Panguna mine needs funds for negotiationsby ramunickelThe...

Panguna mine needs funds for negotiations
by ramunickel
The National aka The Loggers Times

THE national Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) have been urged to secure funding for Panguna mines reopening negotiations as a matter of urgency.

Shadrach Himata, Secretary for Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management Department, said this when giving an update of the transfer of mining, oil and gas powers from the national Government to ABG.

"There is an imminent demand by the people of Bougainville for mineral exploration on Bougainville, he said.

"There is also a perception that there is no mining law on Bougainville and there is also a genuine call by Bougainvilleans for the Panguna mine to be opened.

"As a direct response to these matters, the ABG has developed a draft mining transition bill.

"The people of Bougainville are currently being consulted on the draft bill.

In relation to Panguna, Himata suggested:

Panguna mine negotiation coordination committee should be fully operational;
National Government and ABG should secure funding for the Panguna mine negotiations; and
Baseline studies should get underway immediately.