Bougainville Vice President Raymond Masono said he will revive a plan to overhaul the region's mining laws after its ongoing independence referendum, which could strip the former operator of the Panguna gold and copper project of its interests.
The proposed changes, which have been criticized by Panguna landowners, would also erase an interest in the project held by the Papua New Guinea government, potentially complicating negotiations between the two governments after the referendum.
Under the proposed mining law amendments, Bougainville would take a 60 percent share in all projects and retain all mining licenses, leaving a 40 percent share that investors can bid for.