Barrick Gold has temporarily suspended operations at its Porgera gold mine in Papua New Guinea following violent tribal clashes that have resulted in at least 20 deaths. The violence, primarily between illegal settlers and local landowners, has prompted the government to grant police emergency powers, including the authority to use lethal force to restore order.
In a statement, Barrick Gold confirmed that most operations at the mine would remain halted until September 19 to ensure the safety of its employees while the government works to stabilize the situation. Tragically, two of Barrick’s employees were among those killed in the unrest.
Papua New Guinea, known for its rich cultural diversity and tribal affiliations, has a long history of tribal conflicts, which have escalated in recent years as traditional weapons have been replaced by firearms. The ongoing violence highlights the challenges faced in maintaining security and stability in resource-rich regions.