Tenement Renewals
Exploration tenements in PNG such as EL1165, commonly known as the Wowo Gap tenement have a two year tenure. An integral part of the renewal process is to conduct a Warden’s Court hearing at the villages where traditional landownership extends over the tenement area.
Geological exploration of Wowo Gap first started in 1958 and more extensive sampling, pitting and diamond drilling by various explorers occurred between 1968 and 1972. Since the granting of tenements in the mid-1990s extensive field work has been completed by a range of companies.
At the warden’s court, all eligible land owners are able to express a view as to whether or not the company should be able to retain the tenement.
Whilst the landowners do not have a power of veto, it is important for Resource Mining Corporation to have the support of the local landowners to retain the EL 1165 tenement.
As a part of our activities in PNG, we actively work with the villages and traditional landowners to demonstrate good corporate citizenship to ensure the local landowners support the company and its goals and objectives.
Once the warden has completed the court hearing, a report is prepared and submitted to the Mineral Resources Authority with a recommendation to confirm or reject tenement renewal.
The Warden’s report is considered at the formal tenement renewal hearing that takes place after the anniversary of the tenement’s renewal date.