Papua New Guinea's National Executive Council has given its approval to mining companies operating in the country to continue using heavy sulphur fuel in their heavy equipment.
The Post Courier newsapaper says these companies include Lihir, Ok Tedi and Porgera among others.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Mining, Lands and Physical Planning, Sir Puka Temu announced the exemption during the 2009 Mining Seminar in Port Moresby.
The Post Courier reports him as saying the NEC decision effectively allows these companies to use heavy sulphur fuel.
Port Moresby based Hanjung Power Limited took the State to court early this year after the National Government decided to ban the importation of heavy sulphur fuel and the courts ruled in the power supplier's favour.
Hanjung Power, the supplier of more than half of the power to Port Moresby won its case against unfair legislation imposed by the National Government stopping it from importing heavy fuel needed to run the Port Moresby generators.
