By Louise Mary Kodor

The state will engage an International Environmentalist to assess environmental damages done to local communities around the Porgera mine site.

Grievances on Environmental damage is one of the many issues raised by landowners.
Mining Minister Johnson Tuke said they will take on board an accredited Environmentalist to study the impact of damage.

Minister Tuka said this is one of the serious legacies that must be seriously looked into as the damage has affected many communities.
Early this month, Barrick Gold Corporation President and Chief Executive Mark Bristow said K800, 000, for compensation for environmental damage was paid to a landowner group but stuck because of disputes between members of the same clan.

Mineral Resources Authority Managing Director Garry Jerry said the issue and others must be addressed and not dragged into the new life of the mine.