International mining companies are blasting their way into
fragile island environments. Chris Harris traces just a small
cross-section of their activities. Names and origin of mining
companies are in brackets. PENNY TWEEDIE / PANOS PAPUA NEW
GUINEA The most heavily impacted of all Pacific countries.
Largest number of prospective new projects. Copper: Panguna
(RTZ/CRA – UK/Australia) Currently shut down by war in
Bougainville provoked by effects of mine; one billion tonnes of
waste so far; all aquatic life killed in 480-square-kilometre
river system. Ok Tedi (BHP – Australia) All aquatic life killed
within 70 kilometres of river. Court action by landowners forced
$400 million compensation. Gold: Porgera (Placer Pacific –
Australia/Canada) 40,000 tonnes of waste daily. Hazardous heavy
metals in 140 kilometres of river – up to 3,000 times permitted
levels. Lihir (CRA – UK/Australia) Will dump 89 million tonnes
of cyanide-contaminated tailings and 330 million tonnes of waste
rock into one of the richest areas of