it’s an all go for the panguna mine re-opening

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20130627/thhome.htm

By ROMULUS MASIU

IT’S an all go for the Panguna Mine re-opening with all stakeholders in Central Bougainville reaffirming their support for the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
All stakeholders in the three districts of Central Bougainville – Wakunai, Panguna and Kieta – spoke out during the two-day 4th Mining Forum on Panguna Mine Negotiations held in Arawa, saying it’s time to boost the region’s economy in preparation for the vote for Referendum to Independence 2016.
All opted for the mineral rich mine pit (Panguna) along the Crown Prince Range to bank roll the region’s independence.
The only stumbling block now is the Me’ekamui government of unity under the leadership of Philip Miriori who still has reservations and wants the mine to be opened after Independence is granted for Bougainville.
The Me’ekamui Government of unity represents the other side of the landowners of Panguna who are opposing the re-opening of the mine on environmental grounds and more importantly on where they will be relocated to and placed if BCL or any other mining company re-opens the mine.
Mr Miriori stood firm questioning the forum on where the Government ABG will relocate them to if they are to open the mine.
“Where will you put me and my people of Panguna if you start operations on our land again? We have nowhere to go now our land has been spoilt, taken away from us and you’re still pushing us away by not considering our plight and forcing the re-opening of the mine,” Mr Miriori had said.
President Chief Dr John Momis sympathised with Mr Miriori and the people of Panguna, telling the forum that he has been deeply touched by the statement of Mr Miriori and assured them that ABG as the legitimate government of the day has this very important obligation to take care of its people.
“Yes, Miriori and the landowners of Panguna have a genuine point, we have to give them new land, a new place to live as they have given us their land, their God-given land for all of us to benefit –even PNG benefited from their land therefore, we’ll accord them a special compensation, that will be stipulated in the new mining law for Bougainville.”
However, President Momis reminded the people of Bougainville to be realistic when talking about the issue of Panguna.
“All the things that have happened to us in the past is history now, we’ve learnt from them and moved forward.
“Your government ABG is taking care of the loopholes in the system – the colonial laws have been thrown out where there was no consultation at all, now everything is very different and more importantly we need money to run our government since National Government of PNG is not honouring its commitment as stipulated under the Bougainville Peace Agreement.”
However, Bougainville Veterans Associations throughout the island have put up a firm stand that Panguna Mine must be re-opened so that all Bougainvilleans – more than 20,000 lives that perished during the Crisis must be compensated.
Former late Francis Ona’s side-kick Glynn Tovirika challenged those who are negative about the mine re-opening to tell the former combatants who are responsible for the permanent closure of the mine that where will they get the money from and how will they pay the compensation for those killed.
Mr Tovirika challenged the Me’ekamui that what will they offer to the people of Bougainville – to the families of those who died during the crisis – they are still crying for the family members who have died.
“Whether you like it or not, we will still open the mine. We (ex-combatants) are the ones who close the mine and we are the ones who will open the mine because this is the dream and wish of late leader Francis Ona, who told us that the mine is not permanently closed, but will operate back after we’re ready to gain independence. That time is now, we are ready,” Mr Tovirika said.