TROY TAULE | PNG Loop
PRESIDENT of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), Dr John Momis, says the ABG does not know whether Panguna will ever re-open.
He said that there are many difficulties involved when considering re-opening Panguna and there are divisions about the issues involved.
“There are high expectations about compensation and related issues. And if demands of this kind are too high, the project will not be economic.
“But we also know that there are leaders and communities in other parts of Bougainville that want mineral exploration. And as always, my government remains ready to talk to such areas,” said Momis.
The President also stressed that ABG’ options in obtaining revenue are not just limited to Panguna.
He said that the ABG is not focused solely on large mines and is strongly supporting small-scale mining.
“An innovative system of community mining licences administered to encouraging Bougainvilleans to generate their own revenues, but also to mine in ways that are safe for their health, and for the environment,” said Momis.