ABG welcomes appointment of new BCL Chairman
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) welcomes the appointment of Chief Secretary Mr. Kearnneth Nanei as the new Chairman of Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL), succeeding Sir Melchior Togolo.
The appointment follows a decision by the BCL Board announced today to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), confirming Mr Nanei as Chair of the Board, effective immediately.
Sir Melchior Togolo has stepped down as Chair but will continue to serve as a Director of the Company and Acting Chief Executive Officer.
ABG President Hon. Ishmael Toroama today met with the BCL Board, together with Lloyds Managing Director and a Lloyds delegation, to discuss the way forward for the Panguna project and Bougainville’s mining sector.
President Toroama thanked Sir Melchior Togolo for his leadership and for ensuring a smooth transition in the Chairmanship of the Company. The President also congratulated Chief Secretary Mr. Kearnneth Nanei on his appointment as Chairman of BCL and expressed confidence in his leadership.
President Toroama further reiterated the ABG’s decision for Lloyds Metals to be the strategic partner for Bougainville Copper Limited, emphasizing that the proposed redevelopment of the Panguna Mine must proceed in a manner that serves the common interests of the people of Bougainville and contributes to the region’s long-term economic future.
BCL and Lloyds Metals will enter into a Non-Disclosure Agreement and a Cooperation Agreement that will pave the way for Lloyds Metals to access the Panguna exploration tenement and the BCL data room, and to undertake various technical studies and exploration activities, including drilling, towards the potential redevelopment of the Panguna Mine.
Both parties also acknowledged the importance of Panguna landowners as key partners in the redevelopment process and have agreed to roll out a comprehensive consultation program in partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville Government to ensure inclusive landowner engagement and participation moving forward.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment between the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Bougainville Copper Limited, and Lloyds to work collaboratively towards responsible resource development that benefits the people of Bougainville.
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