Chairman of SMLOLA, Philip Miriori met with ABG President Dr John Momis.

PRESS RELEASE OF THE
SPECIAL MINING LEASE OSIKAIYANG LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION INC (5-4832) (“SMLOLA”)
Chairman of SMLOLA, Philip Miriori met with Autonomous Bougainville Government President Dr John Momis and Ministers on 19 January 2018 in Buka.

22 January 2018

Following the recent rejection of Bougainville Copper Limited’s plans to redevelop Panguna, by the Bougainville Executive Council and President Momis’s press release on 22 December 2017 suggesting he would like to work more closely with the landowners to find an acceptable redevelopment proposal for Panguna, that will be widely supported by Bougainvilleans and unite the landowners, we were very appreciative of President Momis’s offer to meet, to start this process.

The meeting was a resounding success with the leaders agreeing to work together for the benefit of all Bougainvilleans. It was agreed that the technical team of the SMLOLA would now re-engage with the Autonomous Bougainville Government (“ABG”) Mining Department to develop a plan. Mining Minister and Vice President of Bougainville, Raymond Masono was present at the meeting along with Finance Minister Robin Wilson and Police Minister in the national government member for South Bougainville, William Masiu.

Mr Miriori said, “we had a very good meeting with President Momis and the other Ministers and I confirm it is my intention as Chairman of the SMLOLA to engage meaningfully with the ABG and National Government in finding a way forward for the future prosperity of all Bougainvilleans. President Momis was very respectful of my position and was appreciative of the reconciliation we have been able to achieve on the leadership issue. We all understand that the redevelopment of Panguna, if done with the broad support of the community, could enable Bougainville to thrive and enhance the Independence Referendum plans, which the ABG committed to in the recent Joint Supervisory Body Meeting in Port Moresby.”

This week my brother Lawrence Daveona, the former Chairman and myself will commence our awareness campaign throughout the Panguna area to update our members on our meeting with President Momis and will report back to President Momis before the end of the month with our findings. Meanwhile, our technical team will be meeting with the ABG Department of Minerals and Energy this week.
Mr Miriori said “we believe this could be the turning point for our Bougainville and look forward to working with the ABG as one team to progress the redevelopment plans at Panguna.”

Philip Miriori. SMLOLA Chairman
ENDS//