Adyton Resources Corporation is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Mining Lease Warden's Hearing for the recommencement of mining operations at the historic Wapolu Gold Mine on Fergusson Island, Papua New Guinea. The Hearing, held on May 21, 2026, represents a significant milestone in the Mining Lease application process and an important step toward advancing Wapolu toward potential redevelopment and future production.
Mining Warden Kopi Wapa addresses local Wapolu Landowners. Image Credit: Adyton Resources Corporation
Conducted by senior Mineral Resources Authority Mining Warden Mr. Kopi Wapa at the Wapolu exploration camp, the Hearing forms a mandatory component of the Mining lease approval process and is intended to formally assess community support for the granting of a mining lease to the project developer. The Hearing was attended by all principal landowners, alongside key representatives from Adyton, its joint venture partner, East Vision Investment Holdings and the Provincial Government, underscoring the strong engagement and collaborative approach being taken as the Company advances the Project. The Warden will now submit a report on the hearing to the Mineral Resources Authority Mining Advisory Council (MAC) following which the MAC will complete its assessment for the grant of the Mining Lease.
Exploration Licence EL 2549, which hosts the Wapolu Gold Project, is currently the subject of a Mining Lease application ML 1390 and Lease For Mining Purposes, LMP 152. Together, these statutory permits are intended to support the recommencement of mining operations at the historic Wapolu mine. The Mining Lease application covers the proposed mining and processing operations while the LMP application relates to supporting non-processing infrastructure including such facilities as airstrips.
The Wapolu Project, together with the neighboring Gameta license area, represents two of the most advanced development assets on Fergusson Island. Both projects are being actively advanced through the permitting and development process by Adyton and EVIH.
"The successful completion of the Warden's Hearing marks another major milestone in advancing Wapolu toward the potential recommencement of mining operations. In Papua New Guinea, the Warden's Hearing is a critical and mandatory component of the regulatory process, providing local stakeholder and landowners with the opportunity to formally participate in the transition from exploration to mining," said Tim Crossley, CEO of Adyton. "We are extremely encouraged by the strong support demonstrated by land holder, community representatives and other stakeholders throughout the Hearing process. Their support reflects the collaborative relationships Adyton and EVIH have built on Fergusson Island and reinforces the significant opportunity we see in advancing Wapolu and the broader Fergusson Island projects toward development."
Louis Wang, Project Director of EVIH, commented, "We are very pleased with the show of support by the Wapolu community for the re-start of mining at Wapolu. This community from day 1 of EVIH commencing exploration work at Wapolu has been a pleasure to work with and always shown strong support for our activities. We now look forward to working with the community as we transition the project back into a full-scale mining, processing and concentrate export operation."