TWENTY-TWO foreigners believed to be involved in illegal mining activities have been apprehended in the Kopani area of Central Bougainville, during a joint enforcement operation by the Bougainville Police Service and Bougainville’s Department of Mining and Petroleum.
The 22 men were taken to Buka for further processing by relevant authorities while mining equipment, vehicles and machinery associated with the alleged unauthorized mining activity were seized.
The machinery included excavators, trucks, a wash plant and other equipment which will be released pending the outcome of the investigations and court decisions.
Bougainville President and Minister for Mining and Petroleum, Ishmael Toroama said the Bougainville Government had spent the past three years raising awareness on unauthorized mining and the requirements of Bougainville’s mining and related laws.
“The period of awareness has been sufficient; it is now time for enforcement of Bougainville’s laws,” said President Toroama.
Toroama said authorities will enforce the same law to foreign nationals and Bougainvilleans involved in unlawful mining activities.
“For the past three years, the ABG has undertaken extensive awareness with landowners, miners, communities and other stakeholders across Bougainville on unauthorized mining activities and the requirements of our mining laws. By now, our people and stakeholders should know and understand the law,” he added.
He said the Bougainville Government will continue to enforce laws where necessary to protect Bougainville’s mineral resources and ensure mining is conducted legally, responsibly and in accordance with Bougainville law.
“Our laws exist to protect the interests of Bougainville and its people. No individual, company or foreign national is above the law. The government will continue its investigations, and appropriate legal action will also be taken against local individuals who are found to have facilitated, supported or participated in unauthorized mining activities. If you wish to participate in Bougainville’s mining sector, you must do so legally and in accordance with the laws of Bougainville,” said President Toroama.
Under the relevant mining legislation, equipment seized in connection with unlawful mining activities may be forfeited to the ABG. A person claiming an interest in seized equipment may, within the prescribed 30-day period, apply to Court for its return. The Court may order its return where the claimant establishes an entitlement to possession and that the equipment was not being used to mine minerals in contravention of the law.
Toroama thanked the ABG and acknowledged the cooperation of Police, Immigration, DMP officers and those who provided logistical support during the operation.
