Targeted consultations with Panguna landowners and their representative groups will resume on Monday, April 20, 2026, as the Autonomous Bougainville Government moves to address grievances raised over lack of proper consultation on the EL01 licence.
The announcement follows a protest last Friday by landowners in the Panguna Mine Pit area who opposed the reopening of the mine, citing unconsented entry and lack of consultation with actual mine site owners.
President Ishmael Toroama, who is also Minister for Mining, said engagement activities had been temporarily suspended for two weeks due to Cyclone Maila, which affected accessibility and community readiness.
“The ABG, in coordination with relevant stakeholders, will now recommence its structured engagement program following these disruptions,” President Toroama said.
The consultations will involve Panguna landowners, Community Government representatives, Ward Members, and other local authorities. They mark the continuation of stakeholder and landowner engagement efforts disrupted by the cyclone.
President Toroama said this phase will focus on addressing key issues and grievances identified during earlier consultations. This includes strengthening understanding of the Cooperation Agreement between Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) and Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd (LMEL), and clearly outlining the roles and responsibilities of all parties.
“The process will also seek to build consensus among landowners and ensure that engagement is carried out in an inclusive, transparent, and orderly manner,” he said.
In parallel, the ABG, through the Central Parliamentary Committee (CPC), will undertake constituency-level engagements across Central Bougainville focused on the dissemination of factual information on Panguna-related matters. These are intended to strengthen communication between leaders and communities, said President Toroama.
Toroama stated the Representatives from BCL and LMEL will participate in the engagement program to provide further clarification on their respective roles and responsibilities under the Cooperation Agreement.
President Toroama acknowledged there are differing views within the community regarding developments at Panguna.
“A key priority of this engagement process is to promote inclusive participation, including constructive engagement with individuals and groups who may have concerns or who oppose aspects of the current process. The Government remains committed to ensuring that all voices are heard,” he said.
In the announcement made yesterday, the ABG will also provide further clarity on grievance mechanisms available to landowners under the Bougainville Mining Act 2015, as well as those outlined in the Land Access and Compensation Agreement (LACA) signed between Panguna Landowners and Bougainville Copper Limited in late 2024. The agreement applies to BCL and any entity authorised by BCL to undertake activities under the EL01 Panguna licence, including LMEL under the Cooperation Agreement.
“The Autonomous Bougainville Government reiterates its commitment to a peaceful, inclusive, and transparent process that reflects the aspirations and best interests of the people of Bougainville,” President Toroama said.
