The President of the autonomous Papua New Guinea province of Bougainville, John Momis, says good progress is being made in talks with the former leader of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army, Sam Kauona.
Earlier this year Mr Kauona was strongly critical of the government's planned mining legislation, suggesting it was being written by an Australian academic, and local Bougainvilleans had no input.
Mr Momis has stressed Bougainvilleans will have a say and will play leading roles in the sector.
He says both men have since been meeting to talk and discuss the issues.
"And in a spirit of collaboration and spirit of reaching an agreement that will get Bougainville on its feet again we have come a long way, in fact, we met again today (Monday) and tomorrow (Tues) we will continue. I am very happy with the progress we are making."
The President of Bougainville John Momis.
