by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
Local villagers gathered near the Porgera Gold Mine in Enga province, Papua New Guinea, on September 23, 2024, following a surge in violence that led to police reinforcements being sent to the area to address ongoing tribal conflicts that had forced the mine to close.
According to police, security personnel shot six individuals during an operation aimed at curbing lawlessness in the highlands, resulting in one death and numerous arrests of illegal miners.
Last month, authorities dispatched additional officers and permitted the use of lethal force in response to clashes between illegal miners and landowners. James Ekepa, chairman of the Porgera Landowners Association, informed BenarNews that mining operations have been halted indefinitely due to the recent violence.
The mine’s closure was exacerbated by fuel shortages caused by an illegal roadblock along the Highlands Highway, following a devastating landslide in Mulitaka. Local media reported this information based on a memo from the mine’s general manager, James McTiernan.
Reports indicate that armed individuals obstructed the road with rocks and trees and opened fire with automatic weapons on a convoy headed to the mine. Police escorting the vehicles returned fire, resulting in one gunman killed and five others injured, according to Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Tondop.
Although the convoy managed to reach the mine, the armed group destroyed a nearby helipad and two heavy vehicles. Following the attack, 62 illegal miners were arrested.
Police Commissioner David Manning condemned the violence, stating, “Our people and our country will not be held ransom by criminals who use violence.” He attributed this incident to greed and emphasized the danger posed by illegal miners, some of whom sent children into hazardous areas to collect materials.
Manning highlighted that at least 30 people have died since violence erupted in mid-August, noting that open conflicts among factions are common in parts of PNG, which has a population of about 12 million.
If operations at the Porgera mine do not resume, PNG could face significant revenue losses, as the mine accounts for roughly 10% of the country’s total annual exports. The International Monetary Fund projects that PNG’s GDP will grow to 5% in 2024, primarily driven by production from the Porgera mine.
Despite its rich mineral resources, PNG struggles with economic development due to corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and security challenges. Recently, violent incidents in the highlands have intensified, fueled by the increased availability of modern firearms. The police-to-population ratio in PNG is alarmingly low, with about one officer for every 1,800 residents, which is nearly four times below the UN’s recommended standard for maintaining law and order.
