|
IN THIS newspaper and the other dailies there has been many issues raised regarding Mt Kare and as a landowner, I have no reservation in commending the role Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) and the pivotal role played by the project coordinator. The Mt Kare project is a conflict-ridden project area and it is not an exceptional case, though the milieu differs with other projects in the country. As a young landowner, I wish to stress few things the State, landowners and the developer must consider as important to all of us and for the project to progress to mine development phase. From the onset, let me say to all my brothers and sisters from Mt Kare Exploration License 1093 (EL1093) that we need to work within the requirement of the Mining Act. The Act safeguards all stakeholders - landowners, developer and the State's interest. The law does not serve the interest of any particular person, organisation or group. It is there to protect the industry and for the benefit of all stakeholders. Retrospectively, over the last 18 years, I have been observing many changes taking place. Time and again the changes are unavoidable but the law and policies that impact on the project at that point in time will remain current, unless the law has been amended and operational policies has changes due to changes beyond the company's control. One example of law superseding previous mining law is the Mining Act 1992. Also there have been changes in EL 1093 ownership, changes to landowner organisations and government officers designated to coordinate Mt Kare project has changed. In my opinion these changes are good, timely and an opportunity for all stakeholders to recommit ourselves to ensuring that the project advances to the next level. I further believe in alluvial mining and we must focus our attention on alluvial gold mining with advice and assistance from MRA. The hard rock mining is pending EL 1093 holder decision, though Mt Kare grape vine suggests mining lease may be applied in 2010. Considering the complication as to history of EL 1093 and convolution in identifying landowners, I believe MRA has done the right thing by appointing the young coordinator who appears to be very familiar with the history of Mt. Kare, region's cultural, traditional land demarcation system and requirement of Mining Act as to demarcating land for purposes of alluvial mining lease, and Special Mining lease etc. One thing I learn from him is that the area covering EL 1093 or Mt Kare has number of major clans and sub-clans within the El and there is no one clan call Mt Kare in El 1093. The land demarcation under EL 1093 is only for exploration purposes and not for other activity and the EL holder is yet to confirm the area to be included within the future application for ML. I also note that the ML may or may not include all clans and sub-clans within EL 1093 and if certain clans are excluded as a result, will the existing landowner organisation and their leaders continue to exist, even if their land is outside the ML and LMP? Thus is definitely going to be a problem if we form companies and associations now and start appointing leaders of those organisations, when we do not know whether our clans will be demarcated within the ML, SML or LMP or not. At this juncture, landowners for the specific land on which mining would take place are yet to be confirmed. I am told that this would be a matter to be determined by the Lands Title Commission if it's necessary to determine ownership as soon as the developer confirms the boundary where mining activities would take place. Pending that, all clan members of Mt Kare residing at home and elsewhere should mobilise themselves and work with in clan groups for MRA to assist. As a Landopa clan member, I think the idea is noble for the reason that the benefits derived would be channeled through to landowners affected by the project. We applaud the MRA for taking this approach as it would ensure genuine landowners' interest would be protected both in the short and long term. As I write, I know some of my clans men are progressing in this path and grouping individuals together in clan lines that would help us to mobilise resource and better organise ourselves for the State and developer to manage issues speedily in serving our interest. I therefore, call on all individuals calling yourself as Mt Kare landowners to identify yourself with your clan within EL 1093 and work with your clan members. If you do not have a clan within EL 1093, do not waste your time and money. As for genuine Mt Kare landowners, MRA is on our side. Let us not squander time and resource as has been the case. It is in our interest to mobilise ourselves in clan line and work together with MRA's help and we must support the EL holder to complete all the work programs so that the company can apply for ML soon and commence mining for all stakeholders benefit. Thank you MRA. Wali Pena igini Mt Kare |
LETTERS
|
|