Quelle:http://www.bougainville24.com/abg/...-can-drive-sustainability-momis/
Panguna mine can drive sustainability – Momis
President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), Chief Dr John Momis, has stated that an operational Panguna mine can play a big part of Bougainville’s sustainable development.
The President made the comments during a presentation to the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum, which was held in Cairns in May.
Momis told the audience at the Cairns forum that an operational Panguna mine, despite its tumultuous history, is the best option for a Bougainville that has a desire for increased autonomy and will soon vote on its independence.
“There are many factors involved,” Dr Momis said, “but the central issues concern the unique political pressures facing the ABG because of the combination of the timetable for the referendum and our lack of a sustainable revenue base.”
“We have strictly limited time in which to get real autonomy working, and before people are faced with a choice about independence.”
“It is that limited time that requires us to focus on exploring the possibility of re-opening Panguna, for all being well, that could occur in the early 2020s and the ABG would be in receipt of substantial taxation revenues during the projected three year construction period.”
Through its extensive consultation process the ABG has found that this is a view shared by most Bougainvilleans.
“The Forums were open to any who wished to attend,” Dr Momis continued, “the ABG did not control the agenda or the discussion so the Forums have provided a very good indication of the views of the community leaders and other opinion leaders of Bougainville.”
“In 2012 and 2013 the ABG organised Regional Forums throughout Bougainville to provide information and solicit the views of stakeholder groups and the Bougainville general public on mining related issues,” Dr Momis continued.
“The Forums indicated support for reopening Panguna, as long as this could be done in a way that is fair and just and contributes to the welfare, security and wellbeing of the Bougainvilleans.”
“The ABG also undertook two forums and numerous smaller meetings to engage with ex-combatants, and in late March 2014 held a Bougainville Women’s Mining Forum in Buka attended by over 200 women representatives from all over Bougainville.”
“Women reiterated the view expressed in other forums that the ABG should consider reopening of Panguna, but only if this can be done in a way that addresses issues from earlier mining and the conflict it created, and if the benefits of any new project are allocated in a way that is fair to Bougainvilleans.”
Momis stated that a project could only proceed if it can provide sustainable benefits the region and to the people of Bougainville.
“Panguna will only reopen if the proposed project and its operator are able to deliver sustainable social and economic benefits for customary landowners and all of Bougainville, and can do so in a way that avoids creating further conflict,” Dr Momis said.
“It must provide economic opportunities for as many Bougainvilleans as possible, ensure an equitable spread of economic opportunities, and ensure active participation by Bougainvilleans in decision-making at all stages, including once the mine is operating.”
“An additional key issue already being considered by the ABG is how best to ensure that a significant part of the funds generated by any future mining is used not just for past compensation and immediate needs, but is instead used to build a diversified and sustainable Bougainville economy.”
Under the terms of the Bougainville Peace Agreement a referendum on Bougainville’s independence is due between 2015 and 2020.
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