“The mob was yelling and screaming behind us, carrying bush knives and spears. It wasn’t a good time to stop, so we kept driving, keeping a couple of hundred metres ahead of them. Then the chopper squeezed between the trees and landed on the road. I scrambled aboard. It had been a close call, and my non-smoking resolution fell by the wayside yet again” – from ‘Gold & Treachery: Andi Flower & the Mt Kare Affair’

In February 2023, fifteen years after our article was published, Lae resident Kevin O’Regan came across it for the first time and posted a comment:

“This story almost needs a repost. One man, Andi Flower (now deceased), endeavoured to get this project off the ground giving the landowners 49% equity in a joint venture. Yes 49% back in 1988-89. Currently, Porgera is still closed after three years banging to and fro about the same… So Porgera has lost three years if settled this year - another three years of lost revenue to repay Barrick's care and maintenance. Barrick can't lose. It's farcical. And it all goes back to what one man tried his best to achieve, what could have been the benchmark for all projects. Food for thought.”

When I read Kevin’s comment, I appended a short remark: “2023 footnote - I've tried to track down 'Mt Kare Gold Rush'. There seem to be some copies lurking in the second hand book market, but they're hard to find – KJ”.  As it happened, after an internet search of second hand bookshops, I located a copy  and shot off an email to Kevin. And that triggered an event not rare in the mysterious workings of Papua New Guinea’s postal service.

Keith: Monin tru, Kevin. I’ve been able to track down a copy of ‘Mt Kare Gold Rush: Papua New Guinea 1988-1994’ by Dave Henton and Andi Flower and it’s winging its way to me now. I would be delighted to send the book to you as a gift if you wish to have it.

Kevin: Well thank you, Keith, I'm a bit speechless. Not sure how secure the postal service currently is with packages as one hears rumours and stories. My note [on PNG Attitude] was basically PMJM [James Marape] touting the new Porgera deal as brilliant statesmanship, which I don't consider. Any gains would take years and years to make up the lost revenue of the past three years and the penalties for the C&M [care and maintenance] costs to be recouped.

Thirty years ago Andi Flower put the same set of cards on the table only to be thwarted by politicians and bureaucrats who wanted their cut of the cake. A sad story and now in the history books. Again many thanks for that most generous offer Keith. Best regards and I will continue to keep my head down.

Keith: The book has arrived and I’m forwarding it to you via Australia Post today. Hope it arrives safe and sound.

Kevin: Well thank you so much, Keith, what a wonderful gesture. I will monitor the post box and advise you in due course. Have a great week as I endeavour the same.

Keith: Hi Kevin. The tracking number of the package is CF1234567890AU. If you want, it can be tracked at www.auspost.com.au/track.

Kevin: Hi Keith, sorry to say the Aus to PNG post must be coming via Kokoda or similar. Tracking number shows ‘not in system yet’. I’m still following up at this end, but they’re not a service-focused lot in the mail sorting room. Will advise if turns up.

Keith: Thanks for letting me know, Kevin.  I’ve learned from long experience how much of a lottery is PNG post. Hope the book manages to crawl out of the system somehow.

Kevin: Thanks Keith, message copied. Will let you know.

Six months later almost to the day:

Kevin: Hi Keith, not sure of your health status, Keith, but sincerely hope you are functioning reasonably well. Amazingly, I wish to advise that today the wonderful Mount Kare book you kindly found and posted turned up here in Lae some six months later. Today is like Christmas as, in all honesty, I had completely forgotten. In gratitude and special thanks that is quite an extraordinary tale of patience and success. Unopened and as new. Thank you again old friend, in gratitude and profound thanks.