Commencement of New Ireland province community projects

Newcrest Mining Ltd and the New Ireland provincial government have announced the commencement of three key projects in New Ireland to improve community health, education facilities and infrastructure.

 The three high impact projects in New Ireland are to be funded by Newcrest Mining Ltd in partnership with the Governor of New Ireland Province, Sir Julius Chan.

New Ireland Governor sir Julius Chan (left) and Newcrest country manager Peter Aitsi at Palie

 Newcrest Mining country manager, Peter Aitsi, said the three agreed projects were the first of five to be funded by Newcrest. 

 “As a gesture of ‘goodwill’ to the people of New Ireland, Newcrest is making available K2 million to fund high value impact projects which align with the New Ireland Provincial Government priority areas,” Aitsi said.

 “The funding for these projects is above and beyond the requirements within existing agreements, demonstrating Newcrest’s desire to engage in effective partnerships with its key stakeholders.”

 The three projects are:

1.      Funding for an additional doctor under the Australian Doctors International Memorandum of Agreement with the New Ireland Provincial Government (NIPG).  This funding amounts to AUD$70,000 each year for three years or approximately K163, 000 per year, or K490,000 over the three years.

2.      Providing concrete surfacing over the Namatanai (Moronai) Bridge and associated embankment work. Project budget K400,000.

3.      Connecting and commissioning an existing generator and undertaking reticulation of the power system to Namatanai High School. Project budget K300,000.

It was also agreed that Newcrest Mining Ltd technical staff would work with the Public Works New Ireland to fully assess the scope for the Namatanai Bridge and Namatanai High School projects as well as to reconfirm the budgets to complete the projects to the required specifications. Sir Julius met with Aitsi last week after the adjournment of Parliament.  Their discussions led to the first three projects being signed off. During the meeting Aitsi reaffirmed Newcrest’s commitment to building a long and productive relationship with the NIPG.

Sir Julius in supporting the partnership said “These projects indicate a new desire for a more co-operative platform between Newcrest and the New Ireland Provincial Government.

“The projects will positively impact the lives of the People of New Ireland Province and signal a renewal of the economic and commercial life of the Province”.

Newcrest operates the Lihir Gold Mine in the New Ireland province.

“Getting agreement to commence three of the five projects is excellent news”, Aitsi said.

 “Newcrest and NIPG through these projects will target important areas such as health, education and infrastructure. 

“This joint effort will see the conversion of our efforts into projects with meaningful impact.”

The remaining two projects will target the key area of health and are expected to be finalised soon.