Why did Panguna mine close?
In 1989, amid rising community anger at the environmental damage and the inequitable division of the mine’s profits, locals forced the mine closed, blowing up Panguna’s power lines and sabotaging operations.
When did Panguna mine close?
1989
Panguna represents one of the largest copper reserves in Papua New Guinea and in the world, having an estimated reserve of one billion tonnes of ore copper and twelve million ounces of gold. The mine has been closed since 1989 and has ceased all production….Panguna mine.
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1972 |
| Closed | 1989 |
Who owns the Panguna mine?
On 1 July 2016, Bougainville Copper Limited’s major shareholder, Rio Tinto, transferred its 53.8 per cent shareholding for distribution to the Autonomous Bougainville Government, for the benefit of Panguna landowners and the people of Bougainville, and to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
What raw material was mined at the Panguna mine?
Panguna, mining town and site of a large open-pit copper mine in the south-central interior of Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea. An Australian mining company began prospecting for copper in the Crown Prince Range at Panguna in the early 1960s.
Did Bougainville get independence?
The two governments are now in period of constitutionally mandated post-referendum consultations and have agreed to a timetable for the transfer of further powers by 2023 with full independence in 2027. But the first consultation wasn’t held until almost 18 months after the referendum result was announced.
How did Bougainville war end?
Later, the home of the BIG’s representative in the Solomon Islands, Martin Mirori, was firebombed. The BRA subsequently undertook retaliatory action in northern Bougainville and on Buka. Chan decided to abandon attempts at peace, and on 21 March 1996, approved the lifting of the ceasefire on Bougainville.
Will Panguna mine reopen?
On closer examination of the document signed by the ABG and the clan chiefs, however, and taking into account the history of the Panguna mine and attempts to re-open it, it becomes clear that neither a re-opening of the mine nor BCL’s involvement (not to speak of Rio Tinto) is on the cards – at least, not yet.
Is Bougainville rich?
The country is rich in natural resources – especially copper, which has been extracted on a large scale since the 1960s under Australian administration. But mining operations have been crippled by the war – and the distribution of revenue was one of the factors behind the conflict.
Why is Bougainville not a country?
A non-binding independence referendum was held in Bougainville, an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea, between 23 November and 7 December 2019. The referendum question was a choice between greater autonomy within Papua New Guinea and full independence; voters voted overwhelmingly (98.31%) for independence.
What happened Bougainville?
The Bougainville conflict, also known as the Bougainville Civil War, was a multi-layered armed conflict fought from 1988 to 1998 in the North Solomons Province of Papua New Guinea (PNG) between PNG and the secessionist forces of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA), and between the BRA and other armed groups on …
Who owns Bougainville copper?
About Bougainville Copper Ltd The Company is owned approximately 53.83% by Rio Tinto Limited. The Papua New Guinea Government owns approximately 19.06% while public shareholders hold the remaining 27.11% of the share capital.
Is Bougainville mine open?
The mine was abandoned by BCL/Rio Tinto in 1990, and the secessionist Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) took over the mine site. The mine has remained closed ever since.
What is the Panguna mine?
The Panguna mine is a large copper mine located in the east of Papua New Guinea in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Panguna represents one of the largest copper reserves in Papua New Guinea and in the world having estimated reserves of 1 billion tonnes of ore grading 0.34% copper and 12 million oz of gold.
What is the largest copper mine in Papua New Guinea?
Panguna represents one of the largest copper reserves in Papua New Guinea and in the world having estimated reserves of 1 billion tonnes of ore grading 0.34% copper and 12 million oz of gold.
What is the Panguna mine legacy Impact Assessment Committee?
This joint committee, the Panguna Mine Legacy Impact Assessment Committee (Committee), will be established by the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the parties to the AusNCP process (Rio Tinto, the HRLC and the community members the HRLC represents).
What happened to the Panguna mine in Bougainville?
Bougainville was home to the largest copper/gold mine in the world, the Panguna Mine which operated until 1989. The mine operated for 17 years and produced 3Mt of Cu and 9.3Moz of Au. Landowner concerns with their treatment when the mine was previously operated led to civil unrest and closure of the mine.
