Apr 20 2015

Bougainville Mining News: Bougainville mine now in play, government says

“Secret dealings of this kind are completely unacceptable to the people of Bougainville, It would be unacceptable to the people of Bougainville for the national government to try to take control of Panguna. Such a move, would trigger demands for immediate independence “

“We cannot allow a new form of colonial dealings in Bougainville’s resources to occur.”

Bougainville President John Momis

The Bougainville Autonomous Government is convinced Bougainville Copper — which owns a mine containing copper and gold worth more than $50 billion, as well as a recently reconfirmed exploration licence — is now in play.

As reported in todays Australian Newspaper By: Rowan Callick Asia Pacific Editor

Bougainville President John Momis last week called on Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Rio Tinto to reveal any dealings over Rio’s 53.58 per cent shares in BCL.

“For over a year now, Mr O’Neill has expressed interest in the national government taking control of BCL,” Mr Momis said.

“He proposes that PNG operate the Panguna mine in Bougainville in the same way it operates the Ok Tedi mine,” which Mr O’Neill’s government took over in 2013.

The PNG government has hired Peter Graham, who led ExxonMobil’s successful construction of the country’s first liquefied natural gas project, to manage Ok Tedi mine and potentially to steer other state-owned mining assets.

The Bougainville mine, which was closed by conflict in 1989 and which would cost an estimated $6.5bn or more to reopen, is also owned 19.06 per cent by the PNG government, and 27.36 per cent by other shareholders.

Mr O’Neill confirmed that “we have had discussions with other shareholders of BCL on a range of issues including the reopening of the mine and the disposal of shares by existing shareholders, including Rio Tinto”.

But, he added, “There are no secret deals, and we are disappointed that President Momis is trying to use this issue at the time of the election” for a new Bougainville government that takes place at the end of next month.

“President Momis has been informed of whatever talks we have with other shareholders of BCL, only because the state is the second biggest shareholder,” Mr O’Neill said.

There would be no talks about reopening the mine, he said, “until landowners and the people of Bougainville are ready”.

It is understood the Momis government’s concern was aroused by information it had received that law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, which does a considerable amount of work for Rio internationally, had instructions to handle the sale of Rio’s shares, and had held discussions with agents in Port Moresby in relation to the deal. A Norton Rose Fulbright spokesman declined to comment when questioned by The Australian.

The BCL share price suddenly soared by 50 per cent a fortnight ago. The ASX issued a “speeding ticket”, asking the company to explain the leap. BCL said it couldn’t.

Mr Momis, whose government has recently passed new mining legislation that hands back control of all resources to landowners, said: “We cannot allow a new form of colonial dealings in Bougainville’s resources to occur.”

He said that last month he wrote to BCL, seeking advice from either it or Rio Tinto, about whether share transactions between Rio and PNG were under discussion or preparation.

“I received a brief reply from Rio, addressed to BCL but passed on to me, dated March 23. The letter simply stated that ‘Rio Tinto … is reviewing its options with respect to its stake in Bougainville Copper Ltd. This review is continuing’,” Mr Momis said.

“Secret dealings of this kind are completely unacceptable to the people of Bougainville,” he said. “It would be unacceptable to the people of Bougainville for the national government to try to take control of Panguna.” Such a move, he said, would trigger demands for immediate independence.

Peter Taylor, who has been chairman of BCL for 12 years, told The Australian “the Bougainville government seems to want the mine reopened, but we have to sit down … and see what’s doable”.

Apr 12 2015

Bougainville Mining News: Rumbles from the jungle as Bougainville mine stirs

The big questions hanging over the mine right now include: who will run the Autonomous Bougainville Government after the election due at the end of May? Nine figures are contending the presidency, including several former combatants, with the front runners probably former Catholic priest John Momis, the veteran incumbent, and Sam Akoitai, a former national mining minister.

The next government will have the responsibility of setting the parameters for the referendum on independence that must happen at some time during the five years from this July.

The Panguna mine on Bougainville Island would cost $6.5bn to restart.

Source: The Australian Rowan Callick News Limited

Even the long-suffering Bougainville Copper board, which has witnessed cargo cults, wars, and the closure of its own vast mine, was puzzled when its share price soared 50 per cent a week ago.

For this sudden surge of confidence appeared, oddly, to have been triggered by troubling news for the company — the commencement of a new Mining Act passed by the Bougainville autonomous region’s parliament, which hands back control of all resources to landowners.

The future of the Bougainville mine, which still contains copper and gold worth about $50 billion, is tied up with its complex past, with the long geopolitical shadow cast by the 1989-2001 civil war on the island — and with cargo-cultist hopes held out by local leaders allied to eccentric foreigners constantly seeking to seize control of the resources from BCL.

The ASX issued a “speeding ticket”, asking the company to explain the April 2 share price leap. BCL replied that it couldn’t.

The price had slid back down to 28c by Friday.

The directors of the company, which is 53.58 per cent owned by Rio Tinto, 19.06 per cent by the Papua New Guinea government, and 27.36 per cent by other shareholders, are trying to juggle an enormous range of unknowns and variables, without even the compensating benefits of having a mine to run.

It has remained closed since May 1989, and would cost upwards of $6.5bn to reopen.

The next government will have the responsibility of setting the parameters for the referendum on independence that must happen at some time during the five years from this July.

What will be the response of the national government led by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to the new Bougainville mining law? National legislation insists that, as in Australia, such resources are owned by the state.

And Mr O’Neill has hired Peter Graham, who led the remarkably successful construction of the country’s first liquefied natural gas project for ExxonMobil, to manage the Ok Tedi mine, which the Port Moresby government nationalised — and may be eager to deploy his skills to reopening Bougainville too, if Rio chooses to sell to PNG.

What does Rio itself want? At the end of 2014, it announced from London that it was reviewing its BCL stake.

It has not entirely lost its stomach for complex, ever-changing negotiations in developing countries with governments lacking the disciplines of party politics — managing director Sam Walsh only recently flew to Mongolia for talks about the constantly challenging Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine there.

But it could follow BHP-Billiton, after its Ok Tedi debacle, in placing PNG in the ultimately-too-hard basket.

The key question is what do the landowners want? If they don’t want a mine back, it won’t happen.

Many do favour a reopening, since they see no alternative source of income for their families on the horizon — the agricultural potential for Bougainville is all on the coast, rather than in the mountains.

But they are themselves split into about nine recognisable factions — whereas at the time the mine was set up, during Australian colonial days, they spoke as a unified group.

The legislation does not specifically mention the BCL mine, because it is intended to cover the whole of the highly prospective region, which has since the onset of the civil war attracted growing numbers of carpetbaggers seeking to set up their own private operations — almost always seeking gold — in collaboration with ex-combatants who often retain guns.

Formerly, BCL was granted the only mining licence in Bougainville, which it still holds — but from the PNG government — while the Bougainville government now says its legislation supersedes the national legislation, under the accord agreed at the peace conference that ended the conflict.

The company is not only governed by legislation, but operated the mine under a contract with the PNG government that remains in force.

Peter Taylor, who has been chairman of BCL for 12 years, said that “the Bougainville government seems to want the mine reopened, but we have to sit down around a table and see what’s doable.”

He said he remained confident that “if there’s a will there to get the mine reopened, we will find a way. But we’re talking a long lead time.’

When the first study about reopening was conducted, the copper and gold prices were lower than today — but that’s not the key issue: “We’re a mining business, not a trading business,” he said.

“It will happen only if the government and the landowners want it to happen.”

President John Momis, who has driven Bougainville’s new Mining Act, said that with it, “we are completely rejecting the terrible past. The Act recognises that all owners of customary land own all minerals in, on and under their land.” And now those who joined the civil war on the side of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army based around the mine site at Panguna, are also entitled, under custom, to share in any proceeds from that land.

Mar 26 2015

Bougainville News: Press Release and Full Speech : NEW MINING LAW A REJECTION OF THE PAST: MOMIS

“True autonomy, or true independence, will only come when we have our own sources of revenue, capable of providing the best possible services to our people”

President Momis

The Autonomous Bougainville Government passed a new ‘long-term’ Bougainville Mining Law on Thursday 26 March 2014. In his second reading speech in the Bougainville Parliament on Wednesday, the President spoke of the ‘misery, destruction and conflict’ caused for Bougainville by colonial mining law. He said that in passing the new law Bougainville was ‘rejecting that terrible past’.

He said that the under new law, ‘the rights and the needs of the owners of the minerals will be given the highest level of protection. In particular, the owners will have power to stop either or both exploration on their land, or the grant of a mining licence over their land.’

He went on to say that if Bougainville landowners do allow mining development ‘they will be entitled to rents and compensation, a share of royalties, proper treatment under resettlement plans and programs, preference in mining employment and business related opportunities, 5 per cent free equity ownership in the mine lease holder, and much more’.

The President also noted that:

‘The Bill also encourages direct participation of Bougainvilleans in the mining industry. … Only Bougainvilleans can do small scale or artisanal mining, under community mining licences and artisanal mining licences. We encourage small-scale mining, for we have abolished restrictions in PNG law that mean most small-scale mining is illegal. There is also provision allowing companies controlled by landowners to apply for exploration licences over land owned by those landowner’s. These are new directions for mining law in Bougainville.’

President Momis also stated that because ‘the ABG is the government of all Bougainvilleans’ the law had to ‘balance the rights and needs of mineral rich landowners with protecting the interests and rights of all other Bougainvilleans. Any kind of mining, and especially large-scale mining, has impacts on other Bougainvilleans.’

He stated that the law also offered protections and benefits to people outside the mine area likely to suffer environmental and social impacts. He said: ‘But in a place as small as Bougainville, where our communities are so closely connected, large mines have impacts on every part of the Region.’ As a result, it would be the responsibility of the ABG to look after impacts on all peoples. This would include ensuring that there was a spread of economic benefits, for inequitable development, where just landowners with minerals became wealthy, would only cause divisions and conflicts.

The President also explained that the new law is not about Panguna, or BCL. ‘Rather it’s a law about the future of the whole of Bougainville.’ He said the ABG is considering allowing large-scale mining again is because of its need for revenue. He said: ‘We lack even the most basic acceptable standards in essential services, like health and education. We lag behind the rest of the world. Without significant ABG revenue, that situation will never change.’

He said he wanted ‘the best possible hospitals, health centres, early childhood centres, schools, universities, technical education centres … clean power, like hydro, and good roads to all accessible areas, good shipping services. These things are the essential basics for us gradually developing a sustainable economy where all share in benefits

It was difficult to find the the money needed for such things, he said: ‘Right now we Bougainvilleans are not much better than beggars. We beg for our entitlements from the National Government. We beg and cajole the donors.

‘True autonomy, or true independence, will only come when we have our own sources of revenue, capable of providing the best possible services to our people.

‘It is an unfortunate truth that .. the only way any of us can see of generating this revenue is mining. But we need to approach this with great care. Mining itself is not a sustainable activity, as the minerals are a finite resource, and once they are gone they are never replaced. So the key will be to use the mining revenue wisely, to promote and generate sustainable economic growth.

This is why it will be essential to invest in health, education, clean power, and good transport.

The President went on to say that he had ‘no idea if BCL will return. … BCL’s parent company, Rio Tinto, is in the process of undertaking a review of its investment in BCL. It’s entirely possible Rio will decide to walk away from that investment. If that happened, we would have to look at other options.

‘But our options with mining are not limited to Panguna. There are many difficulties involved when considering re-opening Panguna. 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. So at this stage, the ABG does not know whether Panguna will ever re-open.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.

He said that the ABG is not focused solely on large mines is instead strongly supporting small-scale mining. An innovative system of Community Mining Licences administered by COEs and VAs is directed to encouraging Bougainvilleans to generate their own revenues, but also to mine in ways that are safe for their health, and for the environment.

Chief John. L. Momis

SECOND READING SPEECH

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED

BOUGAINVILLE MINING ACT 2014

HON. CHIEF JOHN MOMIS

PRESIDENT

Mr. Speaker:

I rise to speak about this Bill, which is the result of very intense effort by my Government over the whole five years we have been in office.

It is an historic Bill.

In passing this Bill, we, the people of Bougainville will turn our backs on more than 50 years of injustice in mining law that began when vast deposits of copper and gold were discovered in central Bougainville.

Mr. Speaker, it was only 50m years ago that we were told that we were not really owners of our land. The colonial Government and CRA told us we only had rights over the surface of our land. If there was anything in the land that they thought was valuable, they could push us off our land without our agreement, take what they wanted, and destroy the land, leaving a huge hole.

In the 1960s, as planning for a huge mine proceeded, the Australian Minister for External Territories – Charles Barnes – was asked what the ‘natives’ would get from the mine, he said “Nothing”. But he was wrong. In the end we got misery, destruction and – ultimately – conflict.

Mr. Speaker

With our new Mining Bill, we are completely rejecting that terrible past.

The Bill recognises that all owners of customary own all minerals in, on or under their land. More importantly, the Bill gives special powers, rights and protections to such owners. It also recognises that people in areas for tenements associated with a mining lease must be given special recognition because of the impacts a mine is likely to have on them.

The rights and the needs of the owners of the minerals will be given the highest level of protection. In particular, the owners will have power to stop either or both:

exploration on their land, or

the grant of a mining licence over their land.

To illustrate the nonsense, I’ll simply list just a few of the most completely wrong statements about the Bill that the Petition contains, and answer them:

An amazing amount of nonsense has been spoken by the very few people that have opposed this Bill. Nowhere has there been more nonsense than in a Petition supposedly prepared on behalf of some people from Tinputz.

Mr. Speaker:

Only Bougainvilleans can do small scale or artisanal mining, under community mining licences and artisanal mining licences. We encourage small-scale mining, for we have abolished restrictions in PNG law that mean most small-scale mining is illegal. There is also provision allowing companies controlled by landowners to apply for exploration licences over land owned by those landowner’s. These and related provisions are new directions for mining law in Bougainville.

The Bill also encourages direct participation of Bougainvilleans in the mining industry. It does this in many ways.

Mr. Speaker:

If they later grant permission for development, they will be entitled to rents and compensation, a share of royalties, proper treatment under resettlement plans and programs, preference in mining employment and business related opportunities, 5 per cent free equity ownership in the mine lease holder, and much more.

If they grant permission for exploration, they will be entitled to rents and compensation.

It says the landowners are stripped of their powers and have no rights.

But in fact, owners have more rights and powers under this Bill than landowners anywhere in the world. In particular they have an absolute power to prevent exploration and mining on their land.

The petition claims that landowners are subjected to criminal penalties under the Bill, and that mining corporations are not subject to such offences and penalties.This is completely wrong. Offences are not directed specifically at landowners.Companies face huge penalties for a wide range of offences, including such things as failure to pay compensation, rents or royalties. And that is right and just.The petition complains about a criminal offence about withdrawing survey pegs. But that should not be a problem for landowners under our law, because they have an absolute right to refuse permission for exploration or mining licenses. If they refuse, there will be no survey pegs. If they agree to licenses, most will want to see the survey pegs, because it will be those pegs that will define the areas that receive rents, equity, compensation, royalties, and so on.There is a world of difference here that the person writing the petition simply ignores.

The Petition says that ‘without the people’s consent’ that ‘the Moratorium has been lifted’ by the Bill.That is completely untrue! In fact the Bill specifically maintains the Moratorium imposed on Bougainville since 1971. The National Mining Act says such a Moratorium can be imposed, or lifted, by the PNG Minister for Mining. But under our Bill, it will remain unless lifted by the whole BEC. Not only that, but the proposal to lift this House will first have to be given the opportunity to debate the proposal to lift it.This is intended to ensure that in future there is full transparency in major decisions about mining. That is an approach built in throughout the Bill.

The Petition complains that there are lots of PNG laws that will still apply in Bougainville that will affect mining.Perhaps the person who prepared the petition is not aware that we are still building autonomy. So drawdown of powers from PNG is still continuing. But some of the National laws the petition says are still applying have in fact been drawn down – for example, the author of the petition is clearly ignorant of the fact that the PNG Public Finances Act has been replaced by a Bougainville law. That person is apparently also unaware that we are in the process of drawing down other powers that the petition complains about – especially those covered by PNG laws on the Environment, and Mining Safety.

The petition says making land available for reconnaissance licenses, exploration licenses and other mining licenses breaches customary law.But in fact, by giving all customary landowners the right to refuse access to their land for any such license, the Bill fully respects, supports and endorses customary law.

Mr. Speaker, There is much else I could say about the inaccuracies in the petition. But I will not waste any time on this nonsense.Mr. Speaker:My Minister for Mining, Hon. Michael Oni, has already talked about the long history of development of this Bill. It goes back to the time of President Kabui, and has involved many steps, including the Transitional Arrangements Act. But at all stages we have been committed to recognition of ownership, and on protecting rights of landowners.

Mr. Speaker, At the same time as protecting landowners where minerals are located, the ABG is not just the government of the owners at Panguna – or the owners of large mineral ore bodies wherever they are later found in other small areas of Bougainville, like Tinputz or Sinimi or Eivo.No – the ABG is the government of all Bougainvilleans. So we must balance the rights and needs of mineral rich landowners with protecting the interests and rights of all other Bougainvilleans. Any kind of mining, and especially large-scale mining, has impacts on other Bougainvilleans.

The biggest impacts are usually felt by people in neighbouring areas. They include environmental and social impacts. But in a place as small as Bougainville, where our communities are so closely connected, large mines have impacts on every part of the Region. We all know how climate change is caused by emissions of greenhouse gases. Well – depending on how mining is carried out, it can contribute heavily to such emissions. For example, in BCL’s 2012 order of magnitude study, they propose that if BCL is to come back to Panguna, the huge power supply for the mine should come from a coal-fired power station. The reason is that coal would be cheap for BCL. But burning coal would result in significant greenhouse gas emissions.

So we would be contributing to sea level rise, at a time when our atolls face being lost to ocean-level rises.So the ABG opposes coal fired electricity generation. Instead, we support rapid development of clean energy. That could involve hydro, geo-thermal and tidal or wave powered generators. Hydro power generation projects are under way. But we need much more of this so that if large-scale mining resumes, it’s done in ways that minimise environmental impacts.Other impacts that large mines can have include the social and cultural impacts of the presence of large numbers of people from outside Bougainville. We must control mining in ways that manage those impacts.Because all of our people feel such impacts, it is vitally important that it is the ABG that manages the overall system for permitting exploration for and development of minerals. It can make sure that what benefits mineral landowners does not have excessive negative impacts on others.One of the ways in which the Bill seeks to deal with such issues is imposing a strict limit on the number of large-scale mines that can operate in Bougainville at any one time. There can be no more than two. Any more than this would cause unmanageable impacts. The ABG must also ensure that there is some equity in distribution of the income generated by large-scale mining. If all income went just to minerals landowners, and all other people missed out, we would rapidly develop great inequality amongst Bougainvilleans. And great inequality is a recipe for violent conflict. So it is in the interests of all Bougainvilleans that there is equity in distribution of mineral revenue.The Bill aims for equitable distribution by allocating royalties not just to landowners, but also to development of the whole of Bougainville, and to a special health and education fund.

Mr. Speaker:

Finally, I must talk a little about the amendments that the Government will be moving in the next stage of debate on the Bill – the Committee stage, which will occur tomorrow.The BEC has already approved five proposed amendments, notice of which has already been given to all members.

Mr. Speaker: The fourth amendment is to correct an error in the draft concerning the term of the Exploration Licence that the Transitional Arrangements Act vested in BCL, over the area of the former SML. The term of the license in the Act was 2 years, but the Bill mistakenly says 5 years. That error will be corrected by the proposed amendment to section 367(3), making the term just 2 years, and from 8 September 2014.

Mr. Speaker Before I finish my comments, I must emphasise that we are only just beginning in the process of taking full control of mining powers in Bougainville. There is still much to be done. As the Minister rightly says, YUMI BRUKIM BUS. As we implement the new law, we will find things that need improving. I am sure that there will be a need to make amendments, and regulations under the Bill. That is one of the best things about autonomy – we are now in control of mining, and can make the changes we think are necessary.Mr. Speaker, Finally, I congratulate the Minister and his Department, as well as all the other ABG agencies that have worked so hard to fulfil the directions that the Bougainville Executive Council has been giving them over the past several years about developing the best possible mining policy and law for Bougainville.I, too, commend the Bill to the House.

Mr. Speaker

The proposed amendment to section 269 is intended to make it clear that all small-scale mining allowed under section 4 of the Transitional Arrangements Act will continue to be permitted under the Bill during an 18 month period while the ABG Mining Department sets up the arrangements for operating the new community mining licence system.

The fifth amendment concerns small-scale mining. Under the PNG Mining Act most small-scale mining is illegal unless done in or close to a river bed (alluvial mining), on a miners own land, and without mechanisation. Section 4 of the Transitional Arrangements Act 2014 rejected that, and made small-scale mining legal, if done on the miner’s own land, or on other people’s land with the permission of the owners.

Mr. Speaker,

On close examination of section 112, it became evident that in most cases of transfer of shares in a company holding an EL the wording used would not permit action to withdraw an EL. The proposed amendment to section 112 would require action to withdraw an EL in such cases.

The current wording of section 112 was taken from the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Act 2014, which had in turn been taken from the PNG Mining Act 1992. It is intended to result in loss of an EL if the either the holder sells the EL, or if there is transfer of significant blocks of shares in a company that hold an EL.

The third amendment concerns section 112 of the Bill, that aims to prevent commercial dealings in an Exploration Licence (EL) in the 2 years after it is registered. Such provisions in mining laws aim to ensure that EL holders are serious about exploration and don’t just seek commercial advantage through trading in an EL.

Mr. Speaker:

The second proposed amendment involves section 46(2). It says that a geological survey area cannot be proposed over an area the subject of an Exploration Licence application made by a landowner-controlled company established under section 113 of the Bill. This amendment has been proposed by a group led by Mr. Sam Kauona. My Government supports the proposal, because it is consistent with the ABG policy of supporting direct landowner involvement in Bougainville’s mining industry.

Mr. Speaker:

The first proposed amendment concerns the coming into effect of the proposed Bougainville Mining Act 2015 after it is enacted. It will enable the Bill come be into effect while also giving the Minister power to direct that no applications for any tenements may be registered for a specified period. This will provide the time necessary for the Mining Department to set up tenement administration, while allowing other provisions of the Act to take effect.

Mr. Speaker,

Over time, too, we want to see small-scale Bougainvillean miners develop the skills and capacity to take on mining on a bigger scale, in larger areas, under Artisanal Mining Licences (which can cover up to 5 hectares and involve more expensive machinery than will be permitted under community mining licences). In the next ABG, if I am still President, we will aim to develop schemes that encourage small-scale miners to move towards getting artisanal mining licences.

Another critically important indicator of the fact that we are not focused solely on Panguna can be seen in the strong focus in this Bill on small-scale mining. Hon. Minister Oni has already spoken about the Community Mining Licences that will be administered by COEs and VAs. This is an innovative system, another world first, as far as we know, directed to encouraging Bougainvilleans to generate their own revenues. At the same time, the aim is to ensure that they do small-scale mining in ways that are safe for their health, and for the environment.

Mr. Speaker:

And to signal that our focus is not limited to Panguna, I am proposing now, here in this House, to change the name of the ABG Office of Panguna Negotiations. Instead in the future it should simply be the Office of Mining Negotiations, or something similar.

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.

So at this stage, the ABG does not know whether Panguna will ever re-open.

But our options with mining are not limited to Panguna. There are many difficulties involved when considering re-opening Panguna. 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.

AS for BCL and Panguna, I have no idea if BCL will return. Since we passed the Transitional Bill, in August 2014, BCL’s parent company, Rio Tinto, is in the process of undertaking a review of its investment in BCL. It’s entirely possible Rio will decide to walk away from that investment. If that happened, we would have to look at other options.

The Mining Bill is not a Mining Bill about Panguna, or BCL, or Rio Tinto. It’s a Bill about the future of the whole of Bougainville.

Mr. Speaker,

This is why it will be essential to invest in health, education, clean power, and good transport.

It is an unfortunate truth that at this stage, the only way any of us can see of generating this revenue is mining. But we need to approach this with great care. Mining itself is not a sustainable activity, as the minerals are a finite resource, and once they are gone they are never replaced. So the key will be to use the mining revenue wisely, to promote and generate sustainable economic growth.

True autonomy, or true independence, will only come when we have our own sources of revenue, capable of providing the best possible services to our people.

Where will the money needed for such things come from? Right now we Bougainvilleans are not much better than beggars. We beg for our entitlements from the National Government. We beg and cajole the donors.

As President, I want to see us getting the best possible hospitals, health centres, early childhood centres, schools, universities, technical education centres. I want to see us developing clean power, like hydro, and good roads to all accessible areas, good shipping services. These things are the essential basics for us gradually developing a sustainable economy where all share in benefits.

Ultimately, the main reason why we in Bougainville are considering allowing large-scale mining again is because we need revenue to advance or development. WE lack even the most basic acceptable standards in essential services, like health and education. WE lag behind the rest of the world. Without significant ABG revenue, that situation will never change.

Mar 26 2015

Bougainville Mining News: Bougainville Mining Bill Passed

by Aloysius Laukai in Kubu.
The controversial Bougainville mining Bill has been passed by the ABG house. (file photo above ) The bill went through the 3rd reading to become a Bougainville law just after 11.35 am March 26 Bougainville Standard time. This now completes all the negotiations and dissatisfactions by factions of the communities throughout Bougainville.

The bill did not go un challenged but had to go through scrutiny by former combatants who demanded certain sections removed before they can allow the government to finally pass the bill.

At the time of the passing of the bill the house was full to capacity as people witnessed the passing of the bill.
more stories shortly

UPDATES

260315 MIRINGTORO NOT HAPPY
By Aloysius Laukai

The member for Central Bougainville and Minister for Communication in the Papua New Guinea National Government, JIMMY MIRINGTORO told New Dawn FM from Port Moresby that he was not happy that the ABG has rushed this bill on the eve of the ABG General elections.

He said that the ABG should have let the passing of the bill to the next government after more scrutiny from all stakeholders on Bougainville.

MR. MIRINGTORO said that pushing the bill on the eve of the ABG Elections is not proper as other outstanding issues were still not resolved on the future of mining on Bougainville.

He said that from day one he had warned the ABG against the bill especially when the people are still in the dark of this bill that could take away their rights form their land and resources forever.

MR. MIRINGTORO also said that the bill was written by outsiders like the Adam Smith International who have been involved in controversial development policies in the third world.

He said that it was unfortunate the government did not listen to the cries of the citizens and passed the bill.

Meanwhile, New Dawn FM understands that if there are some issues that have not been highlighted can now be done through an amendment of the Bougainville Mining Law by the next ABG Government that will come after the ABG General Elections.

The writs for the election will be issued by the Speaker, ANDREW MIRIKI at 4pm this Friday March 27th

Mar 24 2015

Bougainville Mining News: Ex-combatants in Bougainville support controversial Bougainville Mining Act.

“The government has done everything to thoroughly explain to the people the new Bill and how it will greatly regulate the extractive industry on Bougainville.We cannot continue to undermine the government for it is the very thing that we fought and died for, doing so only renders the purpose of our struggle moot, .We are all behind the government and will not resort to creating instability within the region.

Spokesman for the ex-combatants, Cornelius Solomon

Ex-combatants in Bougainville have rallied behind the Autonomous Bougainville Government to support the passing of the controversial permanent Bougainville Mining Act.

Written and Supplied by Anthony Kaybing

The ex-combatants met with the ABG and its officials this afternoon (Tuesday) to express their support of the bill and assured ABG President Grand Chief Dr John Momis of their intent.

The permanent Bougainville Mining Bill is the brainchild of the Momis led ABG in its efforts to curb mineral resource problems that led to the bloody ten year civil conflict on the island.

The Bill if passed will give landowners a pronounced say on how mineral extraction is carried out on their lands and also controls the type of would be developers interested in mining on Bougainville.

The Bougainville Mining Department as well as the Bougainville Justice Department have been carrying out widespread awareness on the issue throughout Bougainville to explain the intricacies of the Bill to Bougainville communities.

Despite being hailed as a successful attempt by the government to protect Bougainville’s interests there have been certain elements who continue to argue that the bill is a sham and designed to sell Bougainville.

Foremost amongst its critics is former Bougainville Revolutionary Army strongman Sam Kauona who claims that the Bill lacks certain details that safe guard Bougainville from being exploited again.

But a different sentiment was echoed by Mr Kauona’s former comrades who claimed ownership of the government and in this light respected the ABG’s intent on passing the Bill.

Spokesman for the ex-combatants, Cornelius Solomon said the government has done everything to thoroughly explain to the people the new Bill and how it will greatly regulate the extractive industry on Bougainville.

“We cannot continue to undermine the government for it is the very thing that we fought and died for, doing so only renders the purpose of our struggle moot,” Mr Solomon said.

Mr Solomon said that the ex-combatants were all behind the government and would not resort to creating instability within the region.

President Momis and his government also expressed their gratitude to the ex-combatants for taking the initiative to recognize the ABG’s efforts to act in the best interest of the people of Bougainville.

The Bill will be tabled sometime this week in the Bougainville House of Representatives as the members prepare to sit for the final sitting of the ABG second house since coming into office in 2010 before if goes to the polls in May.

Mar 15 2015

Bougainville Political News : Speech by ABG President Chief Dr John Momis at JSB meeting Arawa

Due to the high demand of people wanting information about the outcome of the high level government meeting between the ABG and PNG National Government, .Here is the speech by the ABG President Chief Dr John Momis in his opening remarks of the JSB meeting.

Speech provided by the President’s PR Mr Anthony Kaybing Via their Facebook Page

Tomorrow, we look at the speech by Prime Minister’s Honourable Peter O’Neil MP; Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.

Please note that a joint press release by the ABG media and PM’s Department will be published later.

The joint press release will outline the outcome or resolution of the JSB meeting.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
SPEECH BY PRESIDENT CHIEF DR. JOHN MOMIS TO THE JSB MEETING HELD IN ARAWA AT THE SHARP YOUTH MEMORIAL CENTRE

13th March, 2015
Salutations:

1. Honourable Peter O’Neil MP; Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
2. Ministers of the National Government.
3. ABG Ministers
4. Deputy Secretary to Department of Prime Minister and NEC, Mr. Trevor Meauri
5. Chief to ABG, Mr. Monovi Amani
6. Heads of Government Departments and Statutory Authorities of National Government and ABG
7. Ladies and Gentlemen

1. Introduction

1. On behalf of my people of Bougainville and the Autonomous Bougainville Government I would like to sincerely welcome Hon. Prime Minister’s O’ Neil and members of the National Government delegation to this important meeting of 24 JSB in Arawa.

2. The fact that this meeting is held in Arawa is indicative of the substantial progress and level of maturity and trust achieved since the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001.

3. Hon. Prime Minister, by personally attending this meeting and coming to Arawa goes along to demonstrate to our people of Bougsinvile and Papua New Guinea as a whole, your interest and commitment to dealing with the Bougainville issue.

4. I take this opportunity to thank your predecessors, Sir Michael Somare, Sir Mekere Morauta, late Honourable Bill Skate, Sir Julius and Hon. Sir Rabbie Namaliu for their support given to the Bouginville process.

5. Prime Minister, I want to single out the great contribution by the late Hon. Bill Skate for his visionary, commitment and non-nonsense approach that has been instrumental in significantly fast-tracking the process.

6. Your visits to Bougainville to open the Aropa Airport and now to attend this meeting follows from the example of your former party leader in personally making the Bougainville issue his issue.

7. Former Prime Minister, the late Bill Skate’s visit in the midst of the crisis broke a lot of barriers and paved the way for close and meaningful dialogue between the National Government and Bougainville leaders.

8. This is the example that we as leaders must continue to adopt and maintain.

Trust Between The Two Governments
9. Hon. Prime Minister O’Neil, as you are well aware, the issue of trust between our leaders in honouring the Bougainville Peace Agreement is very important.

10. The Bougainville Peace Agreement is a trust document between two conflicting parties that outlines the parameters we must operate within.

11. There is an obligation for all of us leaders to work within the framework and spirit of the Peace Agreement in order for us to avoid misunderstandings and contentious issues from arising.

12. It is a bipartisan agreement that involved different parties, hence, I must caution against unilateral decision making by any of the parties.

Frustrations Over Inadequate Financial Support

13. While the Autonomous Bougainville Government is appreciative and grateful for the financial support provided by the National Government over the years, we remain concern and critical as the level of support has not been commensurate with the costs of providing these services and the level of powers and functions transferred.

14. We have observed that while other provinces recurrent budget has increased over the years commensurate with the increase in cost of services provided, the same has not been true for Bougainville.

15. The appropriations by successive governments for Bougainville’s recurrent budget have stayed mostly the same with minimal increases only for some years.

16. We are also concerned about the National Government’s continued disrespect for the Agreements signed and honouring its part in the Agreements.

17. The National Government has displayed arrogance on its part in its unilateral decisions in reducing the RDG by K15 million in 2012 and most recently reducing the 2015 SIF by K30 million to repay cuts to the RDG.

18. We need to come up with a mechanism to integrate DSIP/PSIP funds into the ABG’s budgetary framework to ensure they are aligned with our priorities.

19. Bougainville continue to miss out on local-government grants given to other LLGs in Papua New Guinea.

20. The unilateral and unpredictable actions by the National Government makes us wonder whether Bougainville has been unduly victimized and made the sacrificial lamb on the alter of self-determination.

Our Frustrations at Lengthy Period in Draw-down of Powers

21. The Bougainville Executive Council has expressed its concerns and frustration at the lengthy period taken to draw-down powers and slow progress made in drawing down powers after we have taken the first step of signaling our intentions.

22. National Government departments and statutory bodies ought to be made aware that Bougainville by right is entitled to exercise all powers vested with it under the Peace Agreement and PNG constitution.

23. The fact that we do not have these powers is because of our capacity in terms of financial and other resources available to undertake those powers and functions.

24. The people of Bougainville are yet to experience and enjoy the benefits of autonomy and even feel what is like to be an autonomous region with the powers vested to Bougainville under the Agreements and PNG constitution.

25. This is almost after eleven (11) years of signing the Bougainville Peace Agreement.

26. It has been our experience that some National Government departments continue to disregard the directives of the JSB signed by the highest political authority vested with the Prime Minister on behalf of the National Government and the President of ABG on behalf of Bougainville.

27. We are pushing strongly through this JSB for an overarching framework that will enable ABG and the National Government to establish a mechanism for the timely release of powers and functions directed towards building the capacity of the Bougainville Administration.

28. The framework should aim for shorter period in the drawdown process and should commit respective departments to provide the supportive framework by providing the legal draftsmen, secondment of officers and the resources that follow the respective powers and functions.

29. There is a perception, rightly or wrongly, that there is some reluctance by some bureaucrats in Waigani to allow for the speedy transfer of these powers.

30. This has been evidenced by difficulties we are facing in requesting the drawdown of powers.

31. We are currently experiencing difficulties in the process of drawdowns with the following departments and agencies;

– Fisheries
– Environment and Conservation
– CIS
– Police
– Lands

32. We would like to see substantial progress in the drawdown of these powers in the coming year and are taking the bold step of requesting that all powers due to Bougainville must be transferred by the year 2016.

Referendum
33. The year 2015 is a crucial year in the peace process with the opening of the referendum window in June, 2015.

34. We are concerned that with only five years remaining for the referendum to be held, not much progress has been made.

35. The Referendum Committee needs to meet regularly and move fast to progress the various milestones that we need to achieve for the successful staging of the referendum.

36. There is the important task of preparing the people of Bougainville through a comprehensive awareness program in order for them to be ready to make the most important decision of their life.

37. This must happen very quickly.

38. The fact is that timing is not on our side and that important decisions need to be made by the two Governments through the respective bipartisan Committee to agree on several milestones that need to happen.

39. As a way forward, the ABG is proposing that we hold the referendum at a date agreed to by both Governments in the first quarter of 2019.

40. We have arrived at this timing taking into account the commitments by both the National Government and ABG over the next five years.

41. These are the coming ABG and National elections in 2017, the Pacific Games and the forthcoming APEC meeting.

42. The referendum committee comprising officials of both Governments will need to move quickly and reach agreement on important issues such as (1) eligibility for voting, (2) the relevant questions to be asked, including the question on whether Bougainville should be independent or not, and (3) the appropriate agency for conducting the referendum.

ABG Elections
43. The third ABG elections will be held by May this year and a new Government will be in place by June.

44. We are grateful to the support provided by National Electoral office and aid agencies to put together a successful election.

45. We have written to the National Government requesting K2 million to meet our budget shortfall and await a response.

5 Year Medium Term Plan (2015-2019)and Bougainville Strategic Vision and Plan

46. The administration is in the process of consolidating the Bougainville Medium term plan for the next five years in order to fill the gap in development planning.

47. The Medium term plan covering a period of over five years is intended to provide strategic direction and the development framework that will guide the ABG budgets.

48. In addition, Bougainville Executive Council has recently endorsed the process of consultation to formulate the Bougainville Strategic Vision. The strategic plan will be put in place to if the vision is to be translated into tangible results for our people for a lengthy period.

49. The Bougainville Vision will determine the future or type of Bougainville that we want, defines our values as Bougainvilleans, sets our standards for governance and how the resources will be equitably distributed.

50. An equally daunting task is to develop and formulate the Bougainville Long-term Development Growth Strategy that will be needed to achieve our overall vision.

51. The long-term development strategy must identify the appropriate strategies needed to fulfill our vision.

52. In our push for autonomy, the transfer of powers and functions from the National Government is meaningless if it does not translate to higher living standards for our people.

53. We need to put together a development framework that plots our future development process over the next thirty to fifty years.

Bougainville Permanent Mining Bill
54. The last House of Representatives Assembly meeting will have the important task of passing the Permanent Bougainville Mining Act. I want to thank the National Government and the World Bank for their assistance in helping us to put the Act together.

Bougainville Energy Plan
55. The development of an overall energy development plan for Bougainville is critical for the future development of Bougainville.

56. The plan will need to focus on alternative energy sources such as hydro utilizing the many river systems on Bougainville and solar energy. I take this opportunity to thank the National Government for facilitating the loan that will enable us to build the Ramazon Hydo-electric scheme that will cost K35 million.

Conclusions

57. Despite the frustrations raised above, I am positive of the future for all of us.

58. I am appealing to both parties to make it happen for the Bougainvlle people. We need to work together within the framework of the Bougainville peace Agreement.

59. I take this opportunity to once again thank the Prime Minister for his continued support for the peace process in Bougainville. His presence today is a demonstration of the high regard he has for our people of Bougainville and PNG as a whole.

60. I thank all the other officials from both sides who have worked tirelessly and sacrificed a lot to bring the peace process to where it is today.

Thank you and may God Bless us all.

Hon. Dr. John Momis
PRESIDENT

Feb 9 2015

Bougainville News: Plans well underway for 2015 elections in Bougainville

The election of the third House which will commence with the issue of writs in the coming months will see Bougainville leaders vying for the 40 seats in the Bougainville House of Representatives, including that of the president, three women seats and seats for former combatants representing the three regions and 33 constituency seats.

This election is very crucial to Bougainvillean as it marks the start of the referendum period which, under the conditions of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, is to be held between 2015 and 2020.

By WINTERFORD TOREAS/EDITED BY JENNIFER NKUI

THE Acting Electoral Commissioner for Bougainville, George Manu (pictured above), has recently announced the appointment of returning officers and assistant returning officers for this year’s ABG General Election.

This election is very crucial to Bougainvillean as it marks the start of the referendum period which, under the conditions of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, is to be held between 2015 and 2020.

Leaders elected will play a crucial role in addressing outstanding issues like weapons disposal, economic recovery and good governance which are needed to be met before the set referendum date.

The appointed officials include Regional Returning Officer John Itanu who will be responsible for the presidential seat, Peter Wanga (Northern regional seats for women and former combatants), Charles Kopana (Central regional seats for women and former combatants) and Sam Roroga who will be responsible for the southern regional seats for women and former combatants.

The Assistant Returning Officers for each constituency include Francis Tommy (Peit, Tonsu and Tsitalato), Garry Kenehe (Haku, Halia and Hagogohe), Peter Kutadio (Taonita/Teop, TaonitaTinputz), Henry Taul (Nissan), Samuel Aririan(Teua, Mahari), Peter Tokin (Atolls), Robert Toromet (Suir, Selau), Collin Darei (South Nasioi, Kongara and Kokoda), Denise Palipal (North Nasioi, Eivo-Torau and Ioro), Sylvester Semoso (Rau, Terra), Mathew Maau (Baubake, Makis), Moses Koiri (Lule, Konnou), Martin Tumuki (Kopii, Ramu, MotunaHuyonoTokunutui), Justin Teneke (Baba, Lato, Bolave) and Leo Gobekatsu (Torokina).

The dates for the issue of writs, polling, counting and return of writs have already been set but the announcement will be made by ABG Speaker Andrew Miriki.

BOUGAINVILLE ELECTORAL COMMISSION URGED TO DO MORE

BY JENNIFER NKUI

The Bougainville Electoral Commission is urged to do more to update and increase the present total number of registered eligible voters throughout Bougainville in preparation for the 2015 ABG General Election.

This urgent call is made by the leaders of Central Bougainville, particularly those from Panguna District where according to the figures held at the electoral commission, the total number of registered voters in the Ioro constituency alarmingly appears to be 1, 827 at the moment.

In a released statement today, the leaders insisted that this is simply not possible while Evo/Torau and Konnou constituencies have 5, 090 and 7, 407 registered voters respectively.

They revealed that during the last PNG General Election in 2012, it was reported in the common roll that the number of registered voters for Ioro constituency was around 7, 000.

The leaders are therefore seriously asking as to where the rest of the 6, 000 registered voters from the last common roll update during the PNG General election went to.

According to the recent figures obtained from the Bougainville Electoral Commission last Thursday, the total number of eligible voters in Bougainville is surprisingly as follows, Central Bougainville 28, 754 voters, South Bougainville 52, 219 voters and North Bougainville 62, 530 which totals up to 143, 503 voters.

This according to Sam Kaouna, Martin Miriori and Father Simon Mumarinu is not even half of the total population of Bougainville which is 300, 000.

The leaders demand that special efforts be made by the electoral commission to update the figure for Central Bougainville saying this figure is unrealistic, especially after considering the fact that all of the faction of the Mekamui are known to have recently registered their names to participate in the coming election.

They said this is vital especially in preparation for the referendum and if this is not done, the people will be deprived and robbed off their democratic rights to choose the leaders who will represent them in parliament in the next five years.

ELECTORAL COMMISSION TO PAY SERVICE PROVIDERS

By WINTERFORD TOREAS/edited by JENNIFER NKUI

THE Bougainville Electoral Commission will still be paying service providers that have yet to be given their dues for services rendered during the 2010 ABG General Election and the 2013 ABG bye-elections.

The Acting Bougainville Electoral Commissioner, George Manu said he has already made a request to the Autonomous Bougainville Government to release funding to pay off these outstanding bills.

He said he is constantly negotiating with the government to give him this money before we go into the election. When questioned on the outstanding for the 2012 National General Election, the Acting Commissioner distanced his office saying it is the responsibility of the PNG Electoral Commission (PNGEC) to secure funding and settle the dues.

Mr Manu however said he has been constantly contacting the PNG Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen to settle these dues.

He added that as a concerned Bougainvillean, he has been discussing with the PNG Electoral Commissioner to settle these outstanding before the election.

During their meeting last week, Mr. Trawen informed Mr. Manu that the National Electoral Commission is waiting for the opening of the government accounts in March this year. And according to Mr. Trawen, once they access the accounts, they will pay off the outstanding.

POLITICAL PARTIES URGED TO REGISTER

By WINTERFORD TOREAS/edited by JENNIFER NKUI

The acting ABG Political Party Registrar Joseph Kaipu is urging all political parties to start registering with his office.

He made this announcement last week, thus encouraging all political parties to go to his office so he can assist them to fill in their application and finalizing their registrations before they can be able to participate in the upcoming 2015 ABG General Election.

He stressed that he does not want to do any last minute registrations because late registrations sometimes might not be in line with the ABG Political Parties (Registration) Act 2006.

That is why according to Mr. Kaipu it is very important for all political parties to start collecting the application forms from his office during this month because he does not want to rush up the registration process in the last minute.

The acting ABG political party registrar revealed that only one political party, the New Bougainville Party which is headed by the ABG President chief Dr. John Momis has collected the application forms from his office.

He added that he is only waiting for the party’s public officer to submit their application for consideration before he can register the party.

Mr. Kaipu said registration will close towards the end of March on the date scheduled for the issue of writs.

Feb 2 2015

Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) has become the focus of leaders in the government ,veterans and ex combatants.

As this year becomes a very critical year for Bougainville with elections around the corner in April and the expected referendum to be conducted this year, the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) has become the focus of leaders in the government and veterans or ex combatants.

The BPA, which was signed in 2001, has three specific areas highlighted on Autonomy; Referendum and Weapons Disposal. It also emphasizes on ‘Good Governance.’

Second part of the forum- Held on Friday 30th January 2015
words and picture by Tanya Lahies

The President of ABG Chief Dr John Momis defended that his government is a good government, better than the previous government and that a lot was achieved under his leadership.

Photo caption: Ex combatant leader Ishmael Toroama addresses the crowd at the forum on Friday, at Bel Isi park

He responded to the group of ex combatants led by leaders Ishmael Toroama with Thomas Tari and Sam Kauona, who confronted the ABG with questions on whether ABG was inline with good governance.

This occurred in the first ever forum conducted between the President Chief Dr John Momis and the ex combatants leaders at a ground level.

In the past, many issues were dealt with through the media to channel their views. The forum was an opportunity for leaders to speak openly and frankly on issues dated back to last year.

The two main criteria which leaders have emphasized mainly in the forum were on weapons disposal and good governance.

The ex combatants agree that the Autonomous Bougainville Government still needed to be transparent, which got the response of the President Momis, that his government is not corrupt and that all activities with development partners were based on transparency and for the interest of the people.

The ABG led by President Chief Dr John Momis, agreed that there was a lot to be done with weapons disposal and questioned whether the veterans will do anything about the issue as at the moment people are still using weapons to threaten democracy.

Tomorrow we look at ex combatant Sam Kauona’s statement and Vice President Patrick Nisira’s response.

Jan 15 2015

Bougainville Mining News: Does Bougainville mining law open doors to corporate predators

Picture: Renzie Duncan is a mining executive who has run companies like Zues Minerals

This week Papua New Guinea Mine Watch (PNGMW) published an article questioning the motives of Adam Smith International, the company contracted by the World Bank to draft Bougainville’s new mining law (available here). According to PNGMW Adam Smith International (ASI) works for big business interests, and has harmed indigenous communities across Africa and Asia.

PNGMW claimed ASI’s friends like Renzie Duncan in the corporate world were delighted by the new Mining law pointing to his recent post this week in the popular Bougainville Forum on Facebook ,where he expressed his delight at ASI’s handiwork.

At no stage does he declare his past or current involvement in Bougainville mining (see New Dawn article below)

Renzie Duncan is a mining executive who has run companies like Zues Minerals, a miner which PNGMW understands has been used by the Chinese government to obtain access to mineral deposits in the Pacific region

Renzie Duncan activities on Bougainville came to light back in June 2014 in a NEW Dawn Report

ME’EKAMUI’S MIRIORI CHALLENGED TO BE HONEST ABOUT MINING

President of Bougainville, Chief John L. Momis, has challenged “Me’ekamui Government’s” Philip Miriori to be honest about Bougainville mining issues. He was responding to a statement saying discussions about mining can happen only after the referendum on independence, and calling for Australian advisers to “go home”.

President Momis said:

“It’s amusing to see Mr Miriori say mining can happen only after the referendum. For it’s widely known in Bougainville just how deeply involved Miriori is already involved in mining. It was he who worked closely with the Americans involved in Tall J Foundation Ltd.

That company tried to do industrial mining of gold on the tailings on the Jaba River. But the people chased them away. Then a Chinese investor in Tall J. tried to get his lost money back by bringing in Chinese to gather and sell scrap metal from Panguna.

Then there is the Australian, Ian Renzie Duncan, at different times involved with Australian mining companies Zeus Resources and Transpacific Ventures.

It was he who wrote Mr Miriori’s speech delivered when Prime Minister O’Neill visited Panguna. It’s widely talked about in central Bougainville that Miriori is investing with Mr. Duncan, and that Duncan is taking alluvial gold supplied by Miriori.

“These are just a few of the mining interests that Mr. Miriori is involved in. It’s these and other mining interests that have take him off so regularly to meetings in Cairns, Brisbane, Perth, Singapore, and other business tourist destinations.

Everyone around Panguna knows one thing for sure: no other Me’ekamui President has done more foreign travel than Miriori!

“But with all his deep involvement in mining already, how can he talk about decisions on mining waiting until after the referendum? I challenge him to be honest about his long history of mining interests.

“I also challenge him to be equally honest about foreign advisers. He says Australian funded advisers are not welcome. But these advisers have all been requested by the ABG to help us fill in gaps and weaknesses in the Administration.

Although Australian funded, many are not Australian. They include Bougainvilleans.

Until recently our legislative drafting adviser was from Vanuatu. Our Policy Adviser was from Bermuda – all paid for By Australia.

“For the ABG, the two most important things about our advisers are these.

First, we only have them when we have a gap we cannot fill with a Bougainvillean.

Second, they must follow the directions of the Bougainville Government. I am absolutely confident that they do that. They do not control the ABG.

They are not here to make money for foreign companies. “I challenge Mr. Miriori to tell us about his foreign advisers, and what they are doing to make money for foreign interests. They included two Americans with the Tall J Foundation, Stewart Sytner and Thomas Megas.

There are documents freely available on the Internet that show they claim that Mr. Miriori sold them mining rights in areas to the north of the Panguna Special Mining Lease. I challenge him to tell us is what Sytner and Megas claim is true.

What about the other investors in Tall J? What advice did they give to Miriori? What about the Tall J investor who brought in the Chinese scrap metal dealers? What advice did he give?

What about the advice that Mr. Ian Renzie Duncan gives? “Mr. Miriori is not being honest about the future of mining. His hands are not clean in relation to mining. “Mr. Miriori is not being honest about foreign advisers. Again his hands are not clean. “I challenge him to be honest on these matters. I challenge him to enter these debates only when he has clean hands.

Dec 14 2014

Bougainville News: Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop to address concerns on Bougainville visit

“Put simply, this vote will determine whether Bougainville pushes ahead for full independence or chooses to remain an autonomous region of PNG.

Yet the complexity of the issues in Bougainville, and as between the ABG and PNG, means that as the referendum date draws nearer, Bougainville will again inevitably feature prominently in Australia’s foreign policy considerations.

The process of negotiation between the ABG and PNG is fraught with difficulties as there appear to be deeply entrenched differences over the future of Bougainville, the possibility of reopening the Panguna mine and the direction of economic and social development.

I believe that this region should be Australia’s highest foreign policy priority and that is why I am spending as much time as I am able to do making contact, engaging with people, listening to them and talking about issues of concern.”

Julie Bishop speaking in 2012 after her trip to Bougainville : Has her views changed ?

Picture: Julie Bishop a friend of Bougainville for many years recently hosted Autonomous #Bougainville Government MPs Joan Jerome, Rose Pihei, Elizabeth Burain in her Canberra Office

Fresh from a trip to the International Climate change in Peru South America Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will today travel to Papua New Guinea and Bougainville

The Minister will co-chair the annual Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum, and Business Dialogue and travel to Bougainville where she will meet political and community leaders to discuss the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and visit Australian aid-funded projects in Buka and Arawa.

Speaking on Sky News Australia this morning (December 14) the Minster said she was concerned about the upcoming referendum on Bougainville independence .

Ms Bishop said Bougainville wanted a referendum on independence next year but she did not believe it or PNG would be ready for a referendum for some time. “I want to meet with the autonomous Bougainvillian government and talk to them about their expectations,” she said.

Asked if she was concerned about a resurgence of violence on Bougainville, Ms Bishop said that had always been a possibility.

“Unless the PNG government and the autonomous Bougainvillian government can sort out their differences and work closely together, I think it is going to be a challenge for Australia and New Zealand and other countries who are responsible, if you like, for this part of the world.”

SEE VIDEO of her interview HERE

Included in this post below are background information on Julie Bishop and her thoughts on Bougainville’s Future including

What was Julie Bishop saying about Bougainville in 2012 as opposition spokesperson?

Interview with Radio Australia about her Bougainville trip in 2012

Minister Bishop will be joined by the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Scott Morrison, Minister for Defence David Johnston and Minister for Justice Michael Keenan.

“The participation of four senior members of the Coalition reflects the strength and depth of the relationship the Australian Government shares with our closest neighbour.” She said

Forum discussions will focus on key areas of bilateral cooperation, including defence and policing cooperation, the implementation of the Regional Resettlement Arrangement, how Australia is assisting PNG to host APEC in 2018, and strengthening PNG’s public service through improved education and training.

Minister Bishop said she look forward to co-chairing the annual Ministerial Forum Business Dialogue, which enables the business community to discuss with Ministers ways to further strengthen trade and investment links between our two countries.

Following the Ministerial Forum, Minister will travel to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville – the first visit to Bougainville by an Australian Foreign Minister since 2000.

End Press Coverage

Speaking in advance of trip a Bougainville elder had this word of advice for Julie Bishop

“Tell Julie Bishop many of us can understand where she is coming from (from Canberra in Australia) where political correctness is on the lips of politicians. But there are times when politicians are best advised not to come out in public space and view about Bougainville because there are others that will not understand encrypted political messages and even others that will see her as stifling a cause for which people lost their lives.

Sensitivities and knowing what to say, how to say it, when to say it and in the company of who to say it has played a major part in rebuilding Bougainville. It’s challenging and the people of Bougainville will say they don’t need the only LNP women Minister throwing too many spanners into the works in a male dominated work-shop designed and run largely by men. Julie is a friend of Bougainville but she is also Australia’s Foreign Minister.”

Background

What was Julie Bishop saying about her Bougainville trip in 2012 as opposition spokesperson

See Video Link Bishop and Rudd exchange comments about Bougainville 2012

The range of complex issues surrounding Papua New Guinea’s national election have been widely commented on by Australian media and politicians – some more helpful and diplomatic than others.

In the week before Easter I visited PNG – my second extended visit to the country in the past 9 months – accompanied by Queensland federal colleagues Senator Ian Macdonald, Jane Prentice MP and Ewen Jones MP.

We held discussions with Prime Minister O’Neill, senior members of his Cabinet, the Leader of the Opposition, the Chief of the PNG Defence Force, the Police Commissioner and the PNG Election Commissioner, amongst others, on the many and varied challenges associated with the election.

Papua New Guinea is a democracy and as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations is committed to regular parliamentary elections and strong democratic institutions, yet recent political events have been challenging.

Current indications are that the election will be held mid year with hopefully many of the constitutional issues surrounding the composition of the government and a dispute with the judiciary being resolved by PNG voters at the ballot box.

What is less well known is that there is another vote that will take place in the coming years in Bougainville, an autonomous region of PNG, that is potentially of far greater significance to PNG and the broader region than the general election this year.

The Bougainville Peace Agreement signed in 2001 between the PNG Government and the leaders of Bougainville brought a formal end to a civil war that had cost many lives in Bougainville over decades.

Bitter conflicts over land rights, the closure of the mainstay of the local economy in the Panguna mine in the late 1980s and a nascent secession movement has meant that Bougainville has presented a challenge to the fragile nature of PNG nationhood and its politics since PNG independence in 1975.

However, part of the 2001 Agreement, which was brokered in part by the Howard Government, provides for a referendum to be held between 2015 and 2020 on the question of Bougainville’s independence from PNG.

Various conditions must be met prior to the referendum, notably the disposal of weapons currently held in Bougainville and an acceptable standard of governance achieved by the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG).

Put simply, this vote will determine whether Bougainville pushes ahead for full independence or chooses to remain an autonomous region of PNG.

As Anthony Regan, a leading expert on Bougainville, has stated, the starkly different views that are held by Bougainville leaders and the PNG Government, gives rise “to possibilities of conflict over the referendum outcome”.

Aware of the challenges facing Bougainville and the importance of engaging with all relevant parties at the earliest opportunity, our trip to Papua New Guinea included a number of days in Bougainville to gain a deeper understanding of the complex web of cultural, social, economic and political issues that lie at the heart of the referendum question.

During our stay in Buka, we met with leaders of the ABG including President John Momis and Vice-President Patrick Nisira to discuss progress of the peace process, weapons disposal and economic development.

While the 2001 Agreement resulted in the destruction of many weapons used in the civil war, there are fears that a significant number of weapons are still held in the community.

Further, the military ordnance left in southern Bougainville by the United States during the Second World War in the Pacific is an ever present danger.

We made a seven hour round journey by boat and four-wheel drive to Arawa, the pre-civil war capital of Bougainville, to meet with people involved in the reconciliation process including members of the ABG Regional Administration and a representative from the Me’ekamui people, a tribe who had not taken part in the 2001 Agreement.

The reality of the civil war and the bridges that have to be crossed before the referendum can take place were brought home to me in our meeting with former members of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army, Sam Kauona and Ishmael Toroama.

Sam Kauona, a Bougainvillean but also an Australian Army trained former PNG Defence Force lieutenant and explosives expert, who became one of the most feared guerrilla fighters in the civil war, told me that he had been “rehabilitated” and that he was now committed to peace and reconciliation.

However he was also deeply committed to an independent Bougainville and he is not alone in his views.

We saw the work funded by Australia’s foreign aid program to improve basic infrastructure across the islands, as well as improving governance, education and health standards. However, the massive challenge of achieving an independent Bougainville should not be underestimated.

Whether the preconditions for the referendum will be met within the timeframe remains to be seen, but this will be a crucial test for the people of Bougainville and the PNG Government.

Australia must be, and be seen to be, deeply committed to the peace and reconciliation process in the lead up to 2015 and beyond.

Interview with Radio Australia 2012

JULIE BISHOP It is my first visit to Bougainville but it is part of a trip to Papua New Guinea and Bougainville, and I have brought a number of my parliamentary colleagues with me. And we arrived in Buka in Bougainville this morning. We have met with the Vice President and with the Chief Administrator and a number of senior officials. We will be staying overnight this evening and then going to Arawa tomorrow, we will spend another night in Bougainville on Thursday and then return to Papua New Guinea on Friday.

HELENE HOFMAN Did anything arise from the meetings that you had this morning?

JULIE BISHOP They have been very significant meetings because I have been given an update about the post conflict challenges in Bougainville. One issue that keeps being raised with me is the weapons disposal programs and the challenges ahead for the autonomous government to try and get the weapons containment under control.

Your listeners will be aware that there is a proposed referendum on independence to be held as part of the Bougainville peace process sometime before 2020, between 2015 and 2020, and one of the issues that must be confronted before the referendum can be held is the weapons disposal. And that is an issue that is really exercised in the minds of those in leadership positions here.

HELENE HOFMAN And you’re due to meet with President Momis tomorrow, is that something you’ll bring up with him or do you have other issues that are on the agenda?

JULIE BISHOP I will be meeting with President Momis in the morning. As well as the issue of weapons disposal we will be talking about peace and reconciliation post conflict. I also want to discuss the effectiveness of Australia’s aid program into PNG and Bougainville. I propose discussing with him some of the challenges that Bougainville faces in terms of its budget and the revenues that Bougainville is able to derive, and also some opportunities for opening the Panguna mine again and other mining and resource projects that are being considered here. And we will also talk about other ways to expand the economy and ways that Australia can assist through AusAID and other means.

HELENE HOFMAN President Momis has repeatedly said he would like to see more Australian aid for Bougainville, what is your stance on that?

JULIE BISHOP Well that is one of the reasons that I have come here in my capacity as Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I want to understand far better the challenges facing the people of Bougainville. And that is why we are spending two and a half, nearly three days here so that we can meet people who are recipients of aid, understand whether it is having the desired impact.

We have met with the Catholic Bishop today, we are now meeting with one of the Sisters, Sister Lorraine’s organisation out here in Chabai, and trying to understand from them what more is needed in terms of support for health, education, as well as infrastructure.

HELENE HOFMAN Have you had to field any questions about why the Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr hasn’t yet visited the region?

JULIE BISHOP I have certainly had to field questions in Port Moresby about Senator Carr’s recent comments concerning sanctions on PNG should an election not be held and I have been reassured on many occasions by every level of government in PNG that the national elections will go ahead as constitutionally required.

And so it is unfortunate that Senator Carr made those comments but he has admitted that they were wrong and I would encourage him to visit PNG and Bougainville as soon as he is able.

There is no substitute for actually spending time here. In the last eight months I have spent a week in PNG, I have spent time on the Solomon Islands and now another week in Papua New Guinea and Bougainville.

And so I believe that this region should be Australia’s highest foreign policy priority and that is why I am spending as much time as I am able to do making contact, engaging with people, listening to them and talking about issues of concern.

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