Mining law later this year?

Bougainville president expects new mining law by year’s end
KEITH JACKSON

PRESIDENT John Momis of Bougainville said today the transitional mining act currently in force is intended to block ‘back-door’ deals while his government is working on a long-term mining law due later this year.

He said landowners will have a right of veto over mineral exploration and mining development. They will also have a right to veto the grant of a mining licence.

“I have always promised that the Panguna-affected landowners will have a right to reject re-establishing the Panguna mine,” he said. “The big change now is that all Bougainville landowners have the same rights over their land.”

Dr Momis said another new provision made it legal for small-scale mining to be done on a miners own land or on other land with permission of landowners.

He said no exploration or mining tenements will be issued under the Transitional Act.

“Only when the long-term Mining Act is operating will Cabinet consider lifting the existing moratorium on mining exploration and development,” he said.

“The ABG believes mining exploration and development in Bougainville must be limited.

“It is my strong view that the moratorium will be lifted, and exploration permitted, only in areas where landowners want exploration.”

Dr Momis also announced the approval of funding for an extensive public awareness and consultation program about the draft long-term Act.

This will be conducted before the new law is placed before the legislature in December or in early 2015.

He said the Autonomous Bougainville Government “will welcome re-opening of Panguna if BCL and landowners agree” to the new law and that it will engage with landowners in other areas that want exploration and possible development.

“In that way, we will have other options if Panguna does not proceed.

“But we continue to oppose unlimited mining development. The long-term Act continues to limit the number of major mines for Bougainville to no more than two.”