I'm always rather intrigued why the PNG Government authorities...

I'm always rather intrigued why the PNG Government authorities keep renewing necessary mining/exploration applications in the absence of any obvious economic activity or project progress, other than the small ongoing token effort with some local residents often highlighted as a meaningful company achievement. Surely the PNG authorities concerned could catalyse at least some action by requiring some goals & deadlines, or find another mining company prepared to progress this world class resource and the benefits it promises?