Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) says it has paid out more than 96 percent of K14.6 million in outstanding compensation payments to landowners in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
BCL Chairman, Mel Togolo, said during the company’s 2018 Annual General Meeting that the company volunteered to settle landowner claims relating to historic land compensation payments from March 1990 to March 1991.
This involved 2, 123 payments of K14.6 million.
Togolo said payments commenced in February 2017 and more than 96 percent has been paid, and they continue to work with families to finalise the remaining payments.
He said this re-established important community contacts and built goodwill.
Meanwhile, BCL has intensified community engagements and supporting community initiatives in 2017 aimed at fostering positive relations.
In addition to the establishment of a senior project team, opening of the Buka office and a village liaison officer in Panguna and surrounding areas, BCL plans to open an office in Panguna this year.
The Bougainville Copper Foundation (BCF) has also approved sponsorships for up to 15 new students in 2018 while 34 existing students will continue their studies in 2018.