The National Court of Justice at Waigani recently granted PNG Forest Products the right to apply for a judicial review.

Defendants to the action include PNG Mining Minister John Pundari, the Registrar of Tenements, the Mining Warden, the Mining Advisory Council, Pacific Niugini and the PNG government.

PNG Forest Products holds grazing rights over a portion of the tenement and has repeatedly resisted attempts to negotiate exploration access according to Pacific Niugini.

"Exploration activities on EL1616 are focused on both the discovery of primary gold mineralisation well away from the grazing activities, as well as attempts to evaluate the potential for gold production from the Bulolo gravels project," Pacific Niugini said.

"Over 2 million ounces of gold were mined from the Bulolo Gravels between 1934 and 1965.

"Ironically, it was gold dredging in this area which spawned the establishment of forestry, grazing, farming and essential infrastructure services in this region."

The explorer will strongly "defend its position" and believes that PNG Forest Products has breached the Mining Act by refusing to enter access negotiations.