http://postcourier.com.pg/limestone-production-stage-2018/
ONE of Bougainville’s riches, Manetai limestone, will be in its production stage as of early next year.
This was the undertaking from Awora Incorporated Land Group chairman Simon Akapitus during the Awora Incorporated Land Group (ILG) launching and certificate presentation ceremony at Arakabaur, Manetai, Central Bougainville, last Friday.
The ILG certificate was presented by Autonomous Bougainville Government minister for Lands and Physical Planning John Tabinaman.
Bougainville vice-president Raymond Masono, who is also mining minister, was also present for the important occasion toward the reopening of the Manetai Limestone project.
Mr Akapitus said: “Today’s successful hosting of the event is the result of over seven years of consultation, reconciliation and mediation process of clans to determine the principal landowners and development of a unique concept called ‘Inclusive Clans Benefit Sharing Concept’.”
The concept embraces fair sharing of benefits derived from the quarry mining operations.
This is in contrast to the previous operations before the Bougainville crisis, where rightful landowners were totally left out from any form of benefits.
“The ILG certificate presentation was achieved through a lengthy process that took seven years with the support of eight clans as witnesses. We owe the eight clans so much that we intend to reciprocate by helping them to register their clan land under the ILG Act,” Mr Akapitus said.
The ILG Act compliments Section 23 of the Bougainville Mining Acts, which gives landowners the land rights to all the resources both on top and underneath six feet and beyond.
Mr Akapitus said the process all started in 2009, prompted by several factors but with the primary objective of reclaiming the title back to the rightful landowners and meaningfully participate in the redevelopment of the limestone quarry operations.
The Autonomous Bougainville Government has allocated K1.5 million to support the project. So far, the ABG has supported Awora ILG with K120,000.
“If we’re to succeed in building a better society, we must all commit our resources and take time and take ownership of this process,” Mr Akapitus said. Awora ILG through ABG is already talking to a number of potential investors and developers who are willing to develop the Manetai limestone quarry.
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