The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) through the Department of Mining and Petroleum (DMP), has completed regional stakeholder consultations in Central and South Bougainville regarding the proposed Bougainville Mining (Occupational Health and Safety) Bill 2026.

The consultations commenced in Buin on Monday August 24th, for South Bougainville and continued in Arawa for Central Bougainville, providing an opportunity for stakeholders and members of the public to ask questions and learn more about the proposed Bill, as well as provide their views and recommendations.

President of the ABG and Minister for Mining and Petroleum, His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, officiated both consultations for South Bougainville in Buin and Central Bougainville in Arawa.

He said the ABG remained committed to strengthening the institutions, laws, revenue systems, and administrative capacity required for Bougainville to effectively govern itself and deliver services to its people.

President Toroama reminded participants at both consultations that their responsibility was to contribute their views so that the government could develop strong legislation that protects the wider public interests of Bougainville.

He said the development of strong laws and institutions was an important part of Bougainville’s preparations for its political and economic future and encouraged people throughout Bougainville to participate in Government consultation processes.

In Arawa, ABG Minister for Lands and Member for North Nasioi Henry Potabu, welcomed participants and encouraged them to listen, participate, and contribute constructively to the proposed legislation. 

He stressed the Bill would not only safeguard workers and improve safety standards within the mining industry but would also contribute to developing the laws and institutions required for Bougainville's future.

In South Bougainville, ABG Minister for Police and Member for Wisai Constituency Willie Masiu, similarly encouraged the people of Bougainville to participate in Government consultations and contribute their views to the legislative process. 

Minister Masiu reminded participants of the importance of supporting Bougainville’s ongoing political journey and said their contributions to the proposed Bill would assist leaders when the legislation is eventually considered by the Bougainville House of Representatives.

The proposed Bougainville Mining (Occupational Health and Safety) Bill 2026 seeks to establish a modern, Bougainville-specific legislative framework for occupational health and safety across the mining sector. 

The Bill provides for mine safety and health management systems, prevention and management of workplace hazards and risks, worker participation, competency requirements, incident reporting and investigations, mine inspections, compliance and enforcement, and stronger regulatory oversight of mining operations. 

It also seeks to align Bougainville’s mining safety framework with recognized international practice while taking into account Bougainville’s own circumstances and the need to protect workers, landowners, and surrounding communities.

The Department also presented proposed amendments to the Bougainville Mining Act 2015 relating to the prosecution provisions of the Act. 

The proposed amendments are intended to strengthen the legal framework for the investigation and prosecution of offences and improve the Department's ability to effectively enforce Bougainville’s mining laws.

The consultations were attended by chiefs, women, youth, veterans, public servants, community representatives and members of the general public. 

For the Central Bougainville, representatives from the mining and exploration companies operating or proposing mineral related activities in the region also attended the consultation.

Participants welcomed the development of a dedicated mining occupational health and safety framework and the strengthening of existing laws, and further and raised questions, comments and recommendations on various provisions of the proposed Bill and how the legislation should operate in practice.

Consultations on the proposed Bill will continue in North Bougainville next week.

The Department of Mining and Petroleum has also invited interested stakeholders and members of the public to provide written submissions on the proposed Bill no later than Friday, September 4, 2026, via email: cgerio.domer@abg.gov.pg 

Feedback received through the regional consultations and written submissions will be considered in finalizing the proposed Bill before it progresses through the government’s legislative process.