Bougainville President condemns attack on Panguna mine camp

President Ishmael Toroama of Bougainville has condemned an attack on a mining camp at the Panguna site, where armed individuals allegedly assaulted personnel and destroyed equipment. The incident targeted assets belonging to the Indian firm Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited, including heavy haul trucks and other machinery.

The Panguna mine, once one of the world’s largest open-pit copper operations, has been closed for nearly three decades following conflicts in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region. The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) selected Lloyds as a developer to assess the rehabilitation and potential reopening of the copper and gold mine.

While supporters argue that reopening the mine is essential for economic independence, infrastructure, and job creation, the project remains highly contentious due to historical conflicts, environmental concerns, and disputes over landowner consent. President Toroama stated that the government will not be intimidated by these “terroristic acts of violence” and remains committed to its mandate to reopen the mine.