porgera...the presentation at the na - tional parliament, waigani, was witnessed by the managing...

Issue 05, August/September 2017

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PORGERAJOINT VENTURE PORGERA POSITIVE

Maimul retires after 31 years of service to Porgera

PJV and Enga MPs on familiarisation meet

PJV delivers refurbished science lab to Porgera Secondary school

Page 5

PJV makes gazettal applications for largest protected areas in PNG

In this issue...

By Sophia Magi

Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) with the support of Ameri-

can Anthropologist Dr William Thomas has presented gazettal applications for two conserva-tion areas, the Headwaters of the Strickland in Hela and the Kai-jende Highlands in Enga.

PJV Environment Manag-er Charlie Ross and Dr Thomas presented the applications to the Minister for Environment & Con-servation and Climate Change and parliamentary member-elect for Kompiam-Ambum John Pundari in Port Moresby on 28 September this year.

The presentation at the Na-tional Parliament, Waigani, was witnessed by the managing di-rectors for Conservation and En-vironment Protection Authority (CEPA) Gunther Joku and Cli-mate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) Ruel Yamuna, with their staffs, as well as PJV Ex-ecutive Managing Director Rich-mond Fenn, Country Executive Director Dr Ila Temu and some representatives from other stake-holder organisations.

The gazettal applications cover two of the largest conservation ar-eas in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The Headwaters of the Strick-land encompasses most of Lake Kopiago Rural Local Level Gov-ernment (LLG) area in Hela prov-ince measuring over 200,000 hect-ares (ha).

The Kaijende Highlands is mostly an alpine area of 120,000ha, extending from Paiela and Porgera areas in the west through to Kan-dep in the east.

Both areas are of global sig-nificance. The 1993 Conservation Needs Assessment identified the Headwaters of the Strickland and the Kaijende Highlands as conser-vation priorities for PNG.

A biological assessment con-ducted in 2008 by an international team of scientists found 50 new species in the Headwaters of the Strickland, an area of 200,000ha.

Together both project areas will be the largest Protected Areas in PNG at over 320,000ha.

Mr Fenn in introducing the two projects to the Minister, said both Charlie and Dr Thomas de-served a lot of credit for bringing the applications before him.

“This is a result of over 10 years work on the projects and we have some unique conservation programs in our Forest Stewards.

“We look forward to progress-ing these all the way through.

These are projects that the world can be proud of,” Mr Fenn said.

Dr Thomas presented the gazettal application for the Strick-land Headwaters and Charlie pre-sented for the Kaijende Highlands conservation area.

PJV’s support of Dr Thomas’ efforts since 2005 to establish a conservation program based on traditional knowledge in these re-gions has resulted in the Papuan Forest Stewards Initiative which builds on the traditional knowl-edge of landowners to develop a conservation plan for their lands.

In exchange for payment, the landowners agree to keep their forest intact and their traditional knowledge alive.

Minister Pundari in accepting the applications, said, he was ex-tremely proud of PJV or partner-ing and investing in conserving some of the country’s land areas.

“This is very powerful, given PJV is one of the leading develop-ers in the mining sector in PNG has seen it fitting and right to col-laborate with our landowners and

to bring in these conservation ar-eas applications. I can assure you of my support,’’ Mr Pundari said.

He also said with the effects of climate change and global warm-ing of which PNG is not immune to, sustainable environment pro-grams were now the way forward and PJV is doing the right thing through its conservation efforts.

“I want to challenge other developers in the country to take the cue from what PJV is doing in conservation and preservation of biodiversity.

“I think there is a lot more we can do for this country and the opportunities are great.

“For Porgera to come in and conserve around 320,000 hectares is a big achievement and I con-gratulate and applaud you.

“I want other resource devel-opers in the country to come for-ward and do the same thing and I hope to get more applications in the near future,” Minister Pundari said.

The Minister handed the appli-cations to CEPA Managing Direc-tor Gunther Joku and his technical team, as he said he looked forward to taking the applications to cabi-net as soon as possible.

The Minister’s acceptance of the gazettal applications will trig-ger a 90-day public consultation process to be led by CEPA in the lead up to gazettal under the Con-servational Areas Act.

Both projects have received unanimous community support and have moved through the local and provincial approval processes.

PJV will continue to work with CEPA and CCDA to coordinate ef-forts and pursue sustainable long-term funding through REED+.

Charlie (standing, right) presents the gazettal application for the Kaijende Highlands to Mr Pundari, while looking on are Messrs Joku (seated, left) and Yamuna together with others in attendance. Pictures by Elise Anga.

Dr Thomas (right) presents the gazettal application for the Strictland Headwaters to Minister Pundari.

Mr Fenn (standing, right) introducing the conservation projects partnered by PJV and Dr Thomas.

Porgera Positive, August/September 20172

PJV and Enga MPs on familiarisation meet

By Sophia Magi

Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) has given undertaking to work in

partnership with the Enga prov-ince’s elected Members of Par-liament (MPs) to progress the province’s development agenda through sustainable projects.

And to support this partner-ship, the provincial leaders will be recommending to the National Government a Special Tax Credit Scheme (TCS) arrangement, de-tails of which will be worked out during further consultation.

PJV on 27 September this year held an information session in Port Moresby with the Engan parliamentary leaders led by the Governor Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas.

The MPs that attended were the new member-elect for Wa-bag Dr Lino Tom, Lagaip-Porgera MP-elect Tomait Kapili and the Kandep MP-elect and Minister for Civil Aviation Alfred Manasseh.

Former PNG Ambassador to the United States (US) Evan Paki,

who is now assisting the Enga Governor with provincial pro-jects, was also in attendance.

MP re-elect for Wapenaman-da and Minister for Foreign Af-fairs and Trade Rimbink Pato and Member for Kompiam-Ambum and Minister for Environment & Conservation and Climate Change John Pundari were not able to attend.

PJV’s representation included the Executive Managing Director (EMD) Richmond Fenn, General Manager Corporate and Legal Anthony Smare, Corporate So-cial Responsibility (CSR) Senior Manager Timothy Andambo, Communities & Social Responsi-bility Manager John Liston, and Commercial Services Senior Advi-sor- Corporate Chao Robin Wang. The meeting was chaired by PJV Country Executive Director Dr Ila Temu at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Dr Temu said the Porgera Joint Venture has done a lot in the Enga province and wants to work in partnership with the Enga MPs in the next five years to try address

issues of mutual interest. He ac-knowledged the Enga Governor’s support to the Porgera gold mine in the last 20 years and said with-out his leadership, the Porgera story would have been different.

“We thought it would be a good idea to share our views and the challenges we face in Porgera in the hope that you can under-stand what the issues are and we also hope that you can help us try and influence the decision and processes especially at the political and government levels,” he said.

The agenda for the meeting included a presentation on the Porgera gold mine, its contribu-tions to the local, district and na-tional economies and future min-ing prospects.

More importantly, the PJV team took the opportunity to pre-sent the challenges faced by the mine operation.

Mr Fenn presented the chal-lenges and categorised them as lo-cal, institutional and those at the national level.

Illegal mining, the Highlands Highway, law and order, resettle-ment and the review of the Mem-orandum of Agreement (MOA) he said, presented some of the more imminent and biggest chal-lenges for the mine operation.

At the institutional level, Mr Fenn highlighted the management issues of the Porgera Development Authority (PDA), the Paiam Hos-pital and functions of the District Administration.

And at the national level, chal-lenges faced by the mine, he said were the proposed amendments to the Mining Act, the proposed amendment to the Mineral Re-sources Authority (MRA) Act, and increasing the TCS rate.

“While some of the issues we

can manage as a company, oth-ers are more complex and need considerable amounts of com-mitment from the government to make it work.

“The partnerships that we generate from these kinds of gath-erings where we are required to work together on issues that affect us all, are of the utmost impor-tance to us,” Mr Fenn said.

The Enga Governor in re-sponse said there were often mis-conceptions about PJV and hav-ing the information session with the Enga MPs was a good start.

He said Porgera mine is not a renewable resource and it is now up to the leaders of the province to chart the future for Enga.

“We have to work to sustain Porgera to continue to provide services. The mine will come to

an end. In the future, the province will have to fall on its own econ-omy.’’

“We have the right leadership and we have to incorporate our plans for development into the government agenda,” he said.

Governor Ipatas added the government should consider funding arrangements for Enga’s special project plans, particularly through an increase in the Tax Credit rate, given the mine’s his-tory and contribution to the na-tional economy for over 20 years.

The Enga MPs acknowledged that the Porgera mine is the only significant project that has sus-tained the province for a long time and that it was in their best inter-est to ensure ongoing and mutual partnership with PJV.

Dr Temu (standing) speaking to the Enga parliamentary leaders during the information session, while looking on are Sir Peter (seated from left to right), Messrs Manasseh and Kapili, with Timothy and Robin. Pictures by Elise Anga.

Sir Peter (left) making a point at the meet while Mr Manasseh looks on. Mr Fenn delivering the presentation on the Porgera mine operation.

Porgera Positive, August/September 2017 3

PJV introduces Agrikids program at Aumbi

In its efforts to continue pro-moting food security within the

mine communities, Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) has introduced a new program aimed at developing an interest in agriculture amongst the younger population.

Peter demonstrating to the students and parents, the plant materials that are used to make the compost.

Story and pictures by Elise Anga

Called Agrikids, the project is coordinated by PJV’s Community Development Section (CDS).

Agrikids is a component of the PJV Food Security Program initi-ated in 2010, which aims to pre-pare local communities to sustain their livelihood through agricutl-rue, after mine closure.

On 29 August this year, the

CDS team conducted a training session on compost with students of the Aumbi Elementary School - the pilot school for the Agrikids program.

Compost training is an im-proved farming method which PJV demonstrates to local com-munities within the valley to in-crease the soil fertility for higher

and quality crop yields.PJV Community Develop-

ment Senior Officer Peter Tumun said agriculture is a sustainable venture and it is important that relevant agricultural skills are de-livered to young children at an early age when they are active in learning.

“With Agrikids, we want to

teach and pass on the agriculture skills to children while they are in school so they can grow up with knowledge and skills about agri-culture.

“Some of the children will make it to tertiary institutions and find jobs but for those who might not make it further, they can be able to utilise such skills and earn a living,” Peter said.

Teacher-in-Charge David Isara and the school chairman Pastor Wanpis Kawi were both grateful that such vital skills were being promoted to the younger popula-tion by PJV.

“I’ve been teaching for 16 years but I’ve never seen such training before. I am happy that such ac-tivity is being taught here at the elementary school. If the same skills are being taught to schools throughout the valley, the young children will be able to prepare themselves for the future”, Mr Is-ara said.

PJV will also assist the Aumbi elementary school with building materials for a temporary nurs-ery (tarps & shade cloth), seedling trays, blue drums and seeds to start off with.

The Community Develop-ment team will make regular visits and provide technical advice and support as it moves to engage oth-er elementary schools within the Special Mine Lease (SML) com-munities.

Training prompts employees to better plan future

Fridah is all smiles after the training at the Alipis Training room. Picture by Elise Anga.

By Judith Mameri

More and more employees at the Porgera gold mine

are now talking about improving their way of life for a successful fu-ture after formal employment.

This has been brought on by the Brighter Future training which Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) con-tinues to facilitate to assist em-ployees rethink and plan their future.

Johnson Kainakali, a Camp Supervisor with the Business Ser-vices department attended a re-cent training session.

“The training made me be-come aware of the need do a stock-take of my current personal resources available and how I can utilise them now toward becom-ing more self – reliant and achieve financial independence,” he said.

Fridah Pepo is an administra-tion supervisor with the mainte-nance department.

Her reason for attending the training was to improve certain aspects in her life, which she claimed she could not do prior.

“I want to be able to budget

my fortnightly salary and to be able to think about and plan my future, especially on how best to use my superannuation funds af-ter I retire”.

PJV facilitated the training for the fourth time on 7 September, which was the second for this year.

It was delivered by Master Trainer Dr Paul Wiau from the Human Development Institute, formerly the Entrepreneur Devel-opment Training Centre (EDTC).

PJV Employee Development Senior Advisor Tems Ninjipa told

the 31 participants of the recent session that, there were many re-sources that were not being uti-lised to create a bright future, although the future was not all gloom and doom.

“It’s never too late to start…as long as you’re alive learning will continue and with this training we need to change some of our attitude in order to manage what resources we have.”

He said it was important for

the employees to manage and in-vest their salary to be able to create a better future for them in prepa-ration for the time they would leave formal employment.

Trainer Dr Wiau said the aim of the one-day training was to help the participants focus on their own future as often many people worried about the future of other people, and not about creating their own successful future.

“…it will give you ideas

and how you can re-direct your thoughts to think about your fu-ture”, he said.

The five sections in the train-ing package were: planning for a bright future, use of tangible and intangible resources, learning for a bright future, performing for a bright future, and saving for a bright future.

The two previous training ses-sions were conducted last year.

Dr Wiau (standing) talking to participants during the training session at the Alipis training room. Picture by Elise Anga.


PJV delivers refurbished science laboratory to Porgera Secondary school

Story & Pictures by Sophia Magi

The Porgera Secondary School has taken delivery of a re-

vamped science laboratory build-ing made possible by Porgera Joint Venture (PJV).

The school’s 20-year old sci-ence laboratory was fully renovat-ed with standard specific science laboratory equipment ordered from Australia and fitted.

PJV through its Communi-ty Projects section - Tax Credit Scheme (TCS), undertook main-tenance and renovation of the building at a cost of K170, 000.

The funding comes under part of PJV’s K1.1 million contribution toward supporting the school’s infrastructure enhancement pro-gram after it was elevated from high school to the secondary sta-tus last year.

Community Projects TCS Su-perintendent Derick Kundi offi-cially handed over the key to the building to Porgera Secondary School Deputy Principal Timothy Mendai on 25 August this year at

The interior of the refurbished science laboratory.

Derick (from left to right), Bruno, and Messrs Masol and Mendai test the water tap in the science laboratory.

The exterior of the science laboratory buiding at Paiam.

Standard specific equipment has been fitted in the new laboratory.

Paiam.The handover was witnessed

by Grade 11 Accounting teach-er Benjamin Masol and PJV TCS Project Superintendent Bruno Sa-pataleh.

Derick explained that the ren-ovated science laboratory together with the planned maintenance of the school’s recreation hall and a new computer laboratory were all under PJV’s K1.1 million (mil) funding component.

“We are aware of the require-ments of the National Education Department to have a proper sci-ence laboratory for students to use now that the school has been el-evated to secondary status and so we tried to deliver this project as efficiently as possible”, he said.

Mr Mendai said having a proper science laboratory for the Grade 11 students was a real need for the school.

“Science provides the founda-tion for any science oriented field, either in biology, physics or chem-istry and to have proper learning facilities is very important.

“We are very fortunate and

on behalf of the school I am very thankful to PJV for this assis-tance”, he said.

Bruno appealed to the school to look after the building and the equipment and for the school ad-ministration to stress to the stu-dents to value these assets.

The overall upgrade of Porgera Secondary school is being funded through a TCS component total-ing K8mil.

It is being undertaken in two phases: the development of new infrastructure, and the mainte-nance of the existing ones.

Derick said all new buildings for the project will be pre-fab-ricated off site. A 30 to 32 week project duration is scheduled for each TCS project for the Porgera Secondary school once contracts have been awarded for the con-struction works.

In May 2016 at Porgera Sta-tion, Enga Governor Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas announced a K10mil funding through TCS for the upgrade of the Porgera High School to the Secondary School status.

DO NOT WASTE FOOD

PLEASE ONLY TAKE WHAT YOU NEED.

Every Person Going Home Safe &

Healthy Everyday


A rare example of dedication - Goodbye Maimul

The Porgera mine in August this year bid farewell to one

of its longest serving staff, Maimul Gugul, a Surveyor with the Com-munity Land Access Agreement (CLAA) under the Corporate So-cial Responsibility (CSR) depart-ment.

Maimul, also known as MG by his colleagues departed Porgera for the last time on 25 August after clocking a solid 31 years of service with the mine operation. He re-tired on medical grounds.

In recognition of his dedicated service, CSR department organ-ised a special farewell kaikai on 24 August at the Suyan recreation hall.

Maimul had effectively re-signed in mid-August while on filed break at home in Madang.

The department through CSR Senior Manager Timothy Andam-bo, arranged for Maimul to fly back to site accompanied by his youngest son Augustine to give him a deserving and proper send off.

The farewell luncheon was attended by respective CSR em-ployees, friends and colleagues of Maimul.

Manager Asset Management and Infrastructure (AM&I) Don Nurthen attended on behalf of the Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) man-agement team.

Maimul’s employment with PJV began effectively right from the start of mine operations in

1986 during the exploration stag-es.

Enduring three decades, Maimul has seen the Porgera op-eration through every transitional phase since exploration started.

CSR Manager John Liston de-scribed Maimul’s departure as a celebration for Maimul and his family but also a great loss to the business.

“Thirty plus years in any job is a real testament to the quality and integrity of an individual. I have witnessed personally and re-spect Maimul’s process of engage-ment, his recognition of safety but most of all and most impressive has been his interest in seeing his younger colleagues develop as individuals, to truly understand industry and share in the success

that he has achieved through his life, “John said.

On behalf of the PJV manage-ment, Don commended Maimul for providing that much dedica-tion and commitment to the Porg-era operation and presented him with his final entitlements.

“It’s a great honor for the com-pany in having you work with us. I’m sure the company is in a better place for your efforts in the last 31 years so thank you again for all your support.”

Maimul, from Fulumu village in Madang is a father of nine and grandfather to 13.

In the 31-year career with PJV, Maimul worked with three differ-ent departments: mine explora-tion, surface mine operations and then gave the last 16 years to the CSR department, particularly to the CLAA section.

“I’ve worked a long time and it’s now time for me to go back and be with my family. I’ve been here this long because the weather here is great for field work and I

Story and pictures by Sophia Magi

Don (left) presents Maimul with a parting gift during the farewell kaikai at Suyan recreation hall.

have enjoyed my work and meet-ing different people,” Maimul said.

His retirement had undoubt-edly left colleagues saddened but also with appreciation at what they had learnt from MG through his work as surveyor.

“I have worked with Maimul since 2001 and have learnt a lot from him and I will continue his workmanship,” said Jimmy Chris, chainman with the Lands depart-ment.

Tim also expressed his appreci-ation to Maimul for all his contri-butions to Porgera and its people.

“Your involvement in the community has brought a lot of changes in people like myself and we really appreciate what you have done for the people of Porgera and those that you have trained up.

“We hope we will cross paths again and we also hope to find a person who will be as dedicated as you, so thank you Maimul and we wish you all the best,” Timothy concluded.

Maimul holding a miniature Ipili man statue shakes hands with Timothy while Jimmy looks on holding an e-published article of Maimul when he clocked 30 years with PJV in 2016.

Don (seated, left) together with everyone that joined in on the kaikai to farewell Maimul (centre) holding a miniature Ipili man statue, with son Augustine (green Tee shirt) by his side.


SAFETY Column

Speeding VehiclesSpeeding is one of the most common factors associated with Accidents/Incidents and also contributes to the increased risk of losing vehicle control.

There is no such thing as a Speeding Safely. Speed alone regard-less of any other factors, including how good a vehicle may be or how good a driver may be, increases both the likelihood and the severity of an accident or a crash.

Think about it. Any accident or a crash with a speeding vehi-cle could involve you, your passengers, pedestrians and/or the driver of one or more other vehicles.

The faster you drive – the greater your risk of a crash and sev-ered injury.

The faster you drive- the harder you hit another vehicle, pedes-trian or other object in a crash.

Driving within the speed limit:

o Allows road users more time to assess hazards and avoid potential crashes

o Reduces the distance traveled while reacting to hazards

o Provides a greater opportunity to avoid collision

o Makes it less likely that either you or another driver will lose control

o Reduces the impact forces in the event of an accident, make severe outcomes less likely

Note: Never assume all drivers know the rules or are in the right state of mind. Weather and road conditions can also create haz-ardous working environments for operators and must be taken seriously.

EVERY PERSON GOING HOME SAFE AND HEALTHY EVERYDAY

To bead or not to bead

Do you reside at the Suyan camp accommodation and

want to easily learn a new craft and get a bit creative after work?

Why not join the Suyan bead-ing club. It’s free and you get to learn a whole new craft on the ba-sics of how to bead and create fun jewelry pieces in the process.

Senior Specialist, Database Systems with the Information Technology and Communication (ITC) department, Paulette Ty-huis introduced the first beading session in July 2016 to, as she put it, ‘de-stress’ after work.

“We all find it a great way to switch our minds off work pres-sures and to also be a bit creative. Sometimes we sit in silence and sometimes we gossip about the world.

“Creating something for your-self is really empowering, you feel like you have achieved something special, and it is nice to customise what you make for your own taste and style,” Paulette said.

Supervisor Administration

Support with Human Resources and Employee Development De-partment, Sisa Hagai has been an avid participant.

“Since being introduced to the Beading Club by a friend one night after dinner, I have now developed a passion for beading. Now I can make necklaces, bracelets and ear-rings. I am at the moment attempt-ing to make an anklet and my next project is to make pillow cases for my grandchildren and embroider their names on the pillow using embroidery cotton and beads.

“I enjoy the beading sessions and feel it is a good way to relax, and also be creative. It is a perfect hobby, and you can also earn rev-enue from the skills learnt,” Sisa said.

The beading sessions are usu-ally held three or four times a month whenever Paulette is on site.

Another beading enthusiast, National Recruitment Officer with the Human Resource and Em-ployee Development department

Helen Baur, thanked Paulette for imparting the new skills which she says she now uses during her field break to her financial advantage.

“Beading has become one of my hobbies during my field breaks. In the past 5 months I have been doing bracelets, earrings, necklaces and I post on Facebook Local Markets and customers or-der them. I sell at the craft mar-kets as well. There are people who actually want to buy the things I make and it’s unbelievable. I can only thank Paulette for introduc-ing this fun craft,” Helen said.

Paulette said she enjoyed see-ing what everyone creates at the end of the night. And yes, the men that have participated have turned out to be stars with their creativity.

“I have found that the men think outside the box and create very unusual items that are quite complicated. The ladies make beautiful items for their families,” she said.

The beading sessions are open to anyone who is interested to join.

Sisa (third from right) and Helen (second from left) together with fellow camp residents during a beading session at Suyan. Picture courtesy of Paulette Tyhuis.

Pictures coutesy of Google images.

Community Relations and Engagement Contract Officers Freda Kokoba (left) and Skye Gegeyo display pairs of earrings they made.

ABOVE: Pieces of jewellery made by some of the beading enthusiasts. Pictures courtesy of Paulette Tyhuis.


Pathogen tested sweet potatoes a success

By Sheila Lasibori

Pathogen tested Whagi Besta, Korowest, Mariwana, and Pur-

ple sweet potatoes have succeeded in a pilot project conducted by the Porgera branch of Women in Business (WiB).

This was discovered follow-ing the harvest on 3 August this year at the WiB garden at Aumbi, Porgera.

According to the President Elizabeth Iarume, the other sweet

potatoes (kaukau) Kerot and Taro did not produce well and believes this was due to the high altitude

The outcome of the pilot pro-ject was also confirmed by Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) Senior Advi-sor for Community Development Regina Toropo.

The kaukau planting materi-als or cuttings took seven months to grow after PJV bought the cut-tings from the National Agricul-ture Research Institute (NARI) in Tambul, Western Highlands.

The WiB group was given 350 cuttings to trial.

Regina said the need for kau-kau in the area was discovered in 2015 during a sweet potato silage – a pig feed – training, conducted by NARI.

“So we liaised with NARI to get some varieties of sweet pota-to…so now we are in this garden harvesting kaukau that has been planted in December last year.”

The following day on 4 August at the Anawe WiB nursery, the

harvested kaukau and the cuttings were distributed to the 32 WiB member groups.

Porgera WiB treasurer Leah Paraia said the group also aimed to train other womenfolk in the area.

“We are working in our small areas but it would be good if we had such field day staged outside so we can display such produce”, she said.

Community Development Superintendent Rodney Ingersoll, who witnessed the planting, was only happy to witness the harvest seven months later.

“Our primary goal is to help you because this mine is here to-day but we don’t know what will happen tomorrow.

“If this mine closes tomorrow you know how to feed and look af-

ter your family,” he said.Apart from PJV, there are also

other organisations in the district that support such sustainable pro-jects.

One such group is the Porgera Chamber of Commerce and In-dustry, which according to Presi-dent Nickson Pakea, aims to sup-port existing businesses and also see new ones flourish.

“So Porgera chamber of com-merce and industry, we will mo-bilise resources and provide tech-nical advise and bring experts together.

“With support from PJV we can reach out to the people…so that they are prepared…so when the mine shuts down, they have the capacity…the knowledge to work in their gardens.’’

Melisa Laumbo, a WiB member harvests Waghi Besta kaukau as Regina and others look on. Pictures by Elise Anga.

Mrs Iarume (standing, centre) and WiB members at the group’s field day.

PDWA gets pathogen tested sweet potato varietiesBy Judith Mameri

The Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) continues to assist mine im-pacted communities to improve food security and be prepared for disaster. It recently delivered 3,467 pathogen-tested sweet po-tato (kaukau) vines and two open pollinated corn varieties to the Porgera District Women’s Asso-ciation (PDWA).

The sweet potato vines were purchased by the Association for its members from the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) in Tambul, Western High-lands Province, and PJV assisted with transportation to Porgera, and also presented the group with the corn seeds.

PJV, through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Com-munity Development Section (CDS) also provided training on the correct methods of planting the sweet potato and corn.

CDS Senior Advisor Regina Toropo and Economic Programs Officer Jason Pundu delivered the planting materials to the women on 14 and 15 September this year.

The 25 varieties of sweet po-

tato included six drought-toler-ant and 12 early maturing varie-ties which mature after seven (7) months of planting.

Regina said sweet potato is

not only a staple food for the peo-ple, but also a source of income and food for livestock like pigs. She said the introduction of the pathogen-tested sweet potato also

complimented training that PJV had facilitated in the past includ-ing how to produce sweet potato silage for pigs as an alternative to buying sweet potato from the

markets to feed pigs.“With this, we want to help

you to plant more of sweet pota-toes…because people eat sweet potato, pigs eat sweet potato and we can also sell it”, Regina said.

She also said people must be ready for weather calamities.

“We must not think that our area will not experience anything like this…we must be ready when or if it does happen”, Regina said when talking about the need to plant the drought resistant varie-ties.

A total of 44 white and 12kg of brown corn cobs were delivered.

According to Wikipedia, a pathogen is anything that can pro-duce disease. Typically the term is used to describe an infectious agent such as virus, bacterium, prion, a fungus, or even another micro-organism.

Also according to Wikipedia, open-pollinated generally refers to seeds that will ‘breed true’, mean-ing when the plants of an open-pollinated variety self-pollinate, or are pollinated by another rep-

Continued page 8

Everlyn Munuka of Kairik Ward Two (2) packs sweet potato vines as Jason helps her gather the corn seeds, while Serah watches closely. Picture by Sheila Lasibori.


resentative of the same variety, the resulting seeds will produce plants roughly identical to their parents.

PDWA Interim President Ser-ah Erasi coordinated the distribu-tion of the planting materials to executives of the 24 wards in Porg-era, and another 16 wards cover-ing the Paiela sub-district, Hewa in Hela Province, Strickland River

and Mount Kare. PDWA current-ly has a registered membership of 3,900 women from the 40 wards.

The distribution was made in two different locations. Wards located within the Lease for Min-ing Purpose (LMP) areas received their planting materials on 14 Sep-tember at Lukal, Paiam, and wards within the Special Mining Lease (SML) area together with Hewa and Paiela received their planting

materials at the CDS area at Yoko No. 1. Members from Strickland River and Mt Kare were not pres-ent at the distribution, however arrangements would be made to ensure they receive the planting materials.

The ward representatives will plant the materials at an allocated trial plot where after maturity and harvests, the planting materials would then be shared with other members of the wards to plant.

Regina demonstrated the cor-rect ways of planting the sweet po-tato planting materials and corn to the women members at Lukal and Yoko with the assistance of Village Agriculture Extension Workers Lina Aluako and Roselyn Pawe.

She said PJV will monitor the progress of these varieties of sweet potato.

“PJV wants to know how these sweet potatoes grow, whether it will grow well or not, we don’t know at this stage, types of soil differs along with altitude”, she said.

The PDWA aims to have all its members plant these varieties of sweet potatoes and corn.

Serah and each of the ward ex-ecutives will monitor each of the

trial plots in the wards to track how well the corn and sweet po-tatoes grow in the different areas.

“I won’t just give you (plant-ing materials) and leave you to be, I will be doing regular monitoring and will compile a report on the progress after planting” she said.

PDWA is the second group in the valley to trial the patho-gen-tested sweet potato variet-ies from NARI. This rides on the

success of the Porgera branch of Women in Business (PWiB) group which piloted the pathogen-tested varieties in the valley after receiv-ing planting materials from PJV in November 2016.

PWiB harvested the sweet po-tatoes in early August this year and held a field day to showcase the harvest and to distribute cuttings to members for planting.

From page 7

PDWA gets pathogen sweet potato varieties

Regina (standing, centre) explaining to the PDWA members on the correct way to plant the sweet potato planting materials. Pictures by Sheila Lasibori.

Judy Aiowe of Paiam is assisted by Jason to pack the kaukau planting materials.

Job Ready Program attains high success rate

By Sophia Magi

Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) lo-cal recruitment program - Job

Ready - has had a high success rate since its inception in early 2016.

To date, 200 young people have successfully completed the pro-gram with 151 now have perma-nent employment within various sections of the Porgera mine op-eration. Of these, 22 are females.

The majority of the group are engaged with the mine’s opera-tional departments where 45 are now engaged with the Asset Main-tenance Trades, 43 are with the Underground mine operations, 41 with mine open pit and the remaining are with other sections that include geology, processing

and administration.Of the 2016 JRP graduates, 25

are currently going through their first year apprenticeship program, with another 20 from the 2017 program currently undergoing selection for the 2017 appren-ticeship training program in the trades of Fitting and Machining, Auto Electrical and Electrical.

Projects Team Leader - JRP Advisor Tum Erasi said the feed-back received from site depart-ments has been positive.

“JRP trainees are setting high standards in attitude, safety and commitment and even being cou-rageous leaders at the workplace. Departments are now regularly requesting JRP graduates for their vacancies which reflects on the

success of the program, “Tum said.Since February of 2016, ten

groups of twenty trainees have completed four weeks of basic skills training prior to work place-ment.

The most recent JRP gradua-tion of the 10th cohort was held on 19 September, bringing to 200, the total number of Job Ready trainees that have completed the program.

Senior Manager Human Re-source and Employee Develop-ment, David Lilley at the gradu-ation, again reiterated to the trainees that as a company, PJV expects nothing but the best from them.

He said the Job Ready Program is part of the local recruitment and selection process to identify the right people to come and work at PJV, and to ensure PJV con-tinues to increase the proportion of genuine local Porgerans in the workforce.

“This is your opportunity, use it well. The quality of JRP is high and the operational departments are waiting for you to fill vacancies in their crews. When you do start employment in your Department, remember, you must always work safely and follow all procedures and also look out for the safety of your work colleagues, “ David said.

He told the trainees that the JRP trainees before them have

demonstrated quality and the re-sponsibility is now on them to be successful employees so that Job Ready program can continue.

Throughout the many JRP graduations, community repre-sentatives, leaders and parents of graduating students have ex-pressed their appreciation at PJV for initiating a program that is giving the young locals of Porgera an opportunity to have a better life.

Tipinini Primary School Headmaster James Kapi whose son Joel Kapi was one of those that graduated, said words could not describe how happy he was,

seeing his son in uniform about to begin employment.

“I have had my son at home for quite a long time and I can-not tell you how happy I am. You all have a big responsibility ahead of you whether to be successful or unsuccessful employees, it is all up to you.

“Treat this opportunity like an egg, very fragile so you must guard it well,” Mr Kapi said.

The last JRP group for 2017 will begin induction on 28 Sep-tember.

A total of 220 will have com-pleted the program by the end of this year.

David addressing the graduation of the 10th JRP group at the Suyan Recreation Hall. Picture by Steven Kaikai.

Edward Bale (right) a JRP trainee from the second group in 2016 is training to become a Heavy Equipment Fitter (HEF). File picture.


Porgera Positive is a bi-monthly e-newsletter produced by the Barrick (Niugini) Limited (“BNL”) Media and Communications Section of the Human Resource & Employee Development (HR-ED) Department. It is disseminated to the BNL employees and contractors, relevant recipients within Barrick Gold Corporation and Zijin Mining Group Company Limited, and external stakeholder partners.

PJV MEDIA CONTACT DETAILS LAYOUT & DESIGNSophia Magi

EDITORSSheila Lasibori Sophia Magi

Email: [email protected] Number: (+675) 547 8200Extension No: 4497, 3077, 4215 & 4177

MANAGING EDITORDavid Lilley

Senior Manager, HR-ED

EXECUTIVE EDITORRichmond Fenn

Executive Managing DirectorDirector - BNL Board

Game nights are back on, at Suyan

Regular exercise or some exer-cise is just as good to keeping

fit and healthy and promotes lon-gevity.

In Porgera, what started out as a stress buster engagement by two employees of the Finance depart-ment after work has grown more interest from employees residing at the Suyan camp.

‘Basketball nights’ are now held at the recreation hall three nights in a week with the simple aim of encouraging employees to get involved in some exercise af-ter work while having fun at the same time.

Shared Services Senior Super-visor with the Finance Depart-ment, David Heminie has been promoting the ‘basketball nights’

since October last year.He said initially, he and a then

colleague used to shoot hoops in the evenings after work to unwind after the days’ work and to get a bit of exercise.

They then asked a few more mates to join and before long they attracted a good turn out from both male and female camp resi-dents.

The game nights are now held every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and start at 7.30pm but is not restricted to just basketball. There is also volleyball, ping pong and indoor soccer.

“The aim is to get employees into a little bit of fun, unwind and let go of any stress. The other as-pect of the game nights is to pro-

mote interaction and more open communication amongst employ-ees and build on team spirit,” he David said.

This month, Specialist Doc-

TOP and BOTTOM LEFT: Suyan camp residents enjoy a game of volleyball at the recreation hall. Pictures courtesy of Jan Hardie.

ument Controller with the Oc-cupational Health and Safety de-partment, Jan Hardie presented two new balls, a volleyball and an indoor soccer ball to the team in

support of and to further promote the initiative.

The invitation is open to inter-ested Suyan camp residents.

David (middle) with colleagues Skye Gegeyo (from left to right), Serah Erasi, Freda Kokoba and Mary Wanis after a game of basketball at the Suyan recreation hall.

porgera...the presentation at the na - tional parliament, waigani, was witnessed by the managing...

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