ABG partners with Rabaul Volcanological Observatory to establish a volcano monitoring system at Mt Bagana
As part of its ongoing volcano disaster preparedness efforts, the Autonomous Bougainville Government, in partnership with the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) has established an enhanced volcano monitoring system at Mt Bagana in the Torokina District of South Bougainville.
Mt Bagana Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, known for its persistent volcanic activity, which poses ongoing risks to surrounding communities. The volcano last erupted on the 17th of July 2023, temporarily displacing several thousand people from the Torokina District and also people from the neighbouring Wakunai District to the east. Before the last eruption in 2023, no proper monitoring system existed at Mt Bagana.
Secretary for the ABG Department of Mining & Petroleum, Peter Kolotein, described the establishment of this monitoring system as a historic milestone, overcoming the significant challenges faced during its installation.
“It took 18 months to finally have this system established. We faced huge logistical challenges due to the area being geographically remote. I am very thankful to all stakeholders for their support, especially the RVO and the people of the Torokina District, especially those from Vuakovi ward who have have taken ownership of this project from the start”, Mr Kolotein said.
“I am also grateful to Island Passage Development Limited, one of our minerals exploration investors in Bougainville, for positively responding to our request and providing helicopter support to airlift approximately 5 tonnes of building materials to the foot of Mt Bagana volcano in January 2025”, he added.
Work on installing a monitoring system gained momentum as part of 2023 post Mt Bagana Volcano eruption preparedness priorities. Construction work on the first seismic station at Nukutsu Hill commenced in January 2024 and was completed in April 2024. The RVO, led by the Director Mr. Ima Itikarai, with technical support from Geoscience Australia, arrived in Bougainville on the second week of December 2024 and installed the equipment, hence commencing permanent monitoring of the volcano. Construction on the next seismic station at Tsuriketo Hill is being undertaken and will be completed in the second week of March 2025.
The newly installed monitoring system will provide crucial real-time data, enabling authorities to assess volcanic activity better towards providing timely early warnings and disaster response.
Key features of the monitoring system include a web camera for remote viewing and advanced seismometer known as Raspberry Shake and Boom to detect volcano earthquakes and explosions, providing early indications of potential eruptions and real-time transmission of data utilizing 4G internet connectivity, thereby enabling continuous monitoring and immediate analysis by the RVO in Rabaul and the ABG Department of Mining & Petroleum Geohazards office in Buka.
“The enhanced monitoring system at Mt Bagana represents a major advancement in our efforts to protect the lives of the people of Bougainville. By providing us with accurate and timely data, this system will allow us to make informed decisions and take necessary actions to prepare for the potential impacts of an impending volcanic eruption. Since Bougainville is located in one of the most seismically active parts of the world, there are plans to install more seismic stations throughout the region as part of a wider seismic network for Bougainville to monitor seismic activity”, Secretary Kolotein added.
This project is a partnership between the ABG Department of Mining and Petroleum, the Department of Community Government through the Bougainville Disaster Office and the Torokina District office, and the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory, of the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management, the agency responsible for the monitoring of active volcanoes across Papua New Guinea.
This initiative reflects the commitment of the ABG to ensuring the safety and well-being of communities living in proximity to active volcanoes. In addition to the monitoring system, ongoing efforts are being made to develop preparedness and evacuation plans for Mt Bagana, improve community awareness and preparedness, and provide essential support to displaced populations with assistance from our development partners.
The Mt. Bagana Station(S9D74) can be viewed on the Raspberry Shake Website through this link: https://stationview.raspberryshake.org/#/?lat=-11.27020&lon=150.59858&zoom=5.254
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