National Coordination Office for Bougainville Affairs
Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council
Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council
Chronological History of Bougainville Peace Process and Key Milestones
This timeline presents the significant events in Bougainville's journey from the discovery of mineral resources through the peace process, leading to the historic referendum and beyond. It showcases the key milestones that have shaped Bougainville's political landscape and the ongoing pursuit of a peaceful political settlement.
Test drilling begins at Panguna and confirms huge copper and gold deposits.
Commercial Operation of Panguna Mine by Bougainville Copper Limited
Establishment of Bougainville Provincial Government
Papua New Guinea gained its Independence
The beginning of the Bougainville Crisis
Signing of the historic Bougainville Peace Agreement
Establishment of the Autonomous Bougainville Government
About 97.7% of Bougainvilleans voted for Independence in the historic referendum
Sharp Agreement signed between Bougainville Government and GoPNG
Post referendum Consultations Period and Signing of Melanesian Agreement
Before the 11th Parliament the Referendum Results & the Consultation Report will be tabled in the Parliament. Bougainville Political Future is decided.
The Bougainville Peace Agreement signed on 30th August 2001 is one of more than 20 agreements signed in the pursuit for peace, normalcy and a political settlement on Bougainville since 1989.
November 30, 1989
March 1, 1990
August 5, 1990
October 5, 1990
January 3, 1991
August 27, 1994
September 3, 1994
September 8, 1994
October 18, 1994
November 25, 1994
May 18, 1995
July 29, 1995
August 3, 1995
August 16, 1995
1996
July 18, 1997
October 10, 1997
November 1997
November 24, 1997
January 23, 1998
April 30, 1998
July 10, 1999
December 15, 1999
March 23, 2000
June 9, 2000
August 30, 2001
November 11, 2007
June 12, 2025
Get the complete chronological history of Bougainville's peace process in a printable format.