chief calls for payment by bougainville copper

BOC-First BID at 1 AUD ;-)))

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20070829/wehome.htm

Chief calls for payment by Bougainville Copper

A CHIEF in Central Bougainville has demanded Bougainville Copper Limited pay K10 billion compensation before thinking of re-opening the Panguna mine.
Speaking on behalf of the “silent majority” on Bougainville, chief David Sisito said it was the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s (ABG) desire to re-open the Panguna mine because the ABG needed funds to run the Government and to revive the region’s economy.
“But before we think about all of this we must be compensated, and BCL has to pay its K10 billion before thinking of re-opening the Panguna mine,” he said.
“It is a good idea to re-open the mine because we won’t be just depending on the National Government, but there are certain issues we need to address before thinking of re-opening the Panguna mine and the K10 billion is the main vote,”Mr Sisito said.
Mr Sisito said the money would be used for:
* OUTSTANDING compensation for Panguna landowners.
* COMPENSATION for those who lost properties and those who died in the Bougainville crisis.
*COMPENSATION for environmental damage caused by the mine.
* SOME money from the K10 billion will be given to the ABG.
“The majority of the Bougainville population are still standing firm on the proposal that Bougainville Copper should pay up the K10 billion before they think of opening the Panguna mine.” he said. He said it was in the best interest of BCL to re- open the Panguna mine and they should clean up their backyard first.