ABG lifts moratorium over Manetai
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) announced this week the partial revocation of the region-wide mining reservation over the former Manetai limestone project area.
ABG Minister for Mineral and Energy Resources, Hon. Rodney Osioco, says this decision is consistent with the government’s aspirations to boost economic activities in the region.
“The Manetai Limestone project is part of a number of strategic programs spearheaded by my Ministry and Department towards Bougainville’s goal of economic growth and development,” he said.
Minister Osioco explained that the process for partially lifting the mining moratorium had gone through a lengthy and transparent process where the Bougainville Executive Council was required by law to seek the advice of the Bougainville Mining Advisory Council on the proposed lifting of the moratorium.
Following this, the BEC was then required to provide the Bougainville House of Representatives the opportunity to debate the matter in parliament.
Minister Osioco says the process is now complete following the publication of notice in the Bougainville Gazette by ABG President Hon. Ishmael Toroama, on April 6, 2021.
The entire process was initiated by landowners to show their support and readiness to contribute to developing Bougainville’s economy through the redevelopment of the limestone project.
The lifting of the moratorium over the Manetai limestone project site now opens up the area for relevant development license applications for the limestone resource. Applications can be lodged through the Bougainville Mining Registrar’s Office.
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