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Bougainville: Crown of Shells

Nick Squires takes us through a bizarre series of events on the South Pacific island of Bougainville, whose people are literally sitting on a gold mine.

Nick Squires takes us through a bizarre series of events on the South Pacific island of Bougainville, whose people are literally sitting on a gold mine.

The mine, which sparked off a ten-year war in the 1990s, has recently attracted a procession of opportunists, including a South Pacific Walter Mitty and a fake British Lord who claims to represent the Queen.

Locals have been left wondering whether this gaping hole in the jungle has been a curse or a blessing for their island paradise.

30 minutes

Last on

Wed 21 Feb 2007 11:00

Broadcast

  • Wed 21 Feb 2007 11:00