Notice on cessation of transitional arrangements for mining without a tenement
The Bougainville Executive Council has endorsed 21 October 2024 as the designated date on which transitional arrangements for mining without a tenement cease.
This announcement was made today by ABG President and Minister responsible for Mineral and Energy Resources Hon. Ishmael Toroama.
Per Section 369 of the Bougainville Mining Act 2015, an individual Bougainvillean may, without being the holder of a mineral licence, carry out mining activities that would otherwise require the person to be the holder of a relevant mineral licence.
However, per the government’s decision, after expiry of the designated date, any mining activity being carried out by a Bougainvillean without a mineral licence will be deemed unauthorized under law and will be subject to the offences and penalties provisions of the law.
The penalties and offences provisions include provisions for unauthorized mining, unauthorized equipment and unlawful possession of minerals to name a few. Offenders also will risk having their gold and mining equipment confiscated and forfeited to the ABG.
“I appeal to all stakeholders to support the government towards responsible and sustainable mining sector practices; this includes discouraging unsustainable small-scale mining practices and providing support to small-scale miners to work in a more structured and regulated environment. We want to mitigate the negative socioeconomic and environmental impacts caused by unauthorized mining activities and regulatory and enforcement capacity is being strengthened to achieve this”, President Toroama said.
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