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Small-scale mining baseline survey commences

A baseline survey of the existing small-scale mining (SSM) activities throughout Bougainville was launched on the 01st December 2020 by the Minister for Mineral and Energy Resources Hon. Rodney Osioco at Manetai, Central Bougainville.

This low-key yet significant event was witnessed by Member for Eivo-Torau Hon. Lawrence Sirapui and Eivo-Torau Community Government representatives.

In his statement, Minister Osioco stressed on the importance of collecting baseline data on SSM throughout Bougainville and using it to develop strategies to grow the economy.

He stated that previous ABG houses have largely focused on Panguna mine redevelopment options and have not really prioritized the SSM sector and that the current government leadership recognizes the economic potential of SSM to contribute to government internal revenue as well as the need to address the negative socio-economic and environmental SSM issues.

“This survey is one of the prioritized activities under my ministry.  The lack of reliable data however poses challenges to informed policymaking that would support and incentivize miners to enter the legal economy, improve occupational, health and safety conditions, decrease negative environmental and social impacts and promote equitable development,” he said.

The Minister further stated that this is one of the key activities under his ministry that is in line with ABG President Ishmael Toroama’s six point strategy, under Strategy Number two which focuses on economic growth and control.

According to ABG Department of Mineral and Energy Resources (ABG DOMER) Acting Secretary Mr Peter Kolotein, a multi-sector approach is being taken in conducting the baseline survey given the social, economic and environmental aspects of SSM.

Approaching this issue in an integrative manner will ensure that the cross-sector impacts of SSM can be taken into account and this will lead to the development of effective and efficient policies and also administrative decisions.

Under the leadership of DOMER, a multi sector team comprised of members from relevant ABG departments has been assembled for this activity. The team consists of senior technical personnel from the Department of Mineral and Energy Resources, Department of Economic Development, Department of Lands, Environment and Physical Planning, Department of Community Government, Department of Health and Department of Education.

Initial scoping studies by the team has identified up to 40 sites in South and Central Bougainville where SSM activities are taking place.

The SSM team will aim to collect reliable, up- to- date and accurate information on SSM activities and those who participate in it so that the ABG can make evidence-based decisions on SSM with regard to policy and regulatory frameworks and way forward strategies.

The SSM baseline survey team will be visiting sites of known SSM activities throughout Bougainville during the month of December 2020, commencing with areas in the Eivo-Torau Constituency.

A baseline survey of the existing small-scale mining (SSM) activities throughout Bougainville was launched on the 01st December 2020 by the Minister for Mineral and Energy Resources Hon. Rodney Osioco at Manetai, Central Bougainville.

This low-key yet significant event was witnessed by Member for Eivo-Torau Hon. Lawrence Sirapui and Eivo-Torau Community Government representatives.

In his statement, Minister Osioco stressed on the importance of collecting baseline data on SSM throughout Bougainville and using it to develop strategies to grow the economy.

He stated that previous ABG houses have largely focused on Panguna mine redevelopment options and have not really prioritized the SSM sector and that the current government leadership recognizes the economic potential of SSM to contribute to government internal revenue as well as the need to address the negative socio-economic and environmental SSM issues.

“This survey is one of the prioritized activities under my ministry.  The lack of reliable data however poses challenges to informed policymaking that would support and incentivize miners to enter the legal economy, improve occupational, health and safety conditions, decrease negative environmental and social impacts and promote equitable development,” he said.

The Minister further stated that this is one of the key activities under his ministry that is in line with ABG President Ishmael Toroama’s six point strategy, under Strategy Number two which focuses on economic growth and control.

According to ABG Department of Mineral and Energy Resources (ABG DOMER) Acting Secretary Mr Peter Kolotein, a multi-sector approach is being taken in conducting the baseline survey given the social, economic and environmental aspects of SSM.

Approaching this issue in an integrative manner will ensure that the cross-sector impacts of SSM can be taken into account and this will lead to the development of effective and efficient policies and also administrative decisions.

Under the leadership of DOMER, a multi sector team comprised of members from relevant ABG departments has been assembled for this activity. The team consists of senior technical personnel from the Department of Mineral and Energy Resources, Department of Economic Development, Department of Lands, Environment and Physical Planning, Department of Community Government, Department of Health and Department of Education.

Initial scoping studies by the team has identified up to 40 sites in South and Central Bougainville where SSM activities are taking place.

The SSM team will aim to collect reliable, up- to- date and accurate information on SSM activities and those who participate in it so that the ABG can make evidence-based decisions on SSM with regard to policy and regulatory frameworks and way forward strategies.

The SSM baseline survey team will be visiting sites of known SSM activities throughout Bougainville during the month of December 2020, commencing with areas in the Eivo-Torau Constituency.

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