Project Case Study
Institutional reform of Bougainville’s First Government Department
Evaluating institutional structures of the Department of Mining in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville
The island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea has significant reserves of copper, gold and other mineral deposits. In line with the 2001 Peace Agreement, following a nine-year period of conflict, the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) was granted power for managing its minerals sector, as specified in the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Government of PNG and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) in March 2008. Since this milestone, the ABG has been committed to ensuring the sector’s sustainable development and to maximise its potential benefits for the people of Bougainville.
In 2012, we worked closely with the ABG’s Department of Mining and the PNG Mineral Resources Authority to evaluate the institutional structure, functions and capacity of the Department, aiming to develop a robust and practical corporate plan according to international best practice. This was achieved through the review and analysis of the institutional model and recommending changes that would enable the Department to deliver its new mandate. This included producing a detailed organisational design, staffing requirements, financial projections, as well as a strategic framework and implementation plan for the transfer of functions.
The strategy included a number of recommendations to raise departmental capacity and performance, with a view to sustainably managing a sensitive minerals sector environment, and geared towards effective and sustainable development of the sector.
These recommendations will prove to be an invaluable asset for the enunciation of appropriate platforms and structures which will enable the Department to operate professionally and efficiently in the years ahead.
Mr. Stephen Burain, Secretary, ABG Dept. of Mining
