Papua New Guinea's Mineral Resources Authority has bypassed local government to fast-track construction of the Woodlark Island gold mine, an MP claims.
Drilling at the Woodlark Gold Project. Photo: Geopacific Resources Limited
Australian miner Geopacific Resources has raised about $US28 million for the project on Milne Bay's Woodlark, or Muyua Island, which it forecasts will produce 1.6 million ounces of gold.
On its website, Geopacific said its civil works programme commenced on the island in December with the arrival of key supplies and equipment.
Samrai-Murua MP Isi Henry Leonard told the Post Courier newspaper he visited the island last week and was surprised to see the construction of kit homes for the relocation of villagers.
He alleged the authority had fast-tracked the work before the mine development permit, the environmental permit and the benefit sharing agreement were settled.
Geopacific said the community supported the project and that more than 100 islanders were working for the miner or its contractors.
The authority was contacted for comment.
Village construction for the Woodlark Gold Project. Photo: Geopacific Resources Limited