Stunning tropical island that's stuffed with gold and treasures should be Trump's 51st state, resident says

Daily Mail​

26-04-2025

A lush tropical island with a mountain of gold under its soil could offer Donald Trump what a prominent businessman has declared 'the deal of the century'.
John Kuhns, a former investment banker who moved to the island of Bougainville nearly a decade ago, told DailyMail.com that if the US supports its independence, America's pockets would be rewarded.
Bougainville's president, Ishmael Toroama, previously said that in exchange of U.S. support of its independence from Papua New Guinea, America would get the Panguna mine a significant source of copper and gold.
'If the US comes and says, "Yes, we support Bougainville independence," then, I can say, "Well, the Panguna mine is here. It's up to you,'" Toroama said.
Even though the mine has been dormant since 1989, it's still estimated to hold 5.84 million tons of copper and nearly 20 million ounces of gold, which would be worth around $60 billion.
Kuhns has a newfound optimism for a deal between Bougainville and the US, likening potential cooperation to President Trump's proposed mineral agreements with Ukraine.
'Given President Trump's interest in securing tangible returns for American diplomatic and military support, Bougainville represents a low-cost, high-yield strategic investment,' Kuhns said.
'It's exactly the type of deal that fits Trump's vision - affordable, strategically invaluable and economically beneficial.'
A dazzling tropical island bursting with untapped gold and hidden riches is making headlines - not just for its beauty, but for its potential to become America's 51st state
Bougainville is a lush cluster of about 200 islands and has remained largely unknown to most of the world.
Beneath its serene tropical façade lies a history marked by a devastating civil war, ongoing economic challenges and renewed global attention due to its vast natural resources - a region increasingly contested by China and Western powers.
Kuhns first arrived in Bougainville in 2015 on what seemed an unrelated business venture.
While he saw the aftermath of the deadly conflict, he also saw a chance for the locals there to make something new.
'They had fought a civil war and won the right to an independence referendum, but they hadn't gotten their act together economically, and they were afraid they'd run out of time,' Kuhns said.
Seeing both opportunity and purpose, Kuhns founded Numa Numa Resources in 2018, a company dedicated to revitalizing Bougainville's struggling economy and supporting the islanders' long-held independence aspirations.
A pivotal moment came when Kuhns met Toroama, a legendary figure widely revered across Bougainville as the commander of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army during the civil war.
Toroama had transitioned from military leader to respected community mediator. After witnessing Toroama expertly navigate a complex business dispute, Kuhns identified him as a natural political leader.
'I asked him if he'd ever thought about being involved in politics because he was a natural,' Kuhns says.
'He told me about his unsuccessful run for president in 2015, and I said, 'Well, if you ever reconsider, I'm sure my shareholders would be interested in backing you.'
With Kuhns's backing, Toroama ran again for president and emerged victorious in 2020.
Their partnership quickly solidified around two intertwined goals: rebuilding Bougainville's economy through vital infrastructure projects, and securing international diplomatic support to turn the dream of independence into reality.
In late 2023, Kuhns orchestrated President Toroama's visit to Washington, D.C., arranging high-level talks with the Biden administration and the Special Select Congressional Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, chaired by Congressman Mike Gallagher.
Their diplomatic mission aimed to demonstrate to U.S. policymakers the viability of an independent Bougainville and its strategic importance in countering China's regional ambitions.
Kuhns highlighted the archipelago's extraordinary natural wealth - particularly the Panguna mine, home to roughly $60 billion in copper, gold and silver reserves - as well as its strategic deep-water port at Lolo.
'Bougainville has the best deep-water port in the third island chain,' Kuhns emphasized. 'There are island chains that ring Asia and essentially protect China from us, and protect us from China.'
Though initial talks with the Biden administration produced limited results, Kuhns remains optimistic due to shifting political circumstances, especially under former President Trump's strategic approach to foreign policy.
The urgency of American involvement is underscored by China's growing influence across the Pacific.
Kuhns disclosed persistent Chinese attempts to seize control of the Panguna mine through questionable means, likening it to the fate of nearby Solomon Islands.
'China has tried multiple times to corruptly acquire the mine,' Kuhns warned. 'They'd love to take over Bougainville like they did our neighbors, the Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands is gone as a country the West can depend on - they're in China's thrall until further notice.'
Decisive U.S. action, he believes, is crucial to preventing a similar scenario in Bougainville.
Beyond diplomacy, Kuhns's company has initiated essential economic development projects designed to demonstrate Bougainville's readiness for independence.
Central among these is a groundbreaking infrastructure initiative — the first major road constructed in over 40 years connecting isolated communities across Bougainville Island.
'When we started constructing the road, local women - who previously walked hours just to buy basic goods - were literally in tears,' Kuhns recounted. 'Roads, hospitals, education - these are essentials for any developing nation.'
Despite previous setbacks under the Biden administration, Kuhns remains highly optimistic about a potential collaboration with Trump.
Strong congressional support from key figures like Congressman Gallagher and Congressman Neil Dunn bolsters his conviction that Bougainville's independence is attainable.
Kuhns is actively planning another strategic trip to Washington, confident that the evolving political climate favors Bougainville's cause.
He argues that decisive American support would shift the balance dramatically, compelling Papua New Guinea's parliament - which has stalled on recognizing Bougainville's overwhelming 98 percent pro-independence vote - to finally relent.
'If the U.S. was to support Bougainville, PNG would have no real argument,' Kuhns asserts. 'Then the world would say, "Just let them go."'
Ultimately, Kuhns sees Bougainville not merely as another aspiring nation but as a beacon of successful self-determination. Through strategic alliances and sustained economic growth, he believes Bougainville could reshape Pacific geopolitics.
'With the right support,' Kuhns concludes confidently, 'Bougainville's independence isn't just possible; it's inevitable.'