While a recent survey bemoans PNG’s investment climate, the soon to be complete mine at Hidden Valley is making a bit of splash in the media (blogs and MSM).  Malum Nalu’s blog has some photos of the site and area, as well as a few articles on economic developments within the province. There are a number of posts, so don’t just stop at the first.

I found this quote from Governor Luther Wenge to be interesting:

“We don’t want to see Wau and Bulolo having a repeat of what happened in the colonial days when they were left with nothing after the miners left. We want good hospitals and good services in Wau and Bulolo. They will be growth centres.” 

This dovetails on a point that I have made about Wau-Bulolo’s mining history.  But its ultimately a question of sustainability.  The impression that I have is the local communities are already anticipating the next Hidden Valley, even before this one begins.

In another post, Malum also makes some interesting connections between Logging and Mining, all in all showing that this is a great news source. (see his other work on the rest of PNG for further evidence). But Malum, if you are reading this, how about an article on mining and conservation in the valley?

Pacific Magazine has a piece on Hidden Valley. Thanks PW for  the heads up!

Malum Nalu also posted about a local Bulolo based blog, with some very nice images.