The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has launched the OSIsoft PI system that allows access to data collected in real-time by mining sector companies. Operators in the mineral sector can now report the volumes of resources they extract and export. These amounts can then be monitored by the MRA.
The managing director of the MRA, Jerry Garry, said, “Under the Mining (Amendment) Act (2020), it requires mining companies to provide information and data to the state.”
“We appreciate that Mining Act (1992) was done at a time when we were not so advanced. The 2020 amendment was designed to specifically address that by saying that we want digital information.
“This is to put to rest the perception that operators in the country are producing mineral resources and are taking them out of the country without us knowing what they are doing. So, it’s in addressing that we embarked on tapping into the heart of the mineral processing system in every mine, so we can replicate this information in MRA.”
Garry said that the new OSIsoft PI system would allow the MRA to monitor mining production closely. For example, it would know what is extracted by mining companies and produced in processing plants, and the MRA could then store the information.
“We would like to be able to reconcile figures given by the company so we can all agree that you have produced this much mineral and revenue for the country,” he said.
Garry said that the MRA had discussed the system with mining sector companies throughout Papua New Guinea. He added that MRA engineers had been granted access to their sites and completed their feasibility studies.
“Next year, we will launch the actual work. We will collect all live data from all mines, particularly from the mineral processing plants, for monitoring purposes,” Garry said. “This is a breakthrough.”
Image caption: PNG Mining Cadastre Portal. Credit Mineral Resources Authority (MRA)
