PNG

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a rich mining history that dates back to the 1930s. The first major mining operation was the Panguna copper mine, which began production in 1972 on the island of Bougainville. This mine eventually became the largest copper mine in the world and a major contributor to the national economy. However, a civil war broke out in 1989, leading to the closure of the Panguna mine in 1990 and a decline in overall mining activity in the country.

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Since then, PNG has seen the development of several gold mines, such as the Porgera gold mine and the Lihir Island gold mine, as well as smaller operations producing other minerals such as copper, nickel, silver, and zinc. These mines have provided significant income for the country, but have also led to controversy and challenges related to environmental and social impacts, labor rights, and revenue distribution. The mining industry remains a significant sector in PNG's economy, and the government has continued its efforts to attract investment and develop policies to better manage the sector.