Island Passage Development Canada Limited (IPDC), a Canadian mining entity, has commenced an extensive mining exploration endeavor within the confines of Bougainville.
IPDC, via its subsidiary Island Passage Development Limited, has obtained an exploration license for a designated site located at the heart of the primary island in the autonomous region of Papua New Guinea.
Collaborating closely with local enterprise Isina Resources, IPDC is actively engaged in exploring a vast 261 square kilometer expanse situated in south central Bougainville, nestled within the Crown Prince Range and proximate to the decommissioned Panguna mine.
This initiative heralds the inception of the foremost large-scale mineral exploration campaign in Bougainville since the inception of the Panguna development back in 1965.
Embarking on this exploration journey in March, IPDC has assembled a proficient team spearheaded by accomplished Indonesian geologists well-versed in the island’s geological intricacies, particularly specializing in porphyry copper geology and exploration within analogous terrains and climates akin to those encircling the Ring of Fire.
The company’s geological endeavors are reinforced by a contingent of over 30 Bougainvilleans who have undergone rigorous field operations training.
Donald McInnes, the CEO of IPDC, underlined the global pursuit for new reservoirs of critical and precious metals, with burgeoning demand propelling gold and copper to unprecedented heights. He affirmed their steadfast commitment to collaborating with Bougainville’s customary landowners through an innovative partnership aimed at reevaluating the mineral potential of Bougainville while fostering a sustainable future.
Mining Regulatory Transition
Concurrently, the Bougainville Executive Council has ratified the 21st of October as the pivotal date marking the conclusion of transitional arrangements concerning mining activities conducted without a tenement.
In accordance with Section 369 of the Bougainville Mining Act, individuals native to Bougainville may engage in mining operations that would otherwise necessitate possession of a mineral license, as elucidated by the Bougainville government.
Nonetheless, the government’s directive signifies that post the designated date’s expiration, any mining undertaking by Bougainvilleans lacking a mineral license will be deemed unlawful under prevailing statutes, consequently subjecting offenders to the punitive measures delineated within the law.
Sanctions encompass penalties for unauthorized mining endeavors, unauthorized possession of equipment, and unlawful appropriation of minerals, among others.
Transgressors face the risk of having their gold and mining paraphernalia confiscated and relinquished to the Bougainville government.
President Ishmael Toroama, who concurrently serves as the minister overseeing mineral and energy resources, implores stakeholders to rally behind the government’s endeavors towards fostering responsible and sustainable practices within the mining sector.
“This encompasses dissuading unsustainable small-scale mining practices and furnishing support to small-scale miners for operation within a structured and regulated milieu,” he remarked. “Our objective is to mitigate the adverse socioeconomic and environmental ramifications precipitated by unauthorized mining activities, with regulatory and enforcement capacities undergoing fortification to realize this aspiration.”