Violent attacks between illegal settlers and local landowners near Barrick Gold’s Porgera mine in Papua New Guinea has killed at least 20 people, reported Reuters, with other news outlets citing at least 30 dead.
The government has granted police emergency powers, including the use of lethal force, to contain the violence. Local media has reported that Barrick has temporarily halted operations at the gold mine due to the escalating conflict.
“This deteriorating situation has been caused by illegal miners and settlers who are using violence to terrorise local communities and victimise traditional landowners,” said Papua New Guinea’s police commissioner David Manning.
BBC noted that the Porgera gold mine once accounted for around 10% of PNG’s yearly export earnings, but tribal violence and a slow government takeover have stalled production in recent years.
Security teams have been posted along the highway leading to the mine, using loudhailers to broadcast messages of peace.