Tensions at the Gold Ridge Mine, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands

The takeover of the Gold Ridge mine by Guadalcanal militants in June 2000 followed two years of civil conflict largely involving groups from the islands of Malaita and Guadalcanal, resulting in the evacuation of Malaitans from the mine area. This article traces the history of the conflict around the mine site and explores the underlying reasons for the takeover of the mine. Two rationales for the takeover are advanced: the securing of weapons and other materials to support the conflict, and ideological opposition to resource extraction, particularly gold mining. Resource-related grievances rather than greed provide the main explanation for the takeover and looting. Key concerns registered against the mine include a lack of jobs for locals and regional disappointment over the distribution of the mine's revenue.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Evans, Daniel
Format: Journal Article biblioteca
Language:EN
Published: 2010
Subjects:Mining, Extraction, and Refining: Other Nonrenewable Resources L720, Economic Development: Agriculture, Natural Resources, Energy, Environment, Other Primary Products O130, Formal and Informal Sectors, Shadow Economy, Institutional Arrangements O170, Natural Resources and Domestic and International Conflicts Q340,
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10986/5704
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!