Island Passage Development Canada Limited (IPDC) has announced the initiation of a large-scale mineral exploration programme on Bougainville island, marking the first major exploration effort since the signing of the 2001 Peace Accord between Papua New Guinea and Bougainville.

The programme, spearheaded by IPDC's Papua New Guinea subsidiary, Island Passage Development Limited (IPD), is conducted in collaboration with Isina Resource Holdings Limited (IRHL), a customary landowner company. Together, they are embarking on an extensive exploration venture on the EL02 exploration licence, covering an area of 261 km² in south-central Bougainville, situated 9 km from the historic Panguna copper/gold mine.

The initiative represents a significant departure from past practices, as it is the first large-scale mineral exploration programme outside the special mining lease held by Bougainville Copper (Rio Tinto – CRA) since 1965. Moreover, EL02 holds historical significance as the first valid licence for metals exploration on Bougainville issued under the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s 2015 Mining Act.

The exploration programme, launched in March, encompasses several months of systematic stream sediment and panned concentrate sampling across the licence's northwest-trending prospective corridor.

The on-ground operations are led by experienced Indonesian geologists specialised in porphyry copper geology, supported by a team of over 30 Bougainvilleans trained in field operations.

Prior to the sampling campaign, IRHL conducted community engagement efforts to inform and involve customary landowners and neighbouring communities in the exploration activities.

The current phase of exploration is scheduled to continue until July, with subsequent phases planned based on the results obtained.

IPDC cofounder and CEO Donald McInnes highlighted the significance of this endeavour in re-evaluating Bougainville's mineral potential and contributing to its sustainable development under progressive mining legislation.