Land access agreement signed between Kanavitu landowners and EJV
A Land Access and Compensation Agreement was signed today between the traditional landowners from Kanavitu and the Eivo Joint Venture (EJV), marking the significant step in the project’s exploration phase.
This signing follows the ABG’s decision to grant EJV with an exploration licence, EL07, in June this year, after the company had satisfied the requirements of the Bougainville Mining Act. The company has also strong support from landowners and local leaders for the project.
ABG President and Minister for Mining and Petroleum Hon. Ishmael Toroama reiterated the ABG’s efforts over the past five years in creating a stable economy to support Bougainville’s journey towards independence.
Central to this effort is the Government’s Six-Point Strategy, which includes achieving economic control through strategic resource management and exploration projects, which President Toroama envisions consistency in Bougainville’s overall development and independence-ready mission.
“Under my leadership as Minister for the now Department of Mining & Petroleum we have also renewed BCL’s EL01 over Panguna; soon we will be introducing a gold levy on all gold leaving Bougainville, and also recently the granting of EL07 to EJV,” he announced.
“These projects have been given the blessing of the ABG to give effect to Bougainville’s long-term plan and in particular pillar 3 which promotes sustainable economic growth.”
President Toroama commended EJV for obtaining the necessary permissions from landowners to carry out exploration activities. "I trust that it will be registered by the Bougainville Chief Warden within the required legal timeframe to enable EJV to progress this project for the benefit of the ABG, the landowners and all Bougainvilleans,” he added.
President Toroama also stressed the importance of maintaining cooperative relations with landowners throughout the license duration. "This is critical for the project’s success and the safety of all employees, both foreign and local," he emphasized.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Secretary for the Department of Mining and Petroleum, Peter Kolotein, emphasized the importance of the land access agreement in the exploration process.
“The ABG can has granted EL07 to EJV, but the landowners must grant access consent to the company to enter their lands to undertake mineral exploration activities. The LACA is an important licence condition under law, which requires the license holder to sign with the landowners to show consent for land access,” he said.
He also noted the broader benefits that exploration activities have beyond data collection, focusing on the potential positive impact it will have on the local economy.
Addressing the landowners, Secretary Kolotein explained that the Bougainville mining law sets clear standards that must be adhered to for any licence application. He emphasized that all investors must meet these requirements to qualify to be granted a mineral licence.
“If investors cannot meet the requirements set in Bougainville laws, then we should not be entertaining such investors in Bougainville,” he said.
The ABG, landowners, and the Department of Mining and Petroleum are committed to working together in line with the law to ensure the successful development of these projects, which are critical for Bougainville’s economic future.
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