By VERONICA MANUK
THE Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) must pay K10 billion in compensation to the people of Bougainville if it wants to re-open Panguna mine, a former rebel leader has demanded.
Former Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) general Ishmael Toroama said he saw no problem in ABG president Joseph Kabui holding talks with BCL, although many Bougainvilleans were against the idea of BCL and Rio Tinto being involved in Panguna.
He said if BCL was to operate the mine, the company must pay compensation of K10 billion and address issues that were demanded by former BRA leader late Francis Ona.
Gen Toroama said at the end of the day the people of Bougainville would be the last people to agree on the idea of reopening Panguna or having Rio Tinto and BCL on Bougainville.
He said reopening of mining activity on Bougainville was a sensitive issue, which leaders such as Mr Kabui should consider and assess properly before holding further negotiations.
Gen Toroama said at this stage, it might be too early to talk about re-opening the mine, when other peace initiatives remained to be implemented.


 

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