The prevailing belief in Bougainville has been that if they are to pursue independence, the copper mine at Panguna will have to be re-opened.

As well as the terrible environmental and cultural damage the mine caused, the dispute over its operation led to 20,000 deaths during the ensuing civil war.

The peace that prevails at the moment will face its greatest challenge as the country decides both on independence and the re-opening of the mine and critically whether these decisions can be separated.