A Papua New Guinea MP has poured cold water on a local group's attempts to drive an international mining company out of his district.
Canadian miner Barrick Gold is seeking a renewal of its licence at Enga province's Porgera gold mine which it and Chinese miner ZiJin each own a 47.5 percent stake in.
The Justice Foundation for Porgera group, which claims to represent landowners, is urging the government to reject the licence application.
It says Barrick's operations have caused irreparable environmental damage and extensive human rights abuses.
However, Lagaip Porgera MP, Tomait Kapili says he believes the license will be renewed, but on improved terms for landowners and government.
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A protest against Barrick Gold. Photo: Facebook/ Kelly Taila