Bougainville Turns to India to Resolve Conflict Over Critical Mine, Snubbing Beijing

The Bougainville government has signed a deal with an Indian-based mining company, bypassing Beijing which has long coveted the valuable Panguna mine.

Locals overlooking the site of the Panguna Mine in Bougainville. Courtesy of John D Kuhns.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indian resources company Lloyds Metals and Energy, hoping it is the first step on a path that will lead to the reopening of the Panguna mine.

The move also aims to put an end to Beijing’s attempts to seize control of the country’s most valuable asset and, with it, a strategic port in the Pacific.