26/02/2026
𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗙 𝗞𝗘𝗦𝗔 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗘: 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗘 𝗬𝗔𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗟 𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗔𝗟
ℍ𝕖𝕟𝕘𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕗𝕚 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟, 𝔼𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕟 ℍ𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕤 ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕔𝕖 – 𝟚𝟝 𝔽𝕖𝕓𝕣𝕦𝕒𝕣𝕪 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟞
Landowners from the Kesa mining project area have strongly opposed the renewal of Yaendal Mineral’s exploration license during a Warden Hearing held yesterday at Henganofi Station in Eastern Highlands Province.
The hearing brought together community leaders, landowners, company representatives, and government officials to discuss the future of exploration activities in the Kesa area. The main issue was whether Yaendal Mineral’s license should be renewed and to clarify the role of Great Pacific Gold Corporation (GPAC) in the ongoing exploration work.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠
Before the main discussions began, Mr. William Sero questioned the Chairman about why the first Warden Hearing was held at Kainantu Lodge during the COVID-19 State of Emergency (SOE) period, and why only selected individuals were invited. He further asked how the license was granted during that time.
The question remained unanswered, as the Chairman directed the meeting to focus on the current agenda and avoid revisiting past issues. The hearing then proceeded.
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀
Country Manager Mr. Ronald Gawi explained that the project is still at the exploration stage and that full-scale mining has not yet started. He highlighted potential long-term benefits such as employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and improved services for nearby communities if viable mineral deposits are confirmed.
Representing Great Pacific Gold Corporation (GPAC), Manager Mr. Callum Spink revealed that the company has invested approximately K12.7 million into exploration activities. However, he stated that commercially viable mineral deposits have not yet been confirmed.
Mr. Ben Akike raised concerns about why GPAC was conducting exploration instead of Yaendal Mineral, the company holding the license. In response, Mr. Spink clarified that GPAC owns the Wild Dog project and has a formal agreement with Yaendal Mineral. He further disclosed that GPAC has acquired 99 percent ownership of Yaendal Mineral and is currently restructuring the company’s ownership.
According to Mr. Spink, the original owner, Mr. Andy Thomas, has entered into a business agreement with GPAC and is entitled to receive 10% from Yaendal Mineral and 2% from the Wild Dog project under the arrangement.
Mr. Ben Akike also questioned whether Yaendal Mineral, before being granted the exploration license under the Mining Act, if they had the financial and technical capacity to carry out exploration independently. The Chairman confirmed that due process had been followed and that the license was legally granted.
𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀
When discussions turned to the renewal of the license, the Chairman invited landowners to present their views.
Mr. Pesuka of Kesevaka, speaking on behalf of residents living near the project site, expressed support for the renewal of the license. His position was supported by Mr. Brus Amate and several others.
However, strong opposition came from Mr. William Sero, Mr. Ben Akike, Monti Akike and the people of the Bazanka community, and other surrounding communities. Those opposing the renewal argued that there was a lack of clarity and transparency regarding company ownership, agreements, and long-term benefits for landowners. And as they are speaking individual (Andy Thomas) from another province is benefiting from company 12% (𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐊𝟓𝟎𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎/𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫) in which it is the sole property of you Henganofi people
Mr. Songo Noro raised concerns regarding provisions of the Mining Act. He stated that since the license had expired and Yaendal Mineral was originally owned by an individual from Southern Highlands Province, local landowners should be given the opportunity to apply for a new exploration license. He suggested that local stakeholders could then directly partner with GPAC or other interested companies to ensure stronger community participation and fair benefit-sharing.
Mr. William Sero moved a motion calling for GPAC to clearly disclose all agreements and arrangements before any further cooperation could proceed.
𝗠𝗣 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
The Member for Henganofi, Hon. Robert Atiyafa, addressed the gathering and urged calm and unity among the people. He warned that disagreements over mining issues could lead to tribal conflict, which he strongly opposed.
“This gathering must not result in tribal fighting,” he said. “Let us be patient and think long-term. Development of this scale can take 10 to 20 years. We must stop the mindset of wanting quick (Kai kai Nau yet) benefits and instead put God first and allow His will to be done.”
In his concluding remarks, Hon. Atiyafa publicly stated his position: “No renewal of Yaendal Mineral license.” He urged the Chairman to consider the strong views expressed by the landowners and to allow local groups to apply for the license so they can work collaboratively with GPAC or other companies in exploring the area.
The meeting was formally closed with many landowners expressing their intention to pursue a new license application. They believe that the Kesa area has promising gold potential due to its proximity to known mineralized mountain ranges in the region.
The outcome of the hearing is expected to play a significant role in determining the future direction of exploration activities in Henganofi District and the wider Eastern Highlands Province as well as Papua New Guinea.
Mene Amatere
゚viralシ
