Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has emphasised that the Government will not rush into signing the Wafi-Golpu Mine agreement unless it delivers a fair and equitable return for Papua New Guinea, highlighting a target of at least 55 per cent total state benefit.

Responding in Parliament to questions raised by Bulolo MP Hon. Sam Basil Jr, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged concerns regarding landowner identification, project delays, and the status of ongoing negotiations, while assuring the people of Morobe Province that progress is being made.

On land matters, Prime Minister Marape said he would seek a detailed update from the Department of Lands and Physical Planning regarding boundary verification and land investigation processes.

“I want to assure the Member and our people that I will obtain a full report from the relevant authorities on the status of land boundary verification and land investigation work,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“These processes are important, but they are not conditions that will delay the broader negotiations. Work has been undertaken, and we will make this information available to the public for transparency.”

The Prime Minister noted that the Wafi-Golpu project has been under development since the 1980s, progressing through various exploration and licensing phases, and remains active under current exploration licences held by the developers.

He confirmed that negotiations between the State and developers—Newmont and Harmony Gold—are ongoing, but acknowledged that key issues remain under discussion.

“There are still areas where both sides are negotiating firmly,” he said.

“The State has made it very clear that our position is to secure around 55 per cent total benefit for Papua New Guinea, including royalties, equity, and other fiscal returns. This is a non-negotiable benchmark we are pursuing in the national interest.”

Prime Minister Marape commended the State Negotiating Team, led by experienced officials from the Department of Treasury, Department of Mining, and the State Solicitor’s Office, for defending Papua New Guinea’s position.

He also highlighted the establishment of an independent Peer Review Team to assess the fairness and reasonableness of the negotiations. The team includes former Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari, former State Minister and MP Mr Arthur Somare, and Chamber of Resources and Energy President Mr Anthony Smaré.

“This Peer Review Team is ensuring that both the State and investors are negotiating within reasonable and fair parameters,” he said.

“Their report will be submitted shortly, after which the Government will present its final position to the investors.”

Prime Minister Marape stressed that once an agreement is signed, it will bind the country for decades, with the current proposal expected to span up to 40 years.

“We must get it right from the beginning,” he said.

“Papua New Guinea has a strong reputation of honouring agreements. Once we sign, we cannot change

the goalposts midway, even if commodity prices rise. That is why we will not rush this process.”

He rejected suggestions that the Government is delaying the project, stating instead that the delay reflects the State’s determination to secure better long-term outcomes.

“This Government will not sign any agreement that does not maximise benefits for our people,” he said.

“We are asking our people in Bulolo, Huon Gulf, Wau-Waria, and across Morobe to be patient. Short-term delays will lead to long-term gains.”

Prime Minister Marape further confirmed that the investors have responded positively to recent engagements and that negotiations are nearing conclusion.

“Once the peer review is completed, we will present a final position to the developers—clearly and decisively,” he said.

“It will be a ‘take it or leave it’ position that reflects the best interest of Papua New Guinea.”

He concluded by reiterating his government’s commitment to ensuring that major resource projects deliver meaningful benefits, including jobs, infrastructure, and sustainable revenue for the country.

“We owe it to our people to secure the best possible deal—not just for today, but for the next 40 years and beyond,” Prime Minister Marape said.