At Least 20 Likely Dead in Violence Near Papua New Guinea Gold Mine, Local Media Reports

SYDNEY – Recent violent attacks near Barrick Gold’s Porgera gold mine in Papua New Guinea (PNG) have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, prompting women and children to flee the area, according to local media sources.

In response to the escalating violence in Porgera, which involves clashes between illegal settlers near the mine and local landowners, the government of Papua New Guinea has granted police emergency powers, including the authority to use lethal force. This information was shared by newspapers such as Post-Courier and The National over the weekend.

Barrick Gold and local police have not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the situation.

The violence has led to the closure of several schools, hospitals, banks, and other government services in the affected regions, as reported by the Post-Courier.

Papua New Guinea, which is situated north of Australia and home to numerous tribes and languages, has a long history of tribal conflict. Over the past decade, however, the intensity of violence has increased significantly, as traditional weapons like bows and arrows have been replaced by military firearms, exacerbating existing tribal divisions, especially during election periods.

Additionally, violent incidents in three remote villages in the northern part of the country in July resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including 16 children, according to reports from the United Nations.