Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama condemned an attack on the Panguna mining camp and said his government would continue plans to reopen the long-shuttered copper mine. Personnel were assaulted and equipment was destroyed, although Toroama’s office provided no details on injuries, suspects or the extent of the damage. The Bougainville Police Service and community leaders are working to identify those responsible and prevent further violence. Panguna, once one of the world’s largest open-pit copper operations, has been closed for nearly three decades after conflict devastated the autonomous Papua New Guinea region. Its potential revival is politically and economically important as Bougainville seeks to strengthen its economy while pursuing independence from Papua New Guinea. Supporters cite jobs, infrastructure and public-service revenue, while opponents and other groups have raised concerns about landowner consent, environmental safeguards and the distribution of mining benefits. Toroama said the attack would not change the government’s determination to reopen the mine.