Lloyds Panguna Metals and Energy Ltd. has inaugurated a concrete batching plant at Kumo Crusher in Pokaunni, outside Arawa, to support infrastructure development in Bougainville, including construction of the New Kaliammal Bougainville Hospital.
The facility can produce 75 cubic metres of concrete an hour and comprises twin cement silos, a mixer platform, an inclined conveyor, an aggregate feed bin and screw conveyors for transferring cement to the mixer.
LPMEL Chairman and Managing Director B. Prabhakaran officiated at the inauguration, joined by North Nasioi MP and Lands Minister Henry Potabu, who attended on behalf of Autonomous Bougainville Government President Ishmael Toroama. Chief Executive Officer Hulala Tokome, senior company management and local landowner representatives were also present.
Landowner and Women’s Representative Rose Pa’ai welcomed the development, saying her family was grateful for the opportunity to contribute resources to infrastructure projects.
“We are very happy that our resources continue to help Lloyds build the new hospital. This means a lot to us,” she said, thanking Toroama, the ABG and LPMEL.
Prabhakaran thanked landowner families for allowing the company to use their land, gravel and sand to support construction of the new hospital. He said the company wanted landowners to participate in the economic opportunities arising from the crusher, batching plant and future infrastructure projects.
He cited plans for the development of the new Arawa township, roads and universities, saying the company intended to work with local communities to support broader development.
“We want to see that you are not just landowners, but that you also participate and work with us,” Prabhakaran said.
He added that the initial agreements covered the use of land and resources for the hospital project, and that any changes to those agreements would be made in consultation with landowners.
Potabu thanked landowners for their support and urged families to take ownership of the facility and the wider site.
He described the batching plant as part of the foundation for Bougainville’s rebuilding ahead of the proposed reopening of the Panguna mine, and called on communities to continue supporting LPMEL.
“Without your support, this would not be possible,” Potabu said, adding that the facility could help create opportunities for local communities.
The inauguration marks another step in LPMEL’s infrastructure activities in Bougainville, with the company highlighting the role of local resources and landowner participation in supporting development.
