The township of Porgera, known for being home to one of the world’s wealthiest gold mines, sadly once again made headlines when a tribal conflict resulted in the loss of 30 lives in the vicinity of the large-scale industrial mine. This is, unfortunately, not the first time that Porgera’s rich gold mine has indirectly contributed to violence, setting a tragic precedent when wealth becomes a cause for discord.
The tribal conflict that took place recently was between two indigenous tribes, Wiepe and Auya. Both tribes have lived in the highlands district of Papua New Guinea for centuries, their territories marked out traditionally by natural boundaries and respected for generations. Unfortunately, with the discovery of gold and evolving development in Porgera, a seed of discord was sown, which eventually culminated in this fatal tribal conflict.
The argument allegedly instigated due to disagreements over the distribution of wealth derived from the gold mine, which has been operating since 1990. Since its inception, the Porgera gold mine, owned by the multinational corporation Barrick Gold, has been a source of contention among locals. Disputes over the environmental impact, land rights, and more recently, the benefits from the gold mine, have all added fuel to the brewing tribal tensions.
According to local authorities, the conflict escalated over a period of two weeks, culminating in a large-scale skirmish involving modern weapons. The quick escalation and actual use of firearms demonstrate a deep-seated tension between the two tribes, highlighting the gravity of the conflict resolution measures that need to be taken.
It is significant to note that the traditional concepts of sharing, respect and the rule of law that governed relations between tribes have been disrupted since the gold mine became operational. While the mine brought employment and significant economic growth, it also intensified socio-economic disparities among the natives, thereby instigating struggles and conflicts.
Adding to this, the influx of outside intervention, whether through the presence of a multinational corporation like Barrick Gold or the intervention of government agencies, has heightened the sense of disruption. The previously self-sufficient tribal communities, now disrupted by encroachments on their land for commercial purposes, face the feeling of being marginalized, and their reactions are often in the form of violent outbursts.
While Barrick Gold and the State of Papua New Guinea are aware of the issue, it remains a complex situation. The state’s involvement in seeking a resolution to the issue is evidenced by the renegotiation of the ‘Porgera Agreement’ in 2017. However, the inherent complexities related to customary land ownership rights, environmental issues, benefit-sharing arrangements and the role of the multinational mining company, Barrick Gold, contribute to the ongoing conflict.
The Porgera incident is a glaring example of the complex interplay between land resource development and local communities, highlighting impending issues that need resolution. The tribal conflict, although rooted in historical dynamics, has been significantly influenced by modern capitalism, resource management issues, the lack of institutional capacity, and the politics of recognition and identity.
To ensure future peace in the area, stakeholders should engage in creating a more comprehensive and inclusive benefit-sharing model. In addition, substantial efforts must be made to understand and respect the tribal customs and traditions of the indigenous people, re-establishing the trust that has been lost over the years due to conflicts.
The Porgera incident sends out a ripple effect, proving that when wealth-generating resources, like gold, are in the equation, the traditional societal fabric can easily tear apart. The stakeholders involved in the Porgera mine project have a tremendous responsibility to counterbalance economic growth with the maintenance of societal peace, tradition, and environmental standards. Only then can such episodes of tribal conflict be prevented from recurring in the future.
