Press Release: From the Special Mine Lease Osikaiyang Landowners...

Press Release:
From the Special Mine Lease Osikaiyang Landowners Association Inc (SMLOLA)
3 July 2017
Panguna Redevelopment – The SMLOLA has suggested mediation to find a fair and sensible compromise
Contrary to recent press reports, the SMLOLA is committed to a redevelopment of the Panguna Mine and completely understands its importance to a successful referendum on Independence for Bougainville. Mr Philip Miriori, the Chairman of the SMLOLA has said “as the best demonstration of our genuine commitment to improving the livelihood of all Bougainvilleans (not just the SMLOLA as others wrongly suggest), the SMLOLA has been suggesting all parties need to meet to find a fair compromise, while still respecting the SMLOLA members’ ownership of the Panguna minerals. In recent months, the Autonomous Bougainville Government (“ABG”) representatives have refused to meet, but we remain hopeful as historically we have always considered President Momis a supporter of fair play and landowner rights.”
Mr Miriori has said “as many would be aware, the SMLOLA members now own the Panguna minerals under the new Mining Act, not the State or Government. We fear the ABG and Papua New Guinea Government controlling interests in Bougainville Copper Limited (“BCL”) may now have confused the issues, creating a significant conflict of interest. The ABG were recently quoted as saying they are stakeholders in the minerals. As all would understand that is not correct, however if their stated agenda of supporting BCL is forced through, they would effectively reverse the transformative changes implemented under the new Mining Act, again moving ownership of the minerals from the landowners, back to the State. That doesn’t seem right or fair in our eyes.”
The SMLOLA has sought to meet with the ABG on a number of occasions to explore some form of compromise and is willing to ensure that the ABG directly participates and benefits from the redevelopment as well, given that should benefit all Bougainvilleans. In fact, the proposal of the Landowner led consortium has enhanced both the landowners’ interests in the project and provided for a Bougainville Redevelopment Fund that would allow for a much needed, near term investment in local Bougainvillean projects that will enhance the quality of life of many Bougainvilleans.
Mr Miriori says “the SMLOLA believed it is important that a fair and reasonable compromise that includes both our objectives and those of the ABG is meaningfully discussed. It is deeply regretful BCL falsely claimed unanimous Landowner consent. Both BCL and the ABG have also stated that BCL cannot develop Panguna on their own and would need to find a development partner. Our Landowner lead consortium will deliver a specialist developer and financier, with a globally impressive and proven track record, direct ABG participation and finally also with critical landowner support. Without each of those important elements, we fear any progress on the redevelopment of Panguna, which is important to the whole of Bougainville, could be delayed for years. We don’t want to see that happen to Bougainville.”
Mr Miriori urges the ABG and especially President Momis to now genuinely engage with the SMLOLA as they have publicly suggested they will do, to ensure we all find the best possible outcome for all Bougainvilleans.
Philip Miriori
Chairman - SMLOLA