Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – September 7, 2023 – Mining Minister Hon. Sir Ano Pala expressed his warm welcome to the Central Cement Lime Project, a transformative development situated in Kido Village, Central Province. He commended Prime Minister Hon. James Marape for expeditiously advancing this mining initiative, along with others across Papua New Guinea.
The announcement came during a site tour led by Paul Mulder, the Managing Director of Mayur Resources, with esteemed guests in attendance, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Among them were Mining Minister Sir Ano Pala, Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA) Chairman Mr. Varigini Badira, and Acting Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Philip Leo.
This groundbreaking collaboration between the mining sector and the special economic zone concept not only seeks to boost downstream processing within the mining industry but also the associated supporting industries marking it a promising and pioneering partnership. The project will focus on producing clinker and cement for both domestic and international markets, utilising locally sourced limestone.
Notably, this endeavor has already resulted in the creation of 15 private sector jobs, including the appointment of Musje Werror, the former Managing Director of Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML), as part of the Mayur team. Moreover, 20 locals from Lealea have received training at the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC), with an additional 20 from Kido expected to join their ranks by the end of October, specialising in various vocational fields to support this initiative.
The project has secured a mining lease from the Mineral Resource Authority (MRA) and an SEZ license from SEZA, positioning it to become a significant job creator upon its completion.
Minister Sir Ano Pala expressed his enthusiasm for this exceptional project, stating, “Every mine is unique across our nation, and this one is particularly special. Apart from Tolukuma in Goilala, this is the only other mine in Central Province, and we are truly excited about its progress. This project will provide employment opportunities for at least 1,000 people, which will make a significant difference. The people in this region have not witnessed such a development before, so it’s truly exciting. We eagerly anticipate the growth of this mine.”
He also emphasised his close collaboration with Mayur Resources to ensure the success of the project, highlighting the positive impact this project, alongside others in the country, will have on Papua New Guinea.
“I’m genuinely pleased that Mayur is advancing this project,” Sir Ano Pala continued.
“I believe that we will see significant changes in the next six months.”