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ABC News
ABC News
Business
PNG correspondent Tim Swanston and Theckla Gunga in Bougainville

Bougainville's destructive goldmine could also be its $90 billion key to independence

Panguna was operated by BCL, which was majority owned by global mining group Rio Tinto, between 1972 and 1989. (ABC News: Tim Swanston)

While Bougainville's Panguna mine was abandoned decades ago, mining has not stopped in the area.

Families have set up makeshift houses in the gaping pit, and men, women and children pass their days digging for whatever gold and copper they can reach.

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