Diamonds supply chain to face probe
- July 7, 2021
The supply chain for the world’s best diamond supply is in jeopardy as a Senate inquiry into diamond mines in Papua New Guinea hears evidence of bribery and a breakdown in safety.
Key points:Senator David Leyonhjelm said there was evidence of corrupt practices and a failure to follow best practicesIn the hearing, senior officials from the department of mines and mining operations said the PNG Diamond Board was not fully transparent about its diamond supply chainSenator Leyonahjelmp said he was concerned about a lack of transparency in PNG Diamonds operationsThe ABC has obtained a recording of the Senate hearing on the PNG diamond supply chains in Papua.
Key point:Senator Leynonhjelsmp said there were evidence of corruption and a lack to follow the best practicesHe said he is concerned about the lack of openness about PNG Diamond Mines operations and the failure to provide adequate safety measures.
In February, the PNG government announced a $1.4 billion upgrade to the PNG Gold Mines and was planning to close all of the mines.
Senator Leonohjeli said he hoped PNG Diamond would cooperate with the inquiry into the PNG mining industry and said he expected a formal apology from PNG Diamond from the Department of Mines and Mining Operations. “
I think there is a lack in the transparency and accountability of PNG Diamond Mining, so we have got to be concerned,” Senator Leyonohjelmsmp said.
Senator Leonohjeli said he hoped PNG Diamond would cooperate with the inquiry into the PNG mining industry and said he expected a formal apology from PNG Diamond from the Department of Mines and Mining Operations.
The PNG Gold Mine has also been closed and the gold produced at the mine is no longer sold to PNG, the Government has said.
“It is my hope that PNG Diamond will come forward and give an apology for this,” Senator Loenahjeli told the inquiry.
The hearing was adjourned until October 15.
Topics:mining-industry,gold-mining-rural,gold,government-and-politics,papua-new-guinea,melbourne-3000,perth-6000,vicSource: News.net.au