http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20120117/tuhome.htmy PETERSON...

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20120117/tuhome.htm

y PETERSON TSERAHA

The re-entry into Panguna by any best bidder or Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) can be made possible by the end of 2012 according to ABG vice president and now acting president Patrick Nisira.
The ABG by March this year wants to see positive progress for negotiations for a totally new agreement for Panguna mine which will replace the old Bougainville Copper Agreement (BCA). The old agreement was done without genuine consent from landowners, Mr Nistra said.
The BCA is widely considered in Bougainville as foreign and counterproductive to the common interest and welfare of the people including the autonomy arrangements they have with the national government of PNG, he said.
Mr.Nisira made the remarks while addressing the executives of the Rorovana-Uruava land owners association on the future of the Panguna mine and the Loloho port facilities which comes directly under the care of the Rorovana- Uruava landowners.
“After one and a half years of consultations with various landowner groups in Panguna, Bana, and Rorovana including former combatants from all sides, and after listening to our people through their elected representatives in the Bougainville house of representatives, the council of elders throughout the Bougainville region on the mining issue, I want to see negotiations with the government of Papua New Guinea and maybe BCL commence in March this year, especially negotiations that will help kick start the mining activities in Panguna by a reputable mining company.” Mr Nisira said. The Panguna mine and mining on Bougainville has been an agenda between the ABG and the National government since 2005.
“We have been procrastinated for too long and that is not good for the region.” Mr.Nisira said. “We in the ABG have helped establish the respective mine lease associations in the mine affected areas, we have strengthened capacity in our mining division, we have established peace and good order in Panguna and the mine affected areas through continued dialogue with the Mekamui leaders, the MDF, the respective council of elders, we will soon complete these processes through the election of one umbrella association.” Mr.Nisira said. “The official position of the BCA review is that we do not want to review the Bougainville Copper agreement, it is old outdated agreement with no Bougainvillean input.” Mr Nisira said. “The mining industry has moved on and landowners have developed new ways of dealing with governments and mining companies things are no longer the same.” he said.