The Manetai Limestone Project is progressing to its next phase of development as road access clearance and grubbing work in the project area paves the way for limestone resource drilling.
In providing a project update to parliament, Hon. President Hon. Ishmael Toroama in his capacity as Minister for Mineral and Energy Resources reported that incremental activities and prolonged access to site is now possible following the signing of the Land Access and Compensation Agreement (LACA) between the traditional landowners and Lakeville Mines Ltd, the project license holder, in April this year.
President Toroama reported in Parliament that after signing of the LACA, activities pursued by Lakeville have included social mapping and a related landowner identification study.
These have been undertaken in close collaboration with relevant ABG departments and landowners belonging to six clans including the Awora, Makiara, Muruan, Dosiana, Bakorin, and Barapa clans.
Land disagreements amongst the clans make the Landowner Identification and Social Mapping important tools for mitigating disputes between clan members of the landowner groups.
“Lakeville has also completed their initial Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) which included both desktop studies involving market analysis, geology, engineering and also initial on-site assessments of historic facilities. The PFS has provided valuable insights into the technical and financial viability of the project,” President Toroama said.
Following the completion of these preliminary assessments, Lakeville is now progressing into activities that will lead to the commissioning of a full Feasibility Study. A key aspect of this next phase is taking more samples to depth via drilling, which aims to confirm the extent and quality of the limestone resource. A completed Feasibility Study is crucial for project financing purposes.
According to the President, the steady progress and positive change in attitude from within the community with respect to the ongoing Manetai Limestone project activities is the direct result of awareness initiatives carried out mutually by Lakeville, the landowners, and the Department of Mineral and Energy Resources, with support from other ABG departments in their respective areas.
Recently a compensation determination exercise involving the landowners and company representatives was undertaken to help them understand the guidelines and rates for compensation for damages and cash crops.
“This milestone not only promotes positive relations with our Manetai Landowners but also reflects the Government’s and project stakeholder’s commitment to responsible resource development on Bougainville.”
The Manetai Limestone Project is a key project of the Toroama-Nisira Government towards advancing Bougainville’s economic growth, with potential to supply local and international markets and potential to eliminate the reliance on importing cement and quicklime; including for supply to mining projects across the country.
