Barrick Gold Suspends Papua New Guinea Operations

Barrick Gold has suspended operations at its Porgera gold mine in Papua New Guinea until September 19 due to violent clashes in the region that resulted in the deaths of two employees. The violence, attributed to tribal conflicts among illegal miners and local landowners, has claimed at least 20 lives, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency and enhance police presence in the area. The mine's operations were previously halted for nearly three years before resuming in December 2023, following a revised agreement with the government. The violence reflects a broader trend of escalating tribal warfare in Papua New Guinea, which has worsened over the past decade. Barrick Gold, which owns a 24.5% stake in the mine, emphasized the importance of safeguarding its workforce while the government works to restore order. The Porgera mine is a significant contributor to Barrick's gold production, accounting for about 5% of its total output in previous years.