Osikaiyang landowners out of order
17 December 2019
DENIKA SEETO
| Bougainville Copper Ltd
BUKA - Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) says it is both regrettable and disappointing to see members of the Special Mining Lease Osikaiyang Landowners Association (SMLOLA) issuing misleading and provocative statements following Bougainville’s peaceful and successfully conducted referendum.
BCL again repeat its calls for SMLOLA to desist from purporting to speak on behalf of all Panguna landowners as part of its ongoing campaign to undermine Bougainville Copper Ltd.
Under the Bougainville Mining Act 2015 SMLOLA is afforded no status in representing landowners nor does the association own mineral rights.
As members of SMLOLA well know, BCL retains strong levels of support among customary landowners and has a local team on the ground that continues to constructively engage with the community.
The company also retains exploration rights which remain subject to a judicial review – a process that should be respected.
It is also important to note that the Panguna development proposal that has been championed by the SMLOLA was categorically rejected by the Autonomous Bougainville Government earlier this year; something the association conveniently neglects to mention in its latest statement.
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