Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/142338
overseas&underground itself. But a former militant group leader stated in the report that "re-opening Panguna is non-negotiable until … [Bougainville] independence is gained". Rio Tinto has also been plagued by accusations that it violated human rights by providing material assistance to PNG forces during the revolution. In late April, a report by the ABC stated that Bougainville Copper – the Rio subsidiary that holds the Panguna lease – indicated that the mine could be re-opened within six years. A third major project in PNG has not been without controversy. Porgera gold mine, a large operation in the Enga province, is operated by Canada's Barrick Gold in a joint venture with local interests. In April this year, Barrick Gold acknowledged that security guards at the mine have been raping local indigenous women for years. The company has reportedly implemented individual "benefit packages" for hundreds of alleged victims. In return, every recipient must sign an agreement providing Barrick immunity against any future legal action for their alleged rape by factory personnel. Scandal aside, there are similar issues to those that plague Australian mines: concerns about the environment, land rights, and shortages of skills 38 and labour. In addition, PNG battles an unforgiving tropical climate and mountainous terrain with valleys prone to flooding. But it's not all doom and gloom in the north. Australia's Newcrest Mining also has interests in PNG, operating Lihir Gold Limited in the New Ireland Province. This gold deposit on Niolam Island is considered to be one of the largest gold deposits in the world, with more than nine million ounces of the ore extracted from the mine since 1997. This year, Lihir announced a major expansion of its processing plant on the site. In its first nine months, the PNG Mine Watch blog attracted more than 50,000 visitors, a signal that plenty of eyes are on the industry in this oft-troubled nation. More than 200 companies are members of the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, a non-profit, peak industry association representing the mining sector. A number of other companies are involved in PNG's mining industry, and it can be assumed these companies face similar challenges. OUTthere made several attempts to contact spokespeople from a number of the mining organisations mentioned in this story for updates on their projects and their views on the industry in PNG, all of which were unsuccessful. For the time being, the mystery shrouding mining operations on our northern neighbour's challenging terrain continues. One thing's for certain: Papua New Guinea, like its gold deposits, is anything but dull. FAST FACTS • Swiss-based Xstrata has a licence to develop copper deposits in PNG's West Sepik province, but locals are concerned that the corporation is yet to complete an environmental impact assessment on the project. • PNG's mining sector contributed 17.1% of the nation's GDP in 2010. PNG is the world's 10th largest copper producer and 11th largest goldmining nation.