Court stays decision to refuse extension of exploration licence

A COURT has stayed a decision by the Autonomous Government of Bougainville to refuse the extension of the exploration licence for the Bougainville Copper Limited until Feb 22.
Justice Les Gavara-Nanu issued the order in the National Court saying he was satisfied BCL’s interest in the matter was at stake in regards to its exploration licence.
The respondents in the matter include the ABG Minister for Mineral and Energy Resources Raymond Masono, the Bougainville Mining Advisory Committee Council, ABG’s Chief Mining Warden Timoth Kota, Bougainville Executive Council, Mining Registrar of ABG Kenton Samson, and the ABG.
Justice Gavara-Nanu ordered that the rejection of the extension be put on hold until the matter returned to court on Feb 22.
He also ordered that the application by a company representing the landowners of the mining site would be heard first, followed by BCL’s application for leave.
The lawyer representing the State told the court that their position in the matter was confusing because the State was a substantial shareholder in BCL and therefore needed further instructions regarding its standing on the matter.