Panguna landowners ready to hold talks over mine

THE Panguna landowners in Bougainville are ready to begin talks with the Autonomous Bougainville Government about the Panguna mine.
According to a statement from the Panguna Development Company Ltd, the members, eight of the nine mine-affected landowner associations and chiefs had held meetings and respected President Ishmael Toroama’s statement about the ABG’s position on Panguna and how any move should be done through correct channels and to follow proper processes.
“Our group has contacted departments in charge of economic development, which includes the Department of the President and BEC, office of the deputy acting chief secretary and the deputy chief secretary of operations – Michael Otoroa,” the statement said.
“We are keen to get a process underway at the president and ABG’s convenience.”
The company is owned by five major clans in Panguna, including the recognised lands title commission agents who represent block owners in the former special mining lease area.
Company chairman Michael Pariu said: “The only way the redevelopment of Panguna will ever advance is if there is a common ground, unity and trust among landowners, the ABG and the people of Bougainville.
“Moving ahead in a unified way is crucial and any other prospective partners will need to work hard to win social licence in Bougainville.
“This is not something that can be claimed or granted by unrepresentative voices.
“In considering this, the PDCL, eight mine-affected landowner associations and the member see value in involving the new Bougainville Copper Ltd in some capacity, given the company is now majority owned by the people of Bougainville and PNG.”
Pariu said the Bougainville Copper Ltd continued to have a positive presence and was respectful and helpful in its dealings with the people.