Stakeholders urged to attend resources week

EFFORTS by stakeholders of the Panguna Mine will once again be in the spotlight, at the inaugural Papua New Guinea Resources Week in Port Moresby next month, according to the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy.
Chamber president Anthony Smare said this would see landowner representatives, the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), and other agencies come together to highlight progress made over the last 12 months, for this key economic project.
The Panguna – Lessons and Eye to the Future session, reaffirmed the importance of learning from the mine experience.
“The story of Panguna is critically important for our nation.
“Panguna itself provided the financial foundation for PNG’s independence in 1975, and contributed immensely to the development of communities in Panguna, Bougainville, and in wider PNG,” Smare said.
“Whilst this project provided the necessary support to PNG, perceptions of unfair distribution of opportunities, especially from landowners, formed the basis of events leading up to the forced shutdown of this project, triggering a decade-long conflict on the island, and the loss of many lives.
“Canconex 2023 provided the first opportunity for all stakeholders in the Panguna issue to come together and speak openly about their challenges, and their willingness to work together, for the greater benefit of Bougainville.
“The lessons from closure session featuring Panguna was well received from all who attended, and this also provided the catalyst for significant progress to be made.
“In January this year, the ABG granted a five-year exploration licence over the former Panguna mine area to Bougainville Copper Limited.
“This has now allowed the company to undertake renewed pre-feasibility studies and feasibility studies before applying for an actual development licence.
“On the community affairs front, the Panguna Landowners Interim Council has been established as an interim body to represent the landowners.
“All this progress a direct result of Canconex 2023.”
Smare added that in addition to speakers representing landowners, and key community groups, Bougainville president Ishmael Toroama, who is also ABG minister for minerals and energy, had been invited to provide insight on progress made.
“Given the importance of the subject matter, it will be longest single session at Canconex24.
“The insights provided by our speakers from Panguna will be critical for our landowners, and our leaders from across PNG,” he said.
Smare urged all stakeholders from landowners of resource areas and project sites as well as national leaders and industry professionals to register to be a part of the discussions.