Panguna mine group meets to discuss environmental remediation
20 January 2014
KEITH JACKSON
THE JOINT PANGUNA NEGOTIATION COORDINATION COMMITTEE (JPNCC), which is developing parameters for negotiating the resumption of mining in Bougainville, will hold its next meeting in Port Moresby on Wednesday.
The JPNCC is a broad-based group comprising representatives of landowners in mine-affected areas, the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the Government of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL).
At this stage the JPNCC is working closely with BCL to progress initial environmental studies related to the mine, which closed in 1989 because of civil strife in Bougainville.
The abrupt closure of the Panguna mine in 1989 and the long period of conflict that followed meant there was no opportunity to implement plans for its formal closure.
Closure planning is an integral part of a resource operation to rehabilitate affected land for post-mining use.
BCL says it is committed to undertaking environmental remediation and rehabilitation programs regardless of the future operation of the Panguna mine.
Studies of environmental conditions are required before remediation can take place at Panguna and other mine-affected areas.
These will gather new information and examine historic data to determine levels of degradation or recovery.
Disclosure: Bougainville Copper Limited is a client of Jackson PR Associates, whose managing director is Keith Jackson
Yes, studies of environmental conditions of mine-affected areas helps to determine which remediation technique should be used.
Posted by: Cathy Weber | 16 March 2014 at 05:13 PM