THE Porgera landowners for the past 30 years, under the old Porgera Special Mine Lease (SML), have been royalty and equity collectors and they are now building their capacity to participate meaningfully in the new Porgera.
The representatives of the seven landowning groups led by the 25 agents said the last 30 years were missed opportunities for business taken over by outsiders.
However, with the new Porgera expected to come into operation, the Special Mine Lease landowners are building their capacity, with the help of reputable business experiences, so they are not only spectators and rent collectors but also direct participants in businesses.
The Porgera landowners will launch their new landowner umbrella company, called, the Ari Group Holding Limited in Lae today.
Under the Ari Group are Ari Energy Limited, Ari fuel Service Limited, Ari Aviation limited, Ari No.7 Transport Limited, Ari Construction, Ari manpower limited, and Ari Mining Services.
The Directors of Ari Group Limited led by Chairman Sole Taro, Director and Public Officer Wesley Yosia, company secretary and legal counsel Yalo Kapili and Chairman of Porgera Landowners Association Chairman Tony Mark Ekepa said that with the launching of the landowner company, they want to tell the partners of the new Porgera (Barrick Niugini Limited and Kumul Mineral Holding Limited) that they are ready to directly participate in business.
Taro said the Company with the support of experienced international business manager are prepared to participate in the areas of manpower recruitment and management, Fuel services to come straight from Singapore to big tanks in Lae, Energy by engaging in hydropower plans and others.
He said in the past, their submission were often rejected as they did not have the capacity but this time, they are ready and they will not sign the mine development agreement unless they will be given the business opportunities.
Mr Taro said the so far the state K150 million Business Development Grant will be used as collateral to buy 60 new Kenworth trucks to be delivered by Boroko Motors.
Through the arrangement, the business managers of Ari Group will repay Boroko Motors over time until they total cost of the vehicles and parts are fully paid off over a certain period.
An agreement was signed between Air Group Holding and WR Carpenters last week.
Director of Ari Group Holdings and Public Officer Wesley Yosia, and Tony Mark Ekepa also shared the same sentiment that they are ready to submission their proposal to be factored in the Community Development Agreement.