BCL embarks on exploration and development work

BOUGAINVILLE Copper Limited chairman Sir Melchior Togolo says the company plans to strengthen its capacity in support of restarting the Panguna mine.
He said BCL had received the exploration licence for the Panguna project area and there were requirements that needed to be met.
“Substantive work under the exploration licence will entail advance stage pre-feasibility activities over the coming years,” Sir Melchior said.
“We are looking at doing landowner identification, as well as the pre-feasibility studies.
“All the work is currently underway.
“There is a few bit of work to do like community awareness and preparation of the pre-feasibility study and full feasibility study,” Sir Melchior said. He said there was a lot of work to do regarding the licence.
“An essential element during this phase is the process of landowner identification and social mapping,” he added.
However, Sir Melchior said the plans and the new phase began with the appointments of David Osikore and Johnny Auna in March to key leadership positions.
“David Osikore has been appointed managing director and chief executive officer of the company who will be based in Buka to ensure the company has representation and visibility at the top level,” he said.
“Meanwhile, Johnny Auna, as chief financial officer and company secretary, is based at our corporate head office in Port Moresby, who will be overseeing the company’s financial operations and administrative obligations.”
Sir Melchior said both men were respected Bougainvilleans with impeccable industry credentials and connections in the public and private sectors.
“Their leadership will be invaluable as the business enters an active phase of exploration and development planning,” he said.