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Parliament Controls Bougainville Self-Government 2027, Independence 2030

6/27/2026

Summary

Marape Affirms Authority

Prime Minister James Marape said the National Parliament has final authority over Bougainville's status.
Bougainville leaders endorsed Kokopo resolutions that schedule self-government for 1 September 2027 and independence by 2030.
President Ishmael Toroama said self-government begins on 1 September 2027 under Section 289 of PNG’s Constitution.
Marape cited the Bougainville Peace Agreement, Part XIV and Section 342(2) as the only legal path, rejecting unilateral action.

Summary

Bougainville Grants Licence

On 23 June 2026 the Bougainville Government granted a 25-year Panguna mining licence to Bougainville Minerals, removing Bougainville Copper and driving its shares to €0.12, a 58 % plunge.
Panguna holds 5.3 million tonnes of copper and 19.3 million ounces of gold, and Lloyds Metals is conducting feasibility studies.
Bougainville Copper reports an RSI of 21.7, volatility of 185 %, management weighing arbitration, and a class-action suit against the company and Rio Tinto staying on appeal.

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Marape Affirms Authority

Prime Minister James Marape said the National Parliament has final authority over Bougainville's status.
Bougainville leaders endorsed Kokopo resolutions that schedule self-government for 1 September 2027 and independence by 2030.
President Ishmael Toroama said self-government begins on 1 September 2027 under Section 289 of PNG’s Constitution.
Marape cited the Bougainville Peace Agreement, Part XIV and Section 342(2) as the only legal path, rejecting unilateral action.

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