Five foreign nationals formally charged over unauthorized mining activities at Jaba Tailings
The President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and Minister for Mining, Hon. Ishmael Toroama, today confirmed that five foreign nationals apprehended in connection with unauthorized mining activities at the Jaba Tailings area have now been formally charged by Police under the Bougainville Mining Act 2015 (“the Act”).
To support the investigation and charging process, a locally sourced interpreter proficient in Chinese was engaged to ensure the accused persons fully understood the allegations, legal processes, and charges laid against them.
The accused persons have been formally charged with Unauthorized Mining pursuant to Section 343 of the Bougainville Mining Act 2015. The offence carries a penalty of a K1 million fine and 10 years’ imprisonment.
President Toroama further confirmed that investigations remain ongoing and that additional individuals, including local persons and other foreign nationals connected to unauthorized mining operations, will also be apprehended.
In addition to the criminal charges, all equipment and machinery used in unauthorized mining operations are subject to seizure and forfeiture under the Act and will be confiscated accordingly.
The President advised that enforcement operations against unauthorized mining activities will continue throughout Bougainville as part of broader efforts to strengthen regulatory compliance and protect Bougainville’s mineral resources.
“Over the past three years, the ABG has undertaken extensive public awareness and education campaigns across Bougainville regarding the requirements, offences, and penalties under the Bougainville Mining Act 2015. The Government therefore expects all persons engaged in mining-related activities to fully comply with the law, and enforcement measures against unlawful operations have now commenced and will continue accordingly,” President Toroama stated.
President Toroama acknowledged the coordinated efforts across the ABG, including the Bougainville Police Service, Immigration officers, PNG Customs, and all officers and stakeholders involved in the investigation and enforcement operation.
The President reiterated that all persons and entities intending to undertake mining or related activities within Bougainville must comply fully with all applicable laws and obtain the necessary approvals and authorizations before commencing operations.
These enforcement actions form part of broader collaborative efforts between the ABG and National authorities aimed at curbing unauthorized mining activities and strengthening people movement control and regulatory enforcement throughout the region.
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