Merimba made the remark after Mining Minister Byron Chan and Eastern Highlands Governor Julie Soso granted an exploration licence to a landowner company from Eastern Highlands to prospect for mineral deposits in areas of EHP, Chimbu and Madang.
He urged government agencies and foreign investors involved in the industry to respect landowner rights to their customary land which had been part of their sanctuary and livelihood. Merimba said records showed that the Governmen thad been reckless by not dealing with the traditional landowners.
“Landowners’ rights must not be overlooked in the name of expediency and profit,” Merimba said.
He said the Bougainville crisis was an example of what could happen when landowners were ignored.
The local company will prospect for mineral deposits at the border of Upper Asaro inEHP, Upper Simbu near Mt Wilhelm and parts of Bundi in Madang.
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