The Aftermath Of War In Bougainville (2011)

Blood and Treasure: Fourteen years after the end of the war that claimed one tenth of Bougainville's population, explosive allegations that a mining giant funded the war are threatening cries to get the mine re-opened.
For similar stories, see:
Inside Bougainville - Papa New Guinea
• Video
Bougainville Tastes Peace - Papua New Guinea
• Video
Bougainville: Killer Deal - Papua New Guinea
• Video
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"The Government of PNG followed Rio Tinto's instructions and carried out its requests", reveals Sir Michael Somare, speaking about the brutal civil war fought over the world's biggest copper mine. The key players now want the mine re-opened, but Somare's allegations will complicate the talks. The conflict has also not been forgotten by the islanders. "We died for it, shed blood for it", one man says. They want the mine re-opened, but insist they will fight to ensure it remains closed until they are compensated for the past.
SBS Australia - Ref. 5199
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[@catshez]

Thank you so much for this documentary... I was a child of expats of the mine, born in Arawa, lived in Panguna and we left in 1989.. I have never forgotten our life there, nor the awful things that happened and the people who were killed.. They gave their lives for the freedom of Buka, my beautiful Bougainville.. My dad knew things were bad in 1981, he went to his boss about it, and his boss didn't give a ****, it was not on his agenda... My dad knew the people of Bougainville were not being treated fairly , and the Island was being slowly poisoned... but his boss didn't care.. 1987 , everything kicked off. I would say they were pretty patient, this brewed for YEARS before there was any gunfire... The big men did not care for the environment or the people. Bougainville is the largest of the Solomon Islands, 🇸🇧 and if they want to be free they should be 🌈 Again, thank you for this film 🙏

[@catshez]

@Chase Williams Hi yes he worked for BCL 1976-1989

[@mkaradjis]

Good doco, but strange no mention of the crucial role of the Australian government and military in supporting PNG and Rio Tinto in the criminal blockade of Bourgainville.

[@richardmason902]

It was mentioned ,just not very strongly.

[@checkcheck1579]

ONG is the legit country. if the aussies support the separatist they will be called out for supporting insurgency. yeah! its a mad world!

[@checkcheck1579]

ONG is the legit country. if the aussies support the separatist they will be called out for supporting insurgency. yeah! its a mad world! edit: PNG

[@raidazz1]

Good on the people of Bougainville.. Thank you for making a stand and standing up for what is right.

[@celestinemiru3604]

As I am a bougainvillean,I don't want pangkuna mine to be open..We will still find other ways to raise bougainville's revenue using other resources like tourism, fisheries, nature gas export,etc..... Because mining brings mess destruction on the islands... Politicians don't know how many people are suffering out from it.

[@bayersbluebayoubioweapon8477]

Maybe Panguna could be turned into a sort of museum, a place for remembrance

[@2566Conan]

I was the OPSO of MT Tonu , western Bougainville 2000-2001. We were responsible for maintaining and monitoring the ceasefire between the BRA, BRF, and the PNGDF. I formed a real affinity, respect, and admiration for the Bougainvillians. I formed friendships with people who were on all sides of the conflict. I also saw and had to deal with many things that troubled me for many years. Especially the birth defects, and very high infant mortality rates experienced by the people of the villages who relied upon the water coming from the mine.

[@tavorepoodzies5554]

Thanks 2566Conan . I'm glad you shared your sentiments. "you've got to be in it, to understand it" You are entitled to your perspectives as per the documentary, but I can assure you that Bougainvillians have been through hell of a time! I'm glad BCL was kicked on the nuts and removed. For now, we need to tread softly when it comes to mining agreements. Our leaders are the ones that are causing havoc these days because of their personal selfish interests!

[@eliudadubosr604]

🤝 thank you

[@nigelwatkins558]

@@eliudadubosr604 The birth defects were due to Agent Orange that was used to defoliate the jungle, I worked with a man who's kid was effected with SB

[@captainboing]

it's outrageous how RioTinto has treated these people and the environment... Big biz is a demon

[@benkeller6027]

Calling bullshit on Rio Tinto. I was there and saw what the ramifications of mining activity. Streams/creeks/rivers were polluted. The land was scared for life. The people suffered and the corrupt politicians and the Corporations got rich. It happened in the Star Mountain chain with the mining taking place destroying swathes of the environment and again the locals suffered in silence.

[@Dexusaz]

Brave people that resisted foreign capitalists exploiting their land and people, hope they'll be able to recover and have a better future ahead of them!

[@ben6fingers]

Watched a documentary the "coconut revolution" maybe 20 year's ago, made a big impression on me, gald to see Ishmael is still going

[@ojaynegaitee2189]

He is now contesting as a candidate for the Bougainville President seat.

[@mackennadegannes6513]

Do you see the two ladies bow to Peter Tailor. My gosh, this president is a shame.

[@williejohnbui2985]

Investors will always protect their money and reputation..

[@hardtohandleweddingbandent8653]

4:53 If only other heads of companies would reveal themselves as demons when trying to justify the actions of their employers like Peter Taylor does.

[@betterworldok3802]

Great reporting

[@nigelwatkins558]

The land owners were NOT compensated for the 16 TONS of gold that came out of the mine each year, only for the copper

[@forsvsonly5568]

Rio tinto, BCL, listed on the list of the evils of our times.

[@michaelallison2278]

Ok, that was a VERY dirty little war! (But, aren't they all? Dirty, that is, not necessarily little.) I'd never really heard about it until now, which surprises me. I seem to vaguely recall something about it. But, only very vaguely. Anyway... in 1990, Bougainville had a population of 154,000. In the ten year war, 15,000 - 20,000 Bougainvilleans died, according to what I can ascertain. That's a remarkably high figure. As I look at the stats, all these people died during a ten year war and the population increased to 175,000. These stats don't make sense to me, at all. It seems maybe a few thousand died as a direct result of conflict. But, many more died from the blockade. I think that's the deal. I need to do more research before I'm satisfied, though. In any case, I guess an armed uprising is the only answer for folks like this, who are having the landscape upon which they depend ravaged in this way. I wish there was some way to fight the corporations without actually having to fight the corporations. It's a hell of a world we live in, isn't it? Sources: press.anu.edu.au/node/387/download knoema.com/atlas/Papua-New-Guinea/Bougainville/Population en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bougainville_Civil_War

[@paulhaught3215]

amen

[@richardmason902]

So sad , so wrong.

[@orbonds3603]

Smart guy here

[@RichardsWorld]

This would be a very interesting place to visit. They are supposed to be their own independent country soon.

[@williejohnbui2985]

We died for it ..we shed blood for it... That's powerful..

[@georgestinneyjr.4181]

stay strong. bring back the drums!

[@wangtie9602]

THE POLLUTION IS REALLY SCARY. SAVE TNE PEOPLE .

[@checkcheck1579]

16:40 whats the name of the song?

[@TensorCalculusRobertDavie]

If one tenth of the population has been killed over this mine then that constitutes a crime against humanity and so it is only a matter of time before the world community demands justice.

[@gregwagner4464]

Robert Davie no it doesn't. what are you talking about?

[@DiggerjohnKansas]

Sadly I doubt it will happen in our lifetime. Rio Tinto still has too much sway in PNG, Bouganville, Canberra and Washington, but they absolutely should pay.

[@memedestroyer4234]

Yooooo this is what my mom had to leave Portugal cause of. I’ve been looking for what the war was called but it’s good they got Independence but shit I really feel bad for all the innocent family’s like my moms. But good for them.

[@prashanthbk3760]

One Australia is enough for this world

[@016162877]

I think the point is that the corruption within the PNG government did too little to reinvest in Bougainville. Let Bougainville proclaim independence and become a Nauru. It will work well until the resource rubs out....

[@buckbossier5709]

How can this clown, Peter Taylor, sleep at night?

[@checkcheck1579]

what would Jaysus do?

[@Johnnycdrums]

I thought this was going to be about the Pacific War. Watched it anyway.

[@malachy1847]

Think the Title said it all... good upload...

[@ribatlawrence2890]

Well said Beldan Namah...but are you going to stick to your words once you get in power and Panguna reopens? 🤔

[@robbiekebaya7378]

This war is not between PNG and BRA but a war between Rio Tinto and Bougainville. Rio Tinto pushed for this war. The former Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare swore to this fact.

[@richardmason902]

Yes.

[@wiz5050]

PNG wanted the mine reopened as much as Rio Tinto. They are both to blame.

[@mirdza90]

Rio Tinto came to Southeastern Europe, more precisely to Serbia due to the lithium deposit...Pollution is inevitable, shit's going to happen..

[@daviddalby9699]

Man robing the land From others, . despicable. Greed and thieft. Leave the people a loner.

[@jacktheripper7219]

everytime some big companies who think that when u give the country money it will just bring good... but they dont see that for example in papau new guinea the people just want their land how it is and dont want western standarts ... but i dont know ... nice documentary and a fuckin interesting country

[@lioneljoseduterte4847]

The fck do you mean? Papuan war is not against big companies but a tribal conflict, tribes vs tribes fighting over land and blood feud. 😂😂😂

[@lioneljoseduterte4847]

The fck do you mean? Papuan war is not against big companies but a tribal conflict, tribes vs tribes fighting over land and blood feud. 😂😂😂

[@ritamamavi6560]

The national government didn't want to increase the royalty"...they have to fight for it.. "

[@kotgc7987]

Insidious 1%ers installing a sweet faced Rio Tinto CEO rather than conceding the court fight and paying Bougainville compensation (20K lives is priceless though). Cross that bridge first, then talk about future business. Sandline (KSL Keenie Meenies) mercenaries played a part in the 40K Tamil civilian massacre, Bougainville is extremely lucky. Also, future business ought to better manage their short sighted executive board meetings in ivory towers, by not poisoning the environment and jeopardising world geopolitical reputations...smarter to do the right thing and pay the locals a fair share.

[@chloeew4627]

A few $ and your in 😂😂😂

[@samrangai1195]

Majority of people think alike, as reflected by the referendum result. Unfortunately leaders poor perceptions led to the bloodshed . Any way, majority decisions are what counts most.

[@iamnutty8471]

i went to school with people from here at woodlawn in the lat 90s , let be clear civil war vs only islands asset vs local prosperity! so basicaly free for all vs fed over! had many friend from papua, A half their island illegally belongs to indonesia and should be returned that part of papua is being exploited by indonesia , if east timor can eb free why not papua , because its biggest richest landmass of indonesia!

[@bayersbluebayoubioweapon8477]

East Timor is sadly not as free as one would hope. Furthermore, gangs are a pervasive issue in the country, with 10% of the population being in a gang.

[@RubenDavila253]

Oh shit I used to live right next to the head Rio Tinto mine in Utah when I was younger I never knew they were so fucking evil.

[@jagarg6573]

Wait till the chinese get into the place . .

[@jimmorris8927]

SBS completely ignores the murders and assassinations by BRA. All that suffering, for what?

[@sooncome7508]

Who Killed Cock Robin? While Sat Alone In His Cabin. Nay! Not I Said The Sparrow, Flicking The Switch From Manual To Auto. Show Me The Face, Of This Vile Traitor. By All Observation, He Was Shot With A Gun. Of Which, I Have none. But Bow And Arrow. Yea? But Who Made Your Bow And Arrow? Nay! Not I Said The Sparrow. As He Hid His Bow And Arrow. And, Left With A Bow, A Smile And A Jig Some Fella, Who Swore, He Can Walk On Water Called Us Slaves And Him Our Master Said He Was English, Australian, Or Something? But By All Accounts, Didn’t Like Cock Robin

[@aronoddi5465]

Stick to your guns people chase the yanks out ! Take control yourself

[@jimmorris8927]

Quite willing to pay extortion.

[@nembomepano7864]

This is png

[@wangtie9602]

THE PEOPLE OF PNG SHOULD BENEFIT FROM THE GOLD MINE.

[@richardmason902]

Sorry Wang. But Bougainville is not PNG. If anyone is going to benefit it should be Bougainville and only Bougainville.

[@colbycraighead5761]

Bougainville is not PNG so they will not benefit from anything.

[@MsMissCongeniality]

Ok, let me get this straight..... the locals who were jealous of their neighbors who had jobs at the mine, were only getting 1% royalty for doing nothing, and wanted more so they tried to take over the mine, Rio Tinto who owned the mine, through the government sent in troops, and they fought with the locals killing 20,000 people, mostly locals, but the locals who didn't have jobs won and still have control of the mine, while the people who had jobs now have no jobs, so everyone is jobless except the lady who is panning for gold in the mine tailings who wants the mine to stay closed, so she can continue to steal their gold scraps.

[@nswblues1580]

The local land owners weren't getting a fair share and rio wasn't really investing back inti the local communities like school's etc most of their profits went back overseas

[@brianpeck4035]

Nice how you skipped over the poisoning of the waters. The film failed to mention the birth defects and higher mortality rate. The Truth is the locals weren't having it and the png govt. was not representing their interests.

[@Peterbilt359]

Watch The Amazing Mr. Pip. It's an amazing movie about some of what the people suffered at hands of hired mercenaries

[@tavorepoodzies5554]

@@nswblues1580 not only overseas, but much of Bougainville's profits were invested in other centres in PNG while Bougainville was left to suffer the environmental damages and pollution. It had drastic impact on the lives of people.

[@tavorepoodzies5554]

@@brianpeck4035 spot on. You can get a good understanding of what had happened if you go and personally talk to people in Bougainville. And the noise pollution? UNBEARABLE

[@jimmorris8927]

The government should have employed mercenaries straight away.

[@jimmorris8927]

@M Pulverman The entire thing was stupid and destructive.

[@warvictim7144]

When someone lost the war, he seek help outside..

[@chriszugu8422]

Popua NG need to put their military effort on West Papua. WP is the same people genetically . There is mines there and being control by different people from Indonesia. Plus it is on their Island. But cowards like to pick on smaller and asumed weaker people

[@najafa3363]

That's what albino do give 1cent take the rest God was right 100% him said there will disturb the earth native don't sale land we look after God bless you bra keep on keeping on

[@hbjaffri]

Poor people always have grudges on the wealthy. Taylor just happened to be there as a businessman. It provides a major income to the country. It could be good if the papuan develop by themselves. It is obvious right....

[@richardmason902]

Only one problem Bougainville is not PNG

[@terencemcdonald7246]

@M Pulverman What damage? Walls fair in love and war. The spoils go to the victor. And the victor is always the strongest. The weak succumb to the strong. Just the way it is. Face it.