A secessionist movement here protested the copper mines at Panguna, which were operated by a subsidiary company of Rio Tonto, and in putting it down, the government enlisted the help of a mercenary company called Sandline International.
Operation Cherry Blossom took place in this island's Empress Augusta Bay, and this island was one of the main objectives of Operation Cartwheel. A secessionist movement here protested the copper mines at Panguna, which were operated by a subsidiary company of Rio Tonto, and in putting it down, the government enlisted the help of a mercenary company called Sandline International. The leader of that rebellion, Francis Ona, proclaimed himself the King of Meekamui shortly before his death in 2005. Mount Balbi is the highest point of its Emperor Range, and its namesake province includes the Carteret Islands and Buka. With capital at Arawa, for 10 points, name this island owned by Papua New Guinea, the largest of the Solomons, which is named after a French explorer of the Pacific.
Operation Cherry Blossom took place in this island's Empress Augusta Bay, and this island was one of the main objectives of Operation Cartwheel.
Bougainville Island