Forum Outlines Key Challenges to Mining
PRESS STATEMENT
28 February 2007
FORUM OUTLINES KEY CHALLENGES TO MINING
The Pacific Islands Forum has outlined challenges the region faces in the development of its mining sector, calling on the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) for assistance.
Hon. Maxim Carlot Korman, Minister for Lands, Mineral Resources and Water Supply of Vanuatu outlined the challenges in a paper submitted to the 3rd APEC Mining Ministerial Meeting on behalf of the Forum in Perth, Australia, 13-14 February.
The Pacific Islands Forum is an Official APEC Observer.
Mr Korman outlined the mineral potential of the region stating that within the Forum Island Countries, “mining is presently active only in Papua New Guinea with efforts currently underway to re-open the Gold Ridge Mine in Solomon Islands.”
“But the potential is certainly there,” said Mr Korman. “In Papua New Guinea’s case, this is well demonstrated through major mining and energy discoveries and developments over the past two decades to three decades. Geologically, this potential exists throughout Melanesia, in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.”
Mr Korman told the meeting that despite the potential, there are key challenges to mining development in the region. These include:
• Land access, ownership and the community;
• Environmental degradation;
• Government, legislative and policy instruments and their implementation including those that relate to distribution of wealth;
• Ability to effectively promote the mining sector; and
• Updated data and information on resource potential including information management and technical know-how.
“Without doubt, it will be advantageous for Forum Island Countries to tap into technical advisory support available within APEC in recognition of your extensive mining experiences, research and development capabilities, and technical capacities,” Mr Korman said.
“We strongly feel that our closer collaboration in the above areas will contribute in a significant way to the sustainable development of our minerals sector.”
Mr Korman was accompanied by Mr Bhaskar Rao, Deputy Director of the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC).
28 February 2007
FORUM OUTLINES KEY CHALLENGES TO MINING
The Pacific Islands Forum has outlined challenges the region faces in the development of its mining sector, calling on the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) for assistance.
Hon. Maxim Carlot Korman, Minister for Lands, Mineral Resources and Water Supply of Vanuatu outlined the challenges in a paper submitted to the 3rd APEC Mining Ministerial Meeting on behalf of the Forum in Perth, Australia, 13-14 February.
The Pacific Islands Forum is an Official APEC Observer.
Mr Korman outlined the mineral potential of the region stating that within the Forum Island Countries, “mining is presently active only in Papua New Guinea with efforts currently underway to re-open the Gold Ridge Mine in Solomon Islands.”
“But the potential is certainly there,” said Mr Korman. “In Papua New Guinea’s case, this is well demonstrated through major mining and energy discoveries and developments over the past two decades to three decades. Geologically, this potential exists throughout Melanesia, in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.”
Mr Korman told the meeting that despite the potential, there are key challenges to mining development in the region. These include:
• Land access, ownership and the community;
• Environmental degradation;
• Government, legislative and policy instruments and their implementation including those that relate to distribution of wealth;
• Ability to effectively promote the mining sector; and
• Updated data and information on resource potential including information management and technical know-how.
“Without doubt, it will be advantageous for Forum Island Countries to tap into technical advisory support available within APEC in recognition of your extensive mining experiences, research and development capabilities, and technical capacities,” Mr Korman said.
“We strongly feel that our closer collaboration in the above areas will contribute in a significant way to the sustainable development of our minerals sector.”
Mr Korman was accompanied by Mr Bhaskar Rao, Deputy Director of the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC).
(Ends)
