Png Landowners Demand Mine Benefits

PNG landowners demand mine benefits

Radio Australia

6th December 2006

Papua New Guinea landowners say they want to be equal partners in the development of the country's mining and petroleum resources.

They have told a conference in Sydney, Australia, that the PNG government and big companies are exploiting the country's minerals and not providing essential services.

Jonathan Paraia is a representative of landowner groups in Porgera, in the resource-rich province of Southern Highlands.

He says its important that services such as health and education are delivered to local people.