By Fabian Hakalits – EM TV Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea’s mine Waste Management Law that will be developed, will not apply to Bougainville, because of autonomy arrangements between the National and Autonomous Bougainville Government’s.
Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management Department Secretary, Shadrack Himata, said this is because Bougainville is governed by its own legislation.
In response to queries raised by this media, Mr Himata said the National Government Law doesn’t apply to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
This is because Bougainville has its own Mining Law.
On March this year, the Bougainville House of Representatives, passed this legislation, ‘The Bougainville Mining Act 2015’.
The aspect of this new law gives customary landowners, right to say ‘no’ to exploration and mining licenses and to participate in mining projects, entitled to five percent free equity and royalties.
Meanwhile Bougainville President Chief Dr John Momis clarified the mining law isn’t about reopening Panguna Mine but for the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s mining powers ownership.
The Bougainville Mining Act 2015 empowers ABG to raise its internal revenue and for landowners through putting Exploration Licenses out for international bidding.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=rMiFcu8a3Ck%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
