DEC failing to regulate the mining industry
PNGBLOGS MP Sam Basil has criticized the Department of Conservation (DEC) for failing to regulate the mining industry in Papua New Guinea and ensure its operations are environmentally safe. "DEC has a responsibility on behalf of the Nation to ensure that mining operations are safe and will not damage the environment. Yet time after time the mines end up causing massive problems while DEC sits by and watches", says the MP. "We have already had massive pollution from Bougainville, Ok Tedi, Tolukuma and Porgera mines and sadly now it is the same with the Hidden Valley project. The PNG Government through DEC is telling the world that mining with pollution is normal in PNG and the people must accept that fact". Mr Basil has recently filed legal proceedings against the Hidden Valley mine in his constituency over its pollution of the Watut river. "It is not good enough for Minister Benny Allen to say DEC received an environmental audit report on the Hidden Valley mi