The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister has appealed for calm in Panguna and in Bougainville following the unfortunate incident that occurred over the weekend.

Prime Minister James Marape appealed for calm and restraint in Bougainville amid tensions surrounding Panguna, urging landowners and communities with grievances to reject violence and work through the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and established processes to resolve their differences.

On Sunday 13th September, it was alleged that a group of men went on a rampage at the Panguna Mine and setting properties, mostly heavy earth moving vehicles belonging to the company Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited, on fire.

Marape said Bougainville had already paid an enormous price through conflict and must never allow disagreements over Panguna or other issues to drag its people back into violence.

“Whatever issues there may be in Bougainville, including matters relating to Panguna. There is absolutely no need to resort to violence,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“Bougainville has experienced enough pain in its history. We do not want history to repeat itself.  

“If you have grievances, bring them forward. If there are disagreements, put them on the table. The Autonomous Bougainville Government, under President Ishmael Toroama is there to listen to you, work with you and find solutions.

“Violence does no good to anyone. It hurts our people, divides communities and drives away the investment Bougainville needs to grow its economy.”

Panguna remains one of the most sensitive issues in Bougainville because of its central place in the events preceding the Bougainville conflict and the mine closure in 1989. Recent moves towards its possible redevelopment have again generated debate among landowners and other stakeholders.

He said his discussions with President Toroama had given him confidence that the ABG understood the sensitivity surrounding Panguna, including landowner rights, environmental concerns and unresolved legacy issues.

“The President understands that Panguna cannot simply be treated as another mining project. There are historical and legacy issues. There are environmental issues. There are landowner issues. These must be treated with great sensitivity.”

Prime Minister Marape said the National Government respected the ABG’s authority and Bougainville’s processes in determining the future of Panguna.