A daily newspaper of Papua New Guinea recently said cabinet members voted to shut down a copper mine situated in the Star mountains. The mine is operated by Ok Tedi Mining Limited.
This decision was taken after the company failed to come up with a practical environment management plan. Both the government and the company are under pressure from environmentalists to look for a solution to the mine's increasing acid rock drainage, which is damaging ecosystems along the Ok Tedi and Fly rivers.
Executive director Techa Beaumont of the Mineral Policy Institute, an Australian advocacy group, supports the government's decision. She said the government needs to weigh long-term damage to the environment against short-term economic gains. Government officials have denied that they have decided to shut the mine.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.