The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has marked a major milestone in the Panguna redevelopment process with a customary ceremony symbolising the unification of Panguna landowners and the official launch of a new drilling program at the historic mine site.
The “Tampa Ungko” ceremony was held in Panguna and publicly affirmed the support of the five major Panguna landowner clans for the ongoing redevelopment process.
The ceremony was led by ABG President and Mining Minister Ishmael Toroama and attended by senior Central Bougainville leaders, including Central Parliamentary Committee Chairman Justin Borgia, Bougainville Veterans Minister Junior Dake and Ioro Constituency Member David Miringtoro. Representatives from Bougainville Copper Ltd (BCL), Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd (LMEL), the ABG Department of Mining and Central Bougainville veterans also attended.
As part of the customary proceedings, the ABG presented live pigs to each of the five clans as a gesture of goodwill, unity and recognition of customary landowner authority over Panguna land.
The event also honoured those who lost their lives during the Bougainville conflict and recognised the sacrifices made by communities in Panguna and across Bougainville.
During the ceremony, Central Bougainville veterans pledged continued support for the ABG and Panguna landowners in advancing redevelopment efforts peacefully and respectfully.
The Panguna Landowner Interim Council reaffirmed its commitment to work with the ABG, BCL and LMEL to progress redevelopment while continuing consultations on landowner concerns and outstanding issues.
Landowner representatives also urged individuals and splinter groups to stop politicising the Panguna issue on social media and instead engage through recognised landowner structures and dialogue processes.
Representatives of the five clans publicly declared their united support for the ABG and the redevelopment of Panguna, describing the “Tampa Ungko” ceremony as a symbolic reopening of Panguna under unity and reconciliation.
The ceremony also coincided with the official launch of the Panguna EL01 drilling program by President Toroama, marking the return of drilling operations to Panguna for the first time in 37 years since the Bougainville conflict began in 1989.
Drilling activities under the EL01 work program are expected to commence following completion of operational preparations.
Leaders and landowners described the presence of an operating drill rig at Panguna during the ceremony as historic and symbolic of a new chapter for Bougainville.
The ABG said the redevelopment process would continue in accordance with the Bougainville Mining Act 2015, stakeholder consultations and respect for customary authority, peace and inclusive dialogue.
