The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has announced the passage this week of the Bougainville Mining (Amendment) Act 2026 by the Bougainville House of Representatives.

The amendment Act establishes a special legislative framework for the orderly and accelerated redevelopment of previously operating large-scale mines in circumstances where such redevelopment is determined by the Bougainville Executive Council (BEC) to be in the public interest of Bougainville. The Act also provides for the grant of a Large-Scale Mining Lease to an Eligible Holder in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Importantly, the Act does not remove or weaken the core principles, protections and safeguards contained in the Bougainville Mining Act 2015 and related laws. Landowner participation, environmental approvals, compensation arrangements, consultation processes and other statutory requirements and protections remain mandatory under the law.

The legislation also strengthens landowner participation through equity ownership provisions and ensures that responsibility for historical liabilities remains with those responsible for those liabilities.

President and Minister for Mining and Petroleum, Ishmael Toroama, said the reform is the culmination of extensive consultation and dialogue undertaken over the past four years, including the Panguna Mine Dialogue process, consultations with landowners and community leaders, and broader ABG economic development consultations.

"This legislation has not emerged overnight. It is the result of years of consultation, discussion and reflection involving landowners, communities, leaders and stakeholders across Bougainville."

"It reflects the aspirations expressed by our people for greater participation in resource development, stronger Bougainville ownership and a more secure economic future that can commence to be realised today."

"The passage of this legislation also demonstrates the maturity of our institutions and our ability as Bougainvilleans to develop laws that respond to our own circumstances, priorities and aspirations."

A copy of the certified Bougainville Mining (Amendment) Act 2026 can be accessed from the following link:

https://abg.gov.pg/.../Bougainville_Mining_%28Amendment.