LANDOWNERS in Central Bougainville will decide whether exploration advances beyond initial drilling at the EL02 site, Autonomous Bougainville Government President Ishmael Toroama said, as Island Passage Exploration Limited and Isina Resource Holdings Limited began drilling after years of waiting for approval.
Toroama visited the site last week to witness the first drilling, described by the government as a milestone in Bougainville’s mineral exploration.
He congratulated Kongara leaders, clan chiefs and residents for approving the work.
“You are the ones who have given the approval for Island Passage and Isina Holdings to carry out the drilling, so I want to congratulate you,” Toroama said.
He said landowners would have the final say on exploration and any subsequent development on their land, under amendments to the 2015 Mining Act intended to place resource owners at the forefront of decision-making.
“I encourage you youths to help Island Passage and Isina Holding to complete the drilling, and when it is done you will give them the permission; all the decisions on the next phase of development will be yours to decide,” he said.
“Nothing will take place outside the law.”
Toroama said Bougainville’s resources should support public services and development, including hospitals, roads, education and homes.
He said the legal framework was intended to protect landowners, investors and investment.
“The government had a responsibility under the Mining Act to assist landowners if interference occurred after an investor left.
The government supports Island Passage and Isina Holdings in completing exploration and drilling around Kongara sites one to two, Toroama said, adding that the results would provide a basis for future development in the region.
He also warned young people against destroying investments or disrupting development, referring to a recent incident in Panguna.
Toroama said redevelopment of Panguna Mine had contributed to the development of Arawa Level 7 Hospital and created employment opportunities for Bougainvilleans.
The Kongara drilling is intended to collect geological data on mineral deposits. The government described it as an important step in Bougainville’s mineral exploration, about 60 years after the first drilling at Panguna.
Bougainville’s government is focused on development to build internal revenue as the region moves towards declaring Self-Government in 2027 and Independence in 2030.
