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Abstract
For more than two decades the Panguna copper/gold mine on Bougainville island was one of the world's largest single producers of of copper concentrate.
In May 1989 the mine was closed. Less than a year later Bougainville declared itself independent.
In 1991 the mine is still closed and the future of mining in Bougainville uncertain.
Jim Beatson gives a background to this dramtic development.