Press Statement: Cessation of Jaba Project
A Press Statement from the Office of the Minister for Mineral and Energy Resources
At its meeting of 12 December 2016 the Bougainville Executive Council (BEC) reviewed its decision of August 2015 to give approval ‘in principle’ for the Jaba Project.
This approval was given on the understanding that Jaba Resources Limited would need to obtain any permits required under the law prior to operations commencing. In particular, this company’s operations came about as a result of the Bougainville Executive Council (BEC) approval for a proposal for a brick production and gold extraction project submitted under the Department of Economic Development in August 2015.
On inspection of the site and given the nature of the operations, it is clear that Jaba Resources Limited needs to be the holder of a small scale mining lease under the Bougainville Mining Act 2015 for its operations to be lawful. Even if no metalliferous minerals (such as gold) were being extracted, Jaba Resources would still need to be the holder of a quarry lease. There are obviously other requirements under National laws as well, such as environmental approval. On the basis that the Jaba Project has not complied with the relevant laws, the Executive Council has rescinded its earlier decision to support the project.
For these reasons, I have directed the Acting Secretary for Mineral and Energy Resources to take all necessary steps to bring this company’s operations to an immediate stop. This action has been made to ensure that our Bougainville Mining Act is fully complied with.
The ABG strongly supports development that will create jobs for Bougainvilleans but development must happen within the law. Everyone and especially the Bougainville Government must respect the laws of Bougainville.
The Bougainville Executive Council made a mistake in failing to take the Moratorium into account its August 2015 decision on this project.
Under the Bougainville Mining Act 2015 extraction of minerals without authority and unlawful possession of minerals are offences under the Mining Act, carrying respective maximum penalties in monetary terms and imprisonment.
At the same time, the ABG is now considering the partial lifting of the existing mining reserve area (commonly known as the moratorium), to allow the Mining Registrar to receive tenement applications for activities in three areas in Bougainville. If that occurs, Jaba Resources Limited and any other interested parties will be able for the necessary tenements for their activities.
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