Shares in Bougainville Copper Limited plummeted 25% after the Autonomous Bougainville Government suspended the company’s key exploration rights. The suspension concerns Exploration Licence No. 01 (EL01), a critical permit for the company’s operations. The decision was communicated to Bougainville Copper via a notice from the government’s Registrar of Tenements on June 16, 2026. The company confirmed receipt of the notice last Wednesday, triggering the significant stock decline. The suspension casts uncertainty over the future of copper exploration in the region. Details surrounding the reasons for the suspension remain limited, but the move represents a substantial setback for Bougainville Copper’s investment in the area. Further information requires a paid subscription to Post Courier.