Misima Island, Papua New Guinea

Soap making

The juxtaposition of relic mining equipment and healthy coconut palms in the photo, beg the question: “Where is the gold now?”

Misima Island has had an “on again, off-again” relationship with a large gold mine for over a century. During this time many workers became skilled and dependent on the mine for their livelihood. The mine is now closing down and in leaving the island is trying to provide alternative local employment that is sustainable and environmentally sound. Kokonut Pacific’s DME technology was chosen and is being integrated into the island’s economy well before the mine’s final closure at the end of 2004.

A lively team greeted us and after the installation and training, which included soap making with local nutmeg fragrance (see Photo), they rapidly learnt the DME process and began developing the local market. Misima has maintained high levels of quality production and has begun to export DME oil to Australia.