The Branch provides information and extension services on better mining practice, safer use of mercury, and skills development for alluvial gold recovery through the dissemination of promotional and teaching materials (videos and booklets) supplied under an AusAID project and co-funded in-part by the Metals Refining Operations Limited (Papua New Guinea's gold refinery.
There are an estimated 50,000-80,000 small scale miners (including women and children) directly involved in mining alluvial gold and oxidised lenses throughout PNG bringing in government revenues of about 180 million kina annually. The principal area is Wau-Bulolo in Marobi Province. Annual production peaked at 3.5 tonnes in 1989-90.
The Branch has an office in Wau staffed by two mining engineers and one mining extension officer and supported by two employees of Metals Refining Operations Ltd. Former offices at Wewak and Kainantu are now closed. Although the Mining Safety Act applies also to small-scale mining the sector is difficult to regulate, and there are 3-4 fatalities per year through collapsing adits and unsafe practices, particularly the improper use of mercury.