Eight Chinese nationals apprehended for illegal mining

Eight Chinese nationals were apprehended last week by authorities and are now facing deportation for their involvement in unauthorized alluvial mining activities using heavy machinery along the borders of East and West Sepik Provinces.

The arrests were made in a combined effort by officers from the PNG Immigration Office and East Sepik Provincial Administration.

According to sources from the East Sepik Provincial Administration, the illegal mining activities have been happening in three separate locations along the Atomb River between Weliga, Ningalim, and Nagipaim villages in Maprik District and parts of Wewak District bordering Aitape Lumi District in West Sepik.

Sources further reported the involvement of business houses in Wewak and Maprik and the involvement of prominent people in what has been described as a syndicate operating in the province.

The Mineral Resources Authority [MRA] issued a stop-work notice on unauthorized mining activities using heavy machinery on the 4th of June 2025, following reports of such operations in Papua New Guinea.
More arrests and prosecutions are expected soon.

NBC Online is seeking comments from the Immigration and Citizenship Authority for their comments on the Chinese Nationals' entry into the country and deportation.