Bougainville presses on with copper mine reopening after camp attack
An attack on Panguna camp has not stopped Bougainville from pushing to reopen its massive copper mine.
Personnel were attacked and equipment destroyed at Panguna mining camp on Sunday. President Ishmael Toroama said his government will still push to reopen it.
The Panguna mine was once one of the world's biggest open-pit copper operations. The mine closed nearly three decades ago after conflict damaged the independent PNG region.
Toroama said the Bougainville Police Service and community leaders were working to identify the attackers. They are also working to prevent further violence.
Reopening the mine is important to Bougainville's economy and politics. The region aims to strengthen its economy and pursue independence from Papua New Guinea.
Supporters argue the mine could create jobs and bring in money for public services. However, the plan remains disputed because of environmental concerns.
Questions over landowner consent and disagreements about sharing mining benefits also remain.
- Nearly three decades
- Years shuttered
- Panguna camp, Bougainville
- Location
Why it mattersA major resource reopening in the Pacific region affects global supply and regional stability. It also affects one nation's path to independence. Opposition raises real questions about who pays for mining's costs and damage.
AustraliaFor Australia, Bougainville copper production could affect global prices and regional stability in the Southwest Pacific, where Australia has strategic interests and treaty ties.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 11 d ago
