24 Sep 2013

Former PNG leader demands explanation over Ok Tedi mine dealings

10:23 am on 24 September 2013

A former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Sir Mekere Morauta, has called on the governor of Western Province to explain what he calls secret dealings over the Ok Tedi mine.

Sir Mekere is also the chairman of PNG Sustainable Development Ltd which has seen its 63% share in the lucrative mine transferred to the government.

Sir Mekere says the Governor admits the expropriation bills were the outcome of months of discussion between himself and the prime minister Peter O'Neill.

He says Mr Wobiro has jeopardised the future of the mine and future dividends from the money, and should have consulted with communities about such a change..

But Mr O'Neill says Mr Wabiro has the mandate to speak for his people while Sir Mekere represents no-one but BHP, the company that originally owned the mine.

He says he has been discussing with the governor and other MPs from the province how funds from PNG Sustainable Development can be used to support the work of the government in the province.