Multinational mining companies and indigenous workers in Papua New Guinea : tensions and challenges in employment relations

This article critically examines the tensions and challenges multinational mining companies (MNMCs,) face in the formation and control of the workforce in a developing country setting. Data gathered through extensive fieldwork, interviews and observation of Papua New Guinean mineworkers shows that the manipulation of cooperation and conflict by MNMGs is imperative to operating profitable and efficient mines. The article examines the role of MNMCs in implementing ethnic affirmative action policies which favour local communities as a strategic imperative to operations of socially and economically sound greenfield mines. The article concludes that the management of employment relations in these greenfield mines still has a long way to go if it wants to the best practices seen in some mining operations.