Bougainville Copper (ASX:BOC) said its rights under the EL01 exploration license in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville have been suspended following a legislative reform, according to a Wednesday filing with the Australian bourse.

The Bougainville government informed the company that following the enactment of the Bougainville Mining (Amendment) Act 2026, the region's executive council approved the grant of a large-scale mining lease to Bougainville Minerals for a 25-year term over the same land as EL01.

Bougainville Copper's rights under EL01 are suspended and subordinated to the new large-scale mining lease as long as it remains in force.

The company said it is evaluating its options following the legislative reform.