In February, communities in the Green River local Government area in Sandaun Province gathered at the government station for an update on the Frieda River Project.
Over three days, community members asked questions regarding the project permitting and the schedule for mine development. Village leaders travelled as far as Idam and Dauri to attend the engagement activity from 23 to 25 February.
Frieda River Limited (FRL) Community Affairs Superintendent Tino Hombi accompanied Country Manager Joel Hamago to Green River station spending three days and two nights in Abaru village.
Overwhelmed by the positive community turnout, local government council manager Rodney Kane said: “I am happy to see many of you attend to listen and ask questions about the Frieda River project.”
“The last update was in 2019 during the Conservation and Environment Protection Agency (CEPA) led community roadshow. Since then engagement activities were suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions,” Rodney said.
According to FRL’s mine development proposal, Green River station is a strategic logistics hub for a proposed international airport.
FRL is planning a month-long community engagement program covering the infrastructure corridor from Vanimo to Frieda River later in the year.