Bougainville Copper Limited is a mining company primarily engaged in exploration and the redevelopment of the Panguna copper, gold, and silver mine in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. Its core activities include mineral exploration, development, and mining operations focused on copper concentrate production containing significant quantities of gold and silver. The company holds exploration licenses, including a recently extended five-year exploration license for the Panguna project granted by the Autonomous Bougainville Government, allowing it to advance exploration and early redevelopment works in the region. Bougainville Copper Limited operates mainly within the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and Papua New Guinea, targeting sustainable and profitable mining operations.
The company has undergone significant strategic changes recently, most notably with the Autonomous Bougainville Government acquiring a majority 72.9% ownership stake by taking over the Papua New Guinea government's 36.45% shareholding, with the balance of shares held by public and institutional investors on the Australian Securities Exchange. This ownership change aligns with Bougainville Copper’s objective to lead the redevelopment of the historic Panguna mine. To support this redevelopment, Bougainville Copper has engaged Australian financial advisory firm Grant Samuel to assist in securing a joint venture partnership with a tier-one mining company to provide capital investment, technical expertise, and mining experience necessary for the large-scale reopening of the mine. Community and landowner agreements have also been secured to ensure local collaboration as the company advances pre-feasibility and early work for the mine’s redevelopment.
Founded in 1895 and headquartered in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Bougainville Copper Limited is publicly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker BOCOF. The company’s operations focus on the mining sector, particularly in copper, gold, and silver production, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with local stakeholders and sustainable economic development for Bougainville. Its major business segments encompass exploration licenses, mining development projects, and related services aimed at revitalizing one of the world’s largest known copper deposits while generating employment, revenue, infrastructure improvements, and socio-economic benefits for the region. The company has positioned itself as a key player in the Bougainville mining industry during this new phase of regional autonomy and economic growth.