Aerial view of the Porgera gold mine. Photo: Zijin Mining
Papua New Guinea - mine
More than US$4 million in gold was poured out at the re-opened Porgera mine in Papua New Guinea.
The mine was shut down in 2020 by the government which refused to renew its special mining lease.
Enga province landowners, the provincial government and the state will receive a combined equity share of 51 per cent, while the remaining 49 percent share will go to the developer, under the mine's renegotiated agreements.
The National newspaper reports a 3 percent royalty is also included for landowners over the 20-year life of the mine.
Prime Minister James Marape, who was onsite when gold production resumed, said the first pour was the outcome of all parties working together.
Marshall Islands - money
Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine is sounding alarm bells over the US congress failing to deliver funding in a timely manner.
Heine told the Guardian that Congress is "gradually destroying" relations with its Pacific ally, the Marshall Islands.
US lawmakers are yet to pass funding packages with the Marshall Islands, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia, which some argue is opening the door to China to build its influence in the Pacific region.
The three countries have a unique relationship with the US under treaties known as the Compacts of Free Association.
Despite widespread bipartisan support, funding for them is struggling to achieve passage in a divided Congress in gridlock over funding for Israel, Ukraine, border legislation and the US government's own operations.
Palau - candidacy
Former Palau president Tommy Remengesau Jr has announced his candidacy to run for office.
The Island Times reports Remengesau, who has previously served four terms, saying he was motivated by a petition urging him to return to office.
He enters the race as the second candidate vying for the presidency against his brother-in-law and incumbent President Surangel Whipps Jr.
The general election will be held in November 2024.
Samoa - supplies
A supply ship has arrived in Samoa carrying chicken and other food which has been in low supply.
The Samoa Observer reports people have been facing food shortages for over a month.
Supermarkets were selling chicken at $10.30 tala per kilo, a steep hike from $5.90 tala per kilo before the shortage.
Ah Liki Wholesale, which was facing a shortage, told the newspaper chicken would be back in stock on Wednesday.
Fiji - workers
Hotel workers in Canada are calling on Fiji Airways to stop putting up their flight crews in the Sheraton at Vancouver Airport.
Hundreds of hotel workers, including some from Fiji, are protesting their pay.
Since the workers - represented by UNITE HERE Local 40 - launched their strike for living wages, five airlines have withdrawn their business from the hotel complex.
Bougainville - rescued
Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has thanked China and the Papua New Guinea national government for the rescue of six Bougainvilleans lost at sea for 31 days.
Toroama said the group had been travelling from New Ireland to Bougainville when their boat lost power.
They were rescued by a Chinese fishing vessel, Lometo, on Monday this week.
Niue - alphabet
A man from New York is on a mission to walk through 26 islands, one for each letter of the alphabet.
Seth Weinstein ticked off 'N', spending time in Niue walking from village to village.
BCN reports his mission caught the attention of locals who were both concerned and curious to see a tourist walking such distances.
Niue was the 19th island Weinstein conquered, and he went on to Japan to walk his 20th.
