Hon. Gary Juffa, Chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform (SPCPSR), commends the efforts of Customs and the Police in addressing the growing issue of alluvial gold smuggling, while urging them to maintain heightened vigilance. The SPCPSR, currently conducting an inquiry into this pressing matter, calls on the government to take comprehensive action. This includes not only revoking the visas and work permits of individuals involved but also prosecuting them and holding their associated companies accountable.
“The alarming trend of alluvial gold smuggling requires immediate and decisive action from all heads of relevant departments,” said Hon. Juffa.
During hearings by the Special Parliamentary Committee, it was revealed that some companies implicated in alluvial gold mining have unlawfully claimed over 8,000 square kilometers of land in Papua New Guinea. In my own province, I was dismayed to discover that named companies have seized more than 5,000 square kilometers of land.
I urge my fellow Members of Parliament to rigorously investigate all entities holding leases for alluvial mining and scrutinize the processes through which these licenses were obtained.
Our research indicates that a foreign company linked to substantial volumes of alluvial gold smuggling has been known to authorities such as the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) and the Central Bank, yet continues to operate with impunity. Alarmingly, this company has also been granted additional exploration licenses for over 8,000 square kilometers of land in Papua New Guinea. If the government is truly committed to the “Take Back PNG” initiative, it must act decisively.
With gold prices reaching record highs, we must remain vigilant about how this valuable resource departs our shores, ensuring that all necessary protocols are adhered to.
Furthermore, I call upon the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) to exercise diligence in the registration and oversight of foreign entities involved in this sector.
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