Mineral Resources Authority

PUBLIC NOTICE

STOP WORK ORDER – UNAUTHORIZED ALLUVIAL MINING USING MACHINERY

To: All Persons and Companies carrying out Unauthorized Alluvial Mining Operations within Alluvial Mining Districts, and in other areas in Papua New Guinea

The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has received numerous reports confirming that individuals and companies in alluvial mining districts and in other parts of the country, are involved in unauthorised mining activities using HEAVY MACHINERIES.

This notice consequently, serves as an official directive to those involved in conducting these unauthorized activities, to cease all operations immediately, and to ensure that you comply with the following conditions:

• Halt all unauthorized alluvial mining activities within fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice.
• Demobilize Equipment and Personnel – Remove all personnel, plants, and heavy machinery from unauthorized mining sites within fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice.
• Site Rehabilitation – Backfill and rehabilitate all mined areas in an environmentally safe and responsible manner, adhering to prescribed standards.
• Legal Compliance – Apply for and be granted Alluvial Mining Lease (AML) or mining lease (ML) for alluvial mining purposes as mandated under the Mining Act 1992 before resuming any operations.

Failure to comply with this directive will result in:

• Prosecution under Section 167 of the Mining Act 1992, including financial penalties and cancellation of existing licenses.
• Confiscation of all machinery and equipment found operating in unauthorized areas after the 14-day deadline.
• Addition legal action including potential criminal charges will be laid under other relevant laws.

Note: This notice applies nationwide and supersedes any prior informal warnings.

Issued by:
Mr. Jerry Garry
Managing Director
Mineral Resources Authority
Mining Haus, Port Moresby
Dated June 4, 2025

For inquiries or compliance reporting:
Contact: Andrew Onguglo, Manager – Small Scale Mining
Phone: 321 3511 / 207 2332
Email: aonguglo@mra.gov.pg
Mobile: 7726 7167
Whatsapp: 7056 4831

Cc: Police Commissioner – PNG Royal Constabulary