Industrial and employment relations in the Papua New Guinea mining industry : with special reference to the Porgera mine

This thesis presents the findings of research into industrial and employment relations in the PNG mining industry, with particular reference to the Porgera gold mine. The thesis examines the challenges multinational mining companies go through in the formation and control of the workforces in PNG mines. Recruitment, training, localisation and industrial relations issues are discussed in relation to several mines, including Porgera. The discussion analyses two crucial concepts, 'pluralism' and 'exceptionalism' to draw attention to the fact that PNG's industrial relations system is 'pluralistic' in nature and approach; and therefore, 'exceptional' when compared to similar developing countries. Further, the thesis also analyses two theoretical models: general mode of industrialisation and state model. It assesses their applicability and relevance to PNG's human resource development and industrial relations system, particularly in the mining industry. The research draws on data gathered through long periods of fieldwork and observation of indigenous workers in PNG mines. It discusses entry to and adaptation to industrial work by Papua New Guinea tribes people. Particularly, the emergence of an industrial workforce at Porgera mine and its human resource implications are explored and discussed. One theme is the role of recruitment and training on 'greenfield' sites in the remote locations where the mines are situated. This includes the issues, concerns and dilemmas which multinational mining companies face in trying to balance the employment expectations and training requirements of both local inhabitants and the PNG government. Attention is paid to explaining how multinational mining companies have overcome such pressures by introducing ethnic affirmative action policies which favours the employment of local inhabitants. The roles of the PNG government, mining companies, trade unions and community groups are highlighted in the operation of industrial employment relations in the mines. The general aim of the thesis is to demonstrate the emergence and interplay of pluralistic institutions and the formation of an industrial workforce as a result of the mining company.