The people are related to those of the Solomon Islands, rather than Papua New Guinea to which the island is politically joined.

They are in fact 500 miles from PNG but only 50 from Solomon.

There is a rebellion against the PNG government and a desire for independence. However, the island contains PNG's largest earner of foreign exchange, one of the world's largest (and most polluting) copper mines. Secession will not therefore be achieved easily, though in the long run it seems likely.

Tokpisin

Several Melanesian langs.

Large copper mine is the main industry.

Bad effects of the mine.