Associated with the construction of the mine, there was a marked increase in the level of public works on Bougainville Island . Arawa, which was to become the Provincial capital, was developed jointly by the Government and Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL). Health, education and police services were provided with facilities and personnel to cope with the expanding community. The airport and its access road were upgraded and telecommunication systems were installed to an international standard.

In addition BCL constructed a number of facilities that service the community as well as the mine. For example the BCL power station meant that the towns of Arawa and Panguna were provided with reliable power services. The BCL road connecting the port of Anewa Bay with the Panguna mine became the connecting link for the island's road system, both east-west and north-south. The resultant improvement in mobility has accelerated the provision of services to the community and enhanced economic development in rural areas.