There have been concerns being raised about the small-scale mining sector being taken over by foreigners, a sector that is considered reserved to Papua New Guineans and this has prompted parliament to look into it. The matter was also raised during the recent parliament session where questions were raised regarding why a lot of foreign companies are now getting into alluvial mining, prompting the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Citizenship Matters to conduct an inquiry with key stakeholders on this issue. Committee Chairman Ricky Morris, MP made this statement when endorsing the Chief Migration Officer Wellington Navasivu on the Advisory Committee and the official swearing-in of members of the Committee at Parliament House recently. Chairman Morris said the inquiry will look into selected alluvial mining activities and small- scale/artisanal mining operations in the country, following reports of an increase in foreign investors participating in this sector. “Certain business activities, including alluvial mining are reserved for PNG citizens to promote local participation and economic empowerment,” he said. “It is a significant livelihood activity for many local miners and any foreign investor found operating in this domain may face legal consequences.” As the Committee responsible for oversight on a broad range of citizenship-related issues, stakeholders including Investment Promotion Authority and other regulatory bodies who actively monitor business activities to prevent unauthorized foreign participation in reserved sectors, will be invited to give evidence at a public hearing or consultative meeting in the coming months. He said the Committee was committed to empowering PNG citizens by ensuring they have exclusive access to key economic activities, thereby fostering national development and self- reliance. Details of the proposed inquiry will be announced at a later date. Meanwhile, the government has established a Reserved Activity List (RAL), effective from January 3rd, 2022, of about 39 activities reserved exclusively for PNG citizens, including small-scale farming, retail trade and security services. The list is reviewed biennially to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.