The mission of the Mineral Project Assessment (MPA) Branch is to research, analyse and promptly provide relevant technical and policy advice relating to the mining industry to the government through the top management of the Department of Mining.
To deliver on its mission the MPA Branch has a multidisciplinary team comprising professions/disciplines such as geology, engineering, environmental science, resource law and policy. It is ably supported by a keyboard operator (KBO).
The Branch is headed by an Assistant Director. Under the Branch Head is the Principal Policy/Legal Officer. Below this position are various Senior Officers representing geology, engineering, environment, and policy. Below the senior officer level are junior professionals. It is supported by a KBO.
There are a number of programs, products and services either being directly driven or are being done collaboratively with other Branches, Divisions, agencies or stakeholders.
Initiatives Status Establishment of Marine Scientific Research Committee Ongoing. Establishment of Mine Closure Policy Committee Draft policy being reviewed by consultants Establishment of Offshore Mining Policy Committee Draft policy being reviewed by consultants. Developed Madang Guidelines that is being used as a framework for South Pacific Island countries' offshore minerals policies Establishment of Mine Closure Planning Committees Misima, Ok Tedi and Porgera Plan for Misima completed. Others ongoing. Development of Environmental Rehabilitation Framework Department of Environment & Conservation to incorporate as part of new environmental policy under the Environment Act 2000. Proposal to establish Public Infrastructure Services Trust Fund Draft cabinet submission done and being reviewed by consultants as part of mine closure policy review.
For general enquiries: Ms. Helen Lohai Keyboard Operator Tel: +675 3227678 Fax: +675 3214637 Email: Helen_lohai@mineral.gov.pg For administrative, legal and policy matters: Mr. James Wanjik Assistant Director Tel: +675 3227628 Fax: +675 3214637 Email: james_wanjik@mineral.gov.pg For geological matters including exploration work program and reporting requirements: Mr. Lasark Joseph Senior Economic Geologist Tel: +675 3227634 Fax: +3214637 Email: lasark_joseph@mineral.gov.pg For engineering matters including feasibility studies and mine plans requirements: Mr. Leo Kasa Senior Mining Engineer Tel: +675 3227603 Fax: +675 3214637 Email: leo_kasa@mineral.gov.pg For environmental science as well as marine scientific research and mine closure planning requirements: Mrs. Patricia Pepena Senior Environmental Scientist Tel: +675 3227695 Fax: +675 3214637 Email: pat_pepena@mineral.gov.pg For policy requirements including mine closure, and offshore mining policy: Mrs. Ani Topurua Senior Policy Officer Tel: +675 3227604 Fax: +675 3214637 Email: ani_topurua@mineral.gov.pg