The Government has rejected Opposition claims that the Prime Minister misled the public over cancellation of Gold Dealer Licences, insisting the reform process is on track.
This follows the recent statement made by the newly elected Prime Minister Matthew Wale to the Western Provincial Executive that gold dealer licences had been “cancelled.”
Minister for Mines Derick Manuari said there is “nothing misleading” about the Government’s position.
 He explained that the Government is transitioning from the current licensing regime to a new framework with stronger oversight and a State-Owned Holding Company, confirming that the Caucus has endorsed the policy direction.
“Of nearly 40 previously issued licences, only 10 remain active and are undergoing compliance reviews,” Minister Manuari said.Â
“The cancellation of existing licences is the final step in a broader process.” He confirmed.
Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare however said the Prime Minister’s statement presented cancellation as a completed action, but the Minister’s own clarification — that ten licences remain active — proves otherwise.
“This is a clear case where a completed outcome was announced before it had actually occurred,” he said.
 Sogavare warned that announcing outcomes before legal processes are complete creates uncertainty and risks exposing the Government to legal challenge, since affected licence holders could argue procedural fairness was compromised.
Sogavare rejected claims that previous governments lacked political will on mining reform, noting the Mineral Resources Bill was already advanced through parliamentary processes and is awaiting debate.Â
He said responsibility for completing the work rests with the current Government.
“The issue is not whether reform should happen,” he said.
 “The issue is whether Government statements accurately reflect decisions that have actually been made and whether statutory powers are being exercised in accordance with law, procedural fairness, and the right to be heard.” Sogavare stated.
