Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea: Chinese citizens and institutions engaging in illegal mining activities in PNG should immediately cease all mining activities.

On April 16, the Mineral Resources Authority of Papua New Guinea issued a notice requiring all enterprises and individuals engaged in illegal alluvial gold mining in PNG to immediately cease all illegal mining activities, evacuate equipment and personnel, restore the ecological environment of the site, etc. It was clearly stated that the notice would take effect from the date of issuance, and those who refuse to comply will face confiscation or destruction of all machinery, factories, and mining equipment found in the illegal operation area; confiscation and seizure of all minerals found in the illegal mining area; revocation of relevant application permits; foreign nationals involved will be handed over to judicial authorities for criminal charges related to illegal alluvial mining and will be deported; legal proceedings will be brought against land lessees, mining applicants, and mining rights stakeholders according to relevant laws, and economic penalties and other legal consequences will be imposed. According to the relevant laws of Papua New Guinea on mineral development, any land lessee or mining applicant must apply in accordance with the legal process and obtain an "Alluvial Mining Lease" or "Mining Lease" legally. Engaging in illegal alluvial gold mining and gold smuggling in PNG is a serious violation. The Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea solemnly reminds Chinese citizens and institutions engaged in illegal gold mining in PNG to immediately cease all mining activities and conduct necessary site restoration in accordance with the notice, while also reporting to the embassy. In case of emergency, contact the embassy immediately and seek assistance.