29 Jan 2014

PNG PM to appeal Ok Tedi verdict

2:46 pm on 29 January 2014

The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has warned landowners of the consequences of court actions against major resource projects.

Mr O'Neill says his government will appeal a National Court decision, which orders Ok Tedi Mining to stop depositing tailings and other mine waste in the Ok Tedi and Fly River systems.

This is expected to halt production over time, unless the government appeal succeeds.

Landowners are also asking the court to restrain the government from making use of money held in trust accounts for the people of Western Province.

Last week, the court ordered the government and the company it now controls to disclose all financial records, bank statements, transactions and other relevant documents.

Mr O'Neill says landowners need to understand that the action they have taken could have horrendous financial, economic and social consequences for the mine, the landowners themselves and the nation as a whole.

The matter returns to court on February the 12th.