Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has strongly condemned an arson attack that occurred at the Lloyds Metals camp in Panguna on September 13, 2026. During the incident, personnel were assaulted and heavy machinery, including haul trucks, belonging to the Indian company Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited, was destroyed. President Toroama stated that those responsible would face the full force of the law, emphasizing the government's resolve to proceed with the mine's reopening plans.
The attack targeted equipment used by Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited, which was selected by the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) to conduct feasibility studies and exploration work for the mine's rehabilitation and potential reopening. This incident raises significant concerns about security at the Panguna mine site, which has been closed since 1989 due to the civil war sparked by previous mining operations. The mine's vast copper and gold reserves are considered crucial for Bougainville's economic development as it pursues independence from Papua New Guinea.
In response to the unrest, Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister issued an appeal for peace and dialogue, while Bougainville leader Peter Tsiamalili urged calm and patience for the ABG's official statement. Details regarding the perpetrators' identities, their motives, and the full extent of the damage remain under investigation by Bougainville police. Despite the attack, President Toroama has reaffirmed the government's commitment to advancing the mine's rehabilitation and eventual reopening, highlighting its importance for the region's future.
