The potential opening of direct flights between Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province of China and Papua New Guinea (PNG) should raise eyebrows due to its connection to the Frieda River Gold and Copper Mine project. The proposed mine, operated by PanAust Ltd., is owned by Guangdong Rising H.K (Holding) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guangdong Rising Assets Management Co. Ltd (GRAM), a state-owned company owned by Guangdong Province of China.
PanAust Ltd., a prominent player in the mining industry, has been at the helm of the Frieda River Gold and Copper Mine since 2014. With the recent extension of exploration tenements by the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), PanAust is keen to accelerate its mining operations by establishing better connections with PNG.
It is important to note that Guangdong Province, formerly known as Canton, has a significant stake in this venture. As the home base of PanAust’s parent company, it stands to benefit immensely from the successful extraction of gold and copper from the mine. This potential reward has motivated them to invest substantially, with reported investments exceeding K940 million since 2014.
In addition to the developments surrounding the Frieda River Mine, it is essential to address the controversies that have arisen concerning its operation. Notably, there has been significant resistance from the Sepik river communities downstream, who have openly opposed the mining project. Their concerns revolve around potential environmental impacts, displacement of local communities, and the preservation of their traditional way of life. These oppositions have sparked debates and further heightened the need for careful consideration of the mine’s operations and its associated connections with Guangdong Province.
Another thing we, PNG should not take lightly and is a national security concern is the association between Guangdong Province and the Triad, a Chinese transnational crime syndicate. The Triad is notorious for engaging in various criminal activities, including extortion, murder, rape, human trafficking, drug trafficking, arms dealing, and money laundering, among others.
It is highly likely that such organized transnational criminal organizations/syndicates like the Triad already have a stranglehold of the government officials of Guangdong Province, and with our corrupt government officials, the Triad will soon be establishing their operations here on our soil.
Allowing a state-owned company with ties to a province known for such criminal associations could potentially introduce unfavorable elements into PNG’s business and political landscape. Therefore, there needs to be thorough scrutiny and due diligence regarding the involvement of Guangdong Province and the connecting of direct flights into PNG.
PNG government must carefully assess the potential benefits and risks of opening direct flights between Guangdong Province and the country. It is crucial to maintain transparency and consider the broader implications of such a move on national security, the economy, and the integrity of PNG’s institutions.
The proposed direct flights from Guangdong Province to PNG are undeniably intertwined with the Frieda River Gold and Copper Mine project, operated by PanAust Ltd., a state-owned company under Guangdong Province. The mining venture presents both opportunities and challenges, with the need for a well-informed decision-making process to ensure the country’s interests are safeguarded.
AUNA MELO 