Panguna reopening

The focal point of the meeting was President Toroama's disclosure regarding the government's recent verdict concerning the granting of the Exploration Licence (ELO1) over the Panguna former Special Mine lease area to Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL).

Addressing the assembly, President Toroama underscored the historical significance of the gathering, marking the culmination of a series of dialogues facilitated over the past two years through the Panguna Mine Dialogue process.

Phillip Miriori says BCL is profoundly misleading and shows complete disrespect for the facts, the SMLOLA and the views of many of its members who are standing up for their rights and say, “No to BCL Forever”.

He said the SMLOLA petition against the return of BCL now represents around 2,000 members and continues to increase.

“BCL’s ex Rio management has refused to meet with the Board of the SMLOLA or its

chairman,” claims Miriori.

“That does not qualify as ‘respectful community engagement programs’.

This was where the proposed signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was to be held between the Autonomous Bougainville Government and so-called Panguna landowners. The deal would see Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) return to reopen the Panguna Mine.

The impenetrable roadblock was led by women chief from the ‘seven sisters’ areas in Central Bougainville.