The new president of the Papua New Guinea province of Bougainville, Joseph Kabui, says he is ready to launch talks about the future of the controversial Panguna copper mine.
The mine, which is owned by Australian company Bougainville Copper Limited, has been closed since the mid 1980s because of tensions over royalty payments.
President Kabui says he is now prepared to examine a range of mining options.
"There's so much gold drifting down the tailings of Java river. We don't have to open up Panguna mine itself, but we can help people to get all the gold out from the tailings through alluvial mining," he said.
ABC Asia Pacific TV / Radio Australia
Last Updated 22/06/2005, 08:01:05
The newly autonomous Papua New Guinea province of Bougainville is likely to receive assistance in developing its economy from the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth secretary-general, Don McKinnon, says he is certain that the international community will continue to support the people of Bougainville as they try to recover from the conflict.
The former New Zealand foreign minister helped start the peace process on the island which led to the end of the 10-year secessionist struggle.
"Probably none of us thought it would take as long as it did," he said.
"But the fact is they are there, they are very confident people, they are very capable people, and they'll be able to display themselves to the outside world as those who can get things done.
"And their appeal for project funds certainly won't fall on dry ground."
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