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Untapped Riches: Could Bougainville’s Gold Mine Become Trump’s ‘Deal of the Century’?
A verdant tropical island, Bougainville, concealing a mountain of gold and considerable copper reserves, could present a lucrative opportunity for the United States. According to businessman John Kuhns, this could be “the deal of the century,” particularly if the U.S. supports the island’s pursuit of independence. Strategic location and natural resources make Bougainville a potentially valuable asset, drawing attention amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Bougainville’s Offer: Independence in Exchange for Access to Mineral Wealth
Ishmael Toroama, President of Bougainville, has indicated that in return for U.S. backing for independence from Papua New Guinea, America would gain access to the Panguna mine. This mine constitutes a significant source of copper and gold.
“If the U.S. comes and says, ‘Yes, we support Bougainville independence,’ then I can say, ‘Well, the Panguna mine is here. It’s up to you,'” Toroama stated.
The Panguna Mine: A Treasure Trove
Although inactive since 1989, the Panguna mine is estimated to hold 5.84 million tons of copper and nearly 20 million ounces of gold, estimated at approximately $60 billion.
A Strategic Investment: Bougainville as a Tangible Return for American Support
Kuhns sees renewed optimism for a potential accord, drawing parallels between Bougainville’s mineral resources and agreements sought during President Trump’s administration in Ukraine.
“Given President Trump’s interest in securing tangible returns for American diplomatic and military support, Bougainville represents a low-cost, high-yield strategic investment,” Kuhns noted.
“It’s exactly the type of deal that fits Trump’s vision—affordable, strategically invaluable, and economically beneficial.”
Bougainville: A Contested Prize
Bougainville, an archipelago of approximately 200 islands, has largely remained unexplored. However, beneath its tranquil exterior lies a history marked by civil war, economic challenges, and increasing global interest due to its substantial natural resources.
The region is becoming an increasingly contested asset between China and Western nations.
John Kuhns: A Catalyst for Change
John Kuhns first arrived in Bougainville in 2015 for an unrelated business venture. Witnessing the remnants of conflict, he recognized an opportunity for the local population to progress.
“They had fought a civil war and won the right to an independence referendum, but they hadn’t gotten their act together economically, and they were afraid they’d run out of time,” Kuhns explained.
Numa Numa Resources: Revitalizing Bougainville’s Economy
In 2018, Kuhns established Numa Numa Resources, dedicated to invigorating Bougainville’s economy and supporting the islanders’ aspirations for independence.
The Partnership with Ishmael Toroama
Kuhns’s meeting with Ishmael Toroama, a revered leader and commander of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army during the civil war, marked a turning point. Toroama had transitioned into a community mediator.
After witnessing Toroama’s adept handling of a business dispute, Kuhns identified his leadership potential.
“I asked him if he’d ever thought about being involved in politics because he was a natural,” Kuhns recounted. “He told me about his unsuccessful run for president in 2015, and I said, ‘Well, if you ever reconsider, I’m sure my shareholders would be interested in backing you.'”
Toroama’s Victory and Shared Goals
With Kuhns’s support, Toroama won the 2020 presidential election. Their partnership focused on two objectives: rebuilding Bougainville’s economy through infrastructure projects and securing international support for independence.
Diplomatic Efforts in Washington, D.C.
In late 2023, Kuhns facilitated President Toroama’s visit to Washington, D.C., arranging meetings with the Biden administration and the Special Select Congressional Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
The mission aimed to demonstrate that an independent Bougainville is not only feasible but strategically vital to counter China’s influence in the region.
Highlighting Bougainville’s Strategic Assets
Kuhns emphasized the archipelago’s natural wealth, including the Panguna mine’s estimated $60 billion in copper, gold, and silver reserves, and its strategic deep-water port at Lolo.
“Bougainville has the best deep-water port in the third island chain,” Kuhns stated. “There are island chains that ring Asia and essentially protect China from us, and protect us from China.”
China’s Growing Influence: A Call for American Involvement
While initial discussions with the Biden administration showed limited progress, Kuhns remains hopeful, especially with potential shifts in foreign policy. He cautions, however, that American involvement is critical given China’s increasing presence in the Pacific.
Kuhns stated that Chinese entities have repeatedly attempted to seize control of the Panguna mine through dubious means, drawing comparisons to the situation in the Solomon Islands.
“China has tried multiple times to corruptly acquire the mine,” Kuhns cautioned. “They’d love to take over Bougainville like they did our neighbors, the Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands is gone as a country the West can depend on – they’re in China’s thrall until further notice.”
Decisive U.S. action, he believes, is crucial to preventing a similar scenario in Bougainville.
Economic Development: Paving the Way for Independence
Beyond diplomacy, Kuhns’s company has initiated essential economic development projects to demonstrate Bougainville’s readiness for independence.
A key initiative is constructing the first major road in over 40 years, connecting isolated communities across Bougainville Island. This enhanced infrastructure will improve transportation and access to essential services.
“When we started constructing the road, local women – who previously walked hours just to buy basic goods – were literally in tears,” Kuhns recounted. “Roads, hospitals, education – these are essentials for any developing nation.”
Looking Ahead: Optimism for Collaboration
Despite previous setbacks, Kuhns is optimistic about potential collaboration. He is now planning another strategic trip to Washington, convinced that the shifting political climate is working in Bougainville’s favor.
He notes that strong congressional backing from figures like Congressman Gallagher and Congressman Neil Dunn bolsters his conviction that Bougainville’s independence is attainable.
The Path to Self-Determination
Kuhns argues that decisive American support would pressure Papua New Guinea’s parliament to recognize Bougainville’s pro-independence vote.
“If the U.S. was to support Bougainville, PNG would have no real argument,” Kuhns asserts. “Then the world would say, ‘Just let them go.'”
Kuhns views Bougainville as a model of successful self-determination. Through strategic alliances and sustained economic growth, he believes Bougainville can reshape Pacific geopolitics.
“With the right support,” Kuhns concludes, “Bougainville’s independence isn’t just possible; it’s inevitable.”