Johnny Patterson Auna has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL). Auna, who hails from Laguai Village in Buin, South Bougainville, joined BCL in March 2024 as Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary and has been serving as Acting CEO since July 2024, following the resignation of the late David Osikore due to health reasons.
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| Johnny Auna Appointed as New CEO of Bougainville Copper Limited |
Auna’s appointment carries a significant legacy, as his late father, Joseph Lawrence Auna, was the first Papua New Guinean and Bougainvillean general manager of BCL, leading its Personnel Services Division in 1989. With over 30 years of professional experience in finance, strategic planning, and corporate operations across the private and public sectors in Papua New Guinea and Australia, Auna is a seasoned leader. He holds a Bachelor of Business in Accountancy from Deakin University, Australia, and is a certified practicing accountant.
Speaking about his appointment, Auna expressed his gratitude and commitment to his new role. “I consider this to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity given the significance of where things sit with BCL as a Bougainvillean company and the ABG’s plans and negotiations for independence with the National Government,” he said. Auna highlighted the importance of redeveloping the Panguna mine as a cornerstone project for Bougainville’s economic growth.
Before joining BCL, Auna served as Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance with the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and held roles as managing director, general manager, CEO, and business consultant. His diverse career has equipped him with a strong foundation for leading BCL during its critical operational phase.
Auna’s leadership comes at a pivotal time as BCL advances efforts to redevelop the Panguna mine. The company secured a five-year extension of its EL01 exploration licence in February 2024 and signed a Land Access and Compensation Agreement with landowners, paving the way for redevelopment.
As part of its plans, BCL is conducting landowner identification studies, social mapping, and pre-feasibility assessments using existing resource data. Additionally, the company is exploring potential development partnerships, operational structures, and funding arrangements to support the project. Auna emphasized that the Panguna mine redevelopment would be a catalyst for Bougainville’s broader economic development.
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