A 22 minute documentary about the Hidden Valley mine in Papua New Guinea will be screened at the Environmental Film Festival Melbourne on September 5, before going on general release.
In the film, produced by the Mineral Policy Institute, a people speak out for their river, and for their future.
The Hidden Valley gold and silver mine in the Morobe Province is affecting communities living along the Watut River, a long and fast-flowing river in a lush mountain region. In the evocative and beautifully shot short documentary we hear how indigenous models of development are clashing with those imposed by mining companies and government when they are not listening to local landowners.
“Is this investment for the local people or for the shareholders in Australia and Africa?” – Howard Sindana in Hidden Valley.
We hear from a diverse range of local community representatives, community workers and landowners including Reuben Mete from the Union of Watut River Communities and from Dr. Gavin Mudd, an environmental engineer, as they describe the impacts of this jointly Australian – South African owned mine as well as the way forward to a more sustainable future.
Papua New Guinea Mine Watch 