Papua New Guinea's Mining Minister, Sam Akoitai, says the government wants to prevent environmental disasters in future mining projects.
PNG has been courting exploration by international mining companies, creating incentives surrounding new exploration including increased tenures and phasing out mining levies.
In addition, a new Mineral Resources Authority is set to overhaul the poorly performing Department of Mining.
Mr Akoitai says there's significant potential for mining in PNG because only a third of the country has been explored.
But he says new mines will need to operate within the interests of local people, stakeholders and the environment.
"Using the experiences that we've had on Bougainville and Ok Tedi we are now making sure that new development in PNG will comply with the very stringent Act of the Environment and my department and the department of the Environment and the other state departments are working very closely to make sure that we assist the mining companies to comply with our laws."
PNG Mining Minister, Sam Akoitai
