Since 2012 we have been focusing our efforts in Papua New Guinea on the Morobe Province. First, we responded to sedimentation and other problems from the Hidden Valley mine, then we started working and researching with communities potentially impacted by the proposed Wafi-Golpu mine. Below are some reports and articles from MPI Board members and from the PhD of our Executive Director, Charles Roche, which has enhanced and continued MPI’s work in Morobe. More soon.
Human flourishing and extractive-led development: “The mine will give me whatever I like”
Authors: Charles Roche, Nawasio Walim, Howard Sindana, Wafi and Watut Communities (2019)

Abstract: The gap between the rhetoric and reality of extractive-led development (ELD) looms large over the dominant but flawed discourse of mining for development. Seeking to better understand outcomes from ELD we apply a human flourishing perspective, exploring yet-to-be-experienced impacts in a potentially inflammatory political process. This action research is designed to assist communities
Available from the journal or your University library – though following academic convention – you can always contact the author directly.
Extractive Dispossession: “I am not happy our land will go, we will have no better life”
Authors: Charles Roche, Howard Sindana, Nawasio Walim, Wafi and Watut Communities (2019)

Abstract: Inspired by questions from local communities about the potential impacts of large-scale extractive activities, we used others’ experience to identify and illustrate intentional and immanent impacts from extractive led development (ELD). Recognising the capitalist driver of global extraction and needing to capture the harsh, but often obscured
Available from the journal or your University library – though following academic convention – you can always contact the author directly.
Hidden Valley (2013) 22 minute documentary
Director: Jessie Boylan Editor: Anthony Kelly Cinematography and Photography: Jessie Boylan Producer: Charles Roche
The
We hear from a diverse range of local community representatives, community workers and landowners including Reuben Mete from the Union of Watut River Communities and from Dr. Gavin Mudd, an environmental engineer, as they describe the impacts of this jointly Australian – South African owned mine as well as the way forward to a more sustainable future.
Mining in Morobe, Papua New Guinea – Impacts from mining along the Watut River
Authors: Roche, C & Mudd, G (2014)

Exec Summ: This report is about the impact of mining on communities living along the Watut River and in the Morobe Province of Papua New Guinea. Given that similar reports could also be written about other mines it is also a report that applies more widely to the PNG mining industry. While the impacts from mining on the Watut River are minor in comparison to those at Porgera, Ok Tedi and Panguna, they are nonetheless serious. Serious because of the impacts on local people, the repetition of past mistakes and as an example of the slow progress of reform in the mining industry.
The impetus for this report comes from many sources. For the Mineral Policy Institute it is a continuation of our work on a range of mine-sites and mining related impacts in Papua New Guinea since 1995. Watut River Communities became increasingly concerned about riverine impacts from the Hidden Valley mine since construction commenced and asked MPI to assist in late 2010. Subsequently, in early 2012 MPI was commissioned by the Lutheran Evangelical Church of Papua New Guinea, with support from Mission EineWelt in Germany to assess impacts from mining in the Watut River region.
Mining In Morobe Papua New Guinea – Impacts, Assurance and Self-determination
Authors: Mudd, G & Roche C (2014)

Abstract: The Morobe Province of central Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been
This paper presents the results of an ongoing project in the Morobe Province conducted by the Mineral Policy Institute examining the historical, current and future impacts of mining, including community views, social and environmental impacts and the monitoring and regulation of mining. Overall, there is a clear need to more fully integrate social and environmental issues into life-of-mine planning and go above and beyond regulatory requirements. In this way, some of the lessons learnt – by the community, MMJV and government – can be incorporated before, during and long after mining.