Since then, businesses have become bankrupt, smaller supply companies used by the mine have closed, and all the workers laid off from the profitable gold mine have joined the throngs of unemployed.

 

At issue was the government wanting a greater take of the mine's good fortunes, and the nationalistic new government which took over from former Prime Minister Peter O'Neill refused to renew Barrick Niugini's special mining licence over the mine.

 

Unemployment has led to crime and violence which escalated in recent months. Local media reported that six people were killed on April 26 in what has been described as ‘guerilla violence', forcing the closure of schools and businesses.

 

More than 20 have died in violence since early March and because of the level of crime and violence, it is believed that the reopening of the mine will be further delayed.

 

Barrick Gold chief executive Mark Bristow has told local media that a safe and stable operating environment was critical for the restart of Porgera.

 

"We see a need for an immediate intervention to address the lawlessness in Porgera as the current conditions put in jeopardy the restart of mining operations," Bristow said.