations scrutinise the Department of Environment and Conservation and zoom in on its ability to effectively regulate and monitor the activities of mining companies. The department has in recent years been criticized for being ineffective, allowing mining companies to self-regulate their activities often to the detriment of the local population.

The commission in its deliberations is also seeking submissions from a “broad cross-section of the community”, as well as with an interest in the inquiry.

Consequently, we encourage Papua New Guineans who live in a mine-impacted area or community to write to the CLRC. It is your opportunity to be heard and a chance to make a positive contribution to reforming an industry that brings in millions of PNG Kina in export revenue, but can also impact negatively on the environment if not monitored effectively by our regulatory authorities.

While the inquiry would be welcomed by Papua New Guineans, they will need to be convinced that the recommendations that would flow on from its proceedings will be seriously taken on board by the Government of the day.