Perth, Sept 22, 2006 (ABN Newswire) - Operators of Porgera - the largest gold mine in Papua New Guinea - say they have now achieved a 60% control position on addressing a major wall failure in 2003 in the mine's massive open pit.

Seventy five percent owned by Barrick Gold Corp and 20% by Emperor Mining Limited, the 17 year old mine's move to Stage Five production has been hampered over that period by a significant collapse of the West Wall in June 2003.

Addressing the Paydirt Asia Pacific Downunder Conference in Perth today, Barrick Australia's Country Manager - PNG, Mr Ila Temu, said a focus on drainage systems and a wall cut-back process now meant at least 60% of the collapse area was under control.

"One of the major reasons for the collapse was rainfall and the tonnages slip since has been on average about 500,000 tonnes per month, peaking for one month only as high as 1.5 million tonnes," Mr Ila said.

"This has required considerable effort to constantly remove but we are getting there."

Mr Temu said Porgera's other main problem - the only large mine in PNG to have serious illegal miner entry issues - was also coming under control.

"Illegal miners have been entering the site since project start-up but their presence has escalated in recent times to a point it has become a serious safety issue.

"Under a new national court sanctioned process, community awareness programs and mobile squads, the numbers of illegal miners are for the first time consistently lower."

Mr Illa also said there remained considerable opportunity for Porgera to extend its mine life. These currently included a multi million ounce pushback as Stage Six, currently the subject of a feasibility study and awaiting joint venture approval.

"This could extend Porgera production for at least a couple more years so the upside remaining is significant," Mr Illa said.