A Papua New Guinea court is set to rule next month on whether Barrick Gold can proceed with a legal challenge over the government’s refusal to extend its lease on the Porgera gold mine, the head of the country’s mining regulator said.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) said last month it would take control of the lucrative but troubled mine in the remote highlands region, citing environmental and social problems.
Barrick, which operates the mine in a joint venture with China’s Zijin Mining, suspended operations and launched a court challenge to the decision, vowing to pursue "all legal avenues" for recourse.