Bougainville is due to hold a referendum on independence from Papua New Guinea before mid-2020 but for there to be a real choice the Autonomous Bougainville Government must have an independent source of revenue.
For many on Bougainville, including President Momis, the massive Panguna copper mine is the best hope.
Back in 1975, the Panguna copper mine was the revenue source that bank-rolled PNG's independence from Australia.
The agreement to get it up and running in time was rushed and its failure to deliver benefits to landowners led to the grievances behind the civil war.
Mr Momis, who is determined to get it right this time, says he's pleased with BCL's approach to the negotiations.
"We don't know what Rio Tinto will do because they are so remote from us but I must say Bougainville Copper's approach is very good and I am quite happy that we are collaborating," he said.
"I think Rio Tinto is probably being consistently and systematically briefed by BCL.
"We haven't heard anything that might mitigate against the process proceeding towards reaching a conclusion, in fact, we are very happy with Bougainville Copper's approach so far."
Mr Momis is also working hard to diversify Bougainville's economy.
Crops such as cocoa are now providing substantial income for Bougainvilleans but not the tax revenue needed for Bougainville to be self-reliant.
Mr Momis sees Panguna having an impact well beyond mining.
"Panguna mine will be like a magnet that attracts a lot of other businesses and it only needs Bougainville Copper landowners and ABG to agree and that will attract a lot of these companies to come and generate income for the people and revenue for the government."
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