The head of the closed Papua New Guinea copper mine at Panguna on Bougainville says the company would like to see an autonomous government on the island to have a better base for negotiations about the mine's future.
The mine was forced to close 13 years ago in an uprising led by Francis Ona that was followed by a protracted civil war.
Peter Taylor of BCL has told the Post Courier newspaper that the proposed devolution of power with the autonomous government may lead to a proper administration of the mine asset.
He says revenue would be needed which at present is inadequate.
Mr Taylor says the imperative to succeed after such a long period of struggle may just see Bougainville take the lead in the promotion of exploration of mining.
The Panguna mine, which was a key PNG revenue earner before its closure, is believed to be able to sustain many years of exploitation if conditions are right.
