Setting the record straight : Papua New Guinean responses to mining companies and their operations in the 21st century

If there is arguably any sector where Papua New Guineans have developed a 'love-hate' relationship little over a century of engagement it has been the mining sector. Since the arrival of the first independent white alluvial miners in 1887 and subsequent development of large modern scale mines, involving massive financial, technological and labor investment local people have responded in various ways to sometimes many of the evils of mining and its companies. This paper examines and discusses the various responses of Papua New Guineans in their engagement at different stages of mining development from the last century to the current period. It argues that they have not become passive hosts to strangers and recipients of benefits. Rather, they have actively participated as workers, landowners and regulators in influencing the multinational mining companies to their benefit in the country. This indeed is the central issue in this research paper.