Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) has said it will only consider a return to operations at Panguna with the full support of customary landowners in mine-affected areas and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG).
BCL has strengthened its relationship with landowners through regular meetings and its shared responsibility as part of the Joint Panguna Negotiation Coordination Committee (JPNCC).
The terms of reference for the JPNCC include supervising environmental, social and economic studies, as well as the customary reconciliation process of bel kol.
The environmental baseline study is of great importance as it will help determine the future shape and implementation of environmental programs.
Before the establishment of the Panguna mine in the late 1960s, BCL reached an agreement with the then Government of PNG, however there was no ABG or landowners group to negotiate with at the time.
In the current environment the landowners are central to discussions on a decision about whether to resume mining operations at Panguna.