Morobe Governor Frustrated by Slow Progress In Wafi-Golpu Negotiations

Morobe Governor Luther Wenge has expressed frustration at the slow pace of negotiations regarding the Wafi-Golpu project, a gold-copper mining project worth billions of Kina. According to Wenge, “the provincial government’s position is clear: mining must go ahead. We can sort everything else later.” He believes that preparations for the project should begin immediately and the special mining lease should be granted.

However, Wenge has stated that negotiations are being delayed by the state negotiating team, who are attempting to secure the best possible deal for all stakeholders in the project. State negotiating team chairman Dairi Vele confirmed that they were trying to get the best deal for everyone involved in the K18.5 billion project.