Sir Julius Chan ... backing Simberi landowners and furious with the mine management. Photo: Malum Nalu

Pacific Scoop:
By Henzy Yakham and Pacific Media Watch

The suspicious arrival of 14 hired Fijian “mercenaries” at  Simberi gold mine in Papua New Guinea’s northern island province of New Ireland has raised serious security, immigration and work permit issue concerns, reports the Sunday Chronicle.

The weekend claim has also been republished in the Fiji Sun’s Sunday edition.

According to the Sunday Chronicle, concerns were first raised by New Ireland Provincial Police Commander Tomonmon in a brief to the Islands Regional Commander and police headquarters in Port Moresby.

Chief Superintendent Tomonmon warned the police hierarchy of threats of  a private army being brought in by the miners to challenge landowners.

This followed the closure of Simberi mine last year by the Mineral  Resource Authority (MRA) over health, environmental and safety concerns.

During the closure, the Simberi Mining Area Association (SMAA) imposed traditional sanction (tambu) of “Gorgor” over ongoing disputes regarding a range of unsettled businesses and commitments with the Simberi mine management (SGCL).

The Gorgor was removed on January 2, 2010, after SMAA and SGCL signed a memorandum of understanding.

Surprise arrival
However, to the surprise of SMAA, police, local people and the New Ireland provincial government, seven Fijians were flown directly into Simberi from Nadi, Fiji, on January 4, by SGCL.

On January 7, another seven Fijians were flown in raising grave concerns among the leaders, people and police.

Commander Tomonmon’s brief also claims that there is a strong possibility the Fijians were brought in with firearms, but have been hidden for use.

“The [good] faith of the mine company operating on Simberi should now be revisited.

“There will be more men coming in. We are no match to what they have and what they are capable of doing. They have the resources and the capability to do and carry out anything,” Chief Superintendent Tomonmon’s brief stressed.

On January 19, the Governor of New Ireland, Sir Julius Chan, spoke out in support of the Simberi landowners and people with a blunt message for the mine developer to “get out of Simberi and New Ireland if you are not willing to consult, listen and negotiate amicably with local landowners”.

A furious Sir Julius said if the developer refused to comply with the conditions of its engagement and did not want to work and operate in harmony with the local people in the mine area, the company should leave.

‘Pack up and go’
“If they are not willing to listen to my people’s concerns, they can pack up, get out and go somewhere else to operate because we will not allow dictatorial and arrogant people who use bullying tactics including employing private mercenaries to instill fear among the people to water down serious environmental, cultural and socio-economic issues affecting the local communities,” Sir Julius, a former prime minister, said in a recent media conference at Parliament House.

He had earlier raised the concerns with Acting Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga and Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare’s Chief of Staff Paul Bengo.

Sir Julius also spoke to the Fiji High Commissioner in Port Moresby, Niumaia Tabunakawai, and suggested that he take up the matter as top priority with Foreign Minister Sam Abal because of possible breaches of
immigration and labour laws.

Tabunakawai said the Fiji High Commission had sent a diplomatic note to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs Michael Maue last week to establish dialogue and work together to resolve and take appropriate action.

Meanwhile, the Sunday Chronicle understands several government officials and senior executives from the MRA are currently in Kavieng and will be travelling to Simberi this week on a fact-finding mission.

Source: 6621 Pacific Media Watch
Fiji Sun | Sunday Chronicle