Johnny Auna, a Bougainvillean like David Osikore, is BCL's new chief financial officer

Last October the company said that, following long negotiations, BCL and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) had agreed on terms for a deed of settlement to bring to an end a judicial review of BCL's exploration licence in the Panguna area.

Then last month the ABG granted a five-year extension of BCL’s EL01 exploration licence for the Panguna project.

At the time, Bougainville president Ishmael Toroama said this would pave the way for the redevelopment of the mine.

This phase will begin with pre-feasibility and more intensified exploration activities over coming years.

Mr Osikore, an independent director of BCL since 2019 and with more than 30 years’ experience in exploration and mining in Papua New Guinea and Australia.

He previously served as managing director of Pacific Niugini Minerals.

Patterson (Johnny) Auna also has more than 30 years’ experience in senior executive roles across finance, accounting and corporate operations in PNG and Australia.

He is an associate member of Certified Practicing Accountants and the PNG Institute of Directors.

BCL chairman, Sir Melchior (Mel) Togolo, said the appointments prepare the company to successfully transition from caretaker to operational Panguna operation.

Sir Melchior said BCL will do this with strong Bougainvillean identity and focus.

“The PNG national government is committed to the imminent transfer of its 36.4% share in BCL to the ABG and people of Bougainville,” he said.

“For the first time in BCL’s 55-year history, a majority (72.8%) of the company will be owned by Bougainville's government and people.

Sir Mel Togolo: "The objective of resuming mining operations at Panguna remains central"

“The appointment of two experienced Bougainvilleans to senior management roles and five of the seven directors being Bougainvillean, ensure that the objective of resuming operations remains central,” Sir Melchior said.

Edited media statement issued through Cameron Hill, Principal,
Redbourne7 Media Management & Communications, Brisbane