In February, 1992 - Laurie Maher, Australian High Commissioner on Tarawa Island, advised that the last census figures taken in 1990 show that only 284 people were living on Banaba. LATEST CENSUS UPDATE - David Christopher Rabi MP in the Kiribati House of Assembly has just advised us as of October, 1996, that the population on Banaba has now reached 500 people which also includes somes Kiribati Civil Servants and their families.

Approximately three years ago, Australian Engineers were contracted to report on the feasibility of re-mining Phosphate on Banaba. Their report showed high cadmium levels, well above the Commonwealth Standards, which would make the prospect of exporting the Banaban Phosphate to mainly third world countries. Because of this factor and the extent of deterioration of the Mining equipment (Crushers, Dryers, etc. which were left on the island when the B.P.C. left in 1980), the refurbishing of mining equipment makes this financially not viable.

Major Marlowe advised during talks on Rabi, that it was costing the Banabans Administration $12,000 a month to support the Banabans living on Banaba.

The Banabans now have two members sitting on the Kiribati Government Assembly and representing the Banaban People. The Rabi Council of Leaders also advised in October, 1992, their wish to one day see Banaba as an Independent Nation.

Other reports state, that Kiribati will hold on to Banaba in the hope of one day reopening the Phosphate Mining that gave them their main source of income for all those years. Other reports coming from Rabi is the idea that if the Banabans don’t keep up a presence on their home land that Banaba will be taken over by Kiribati. Look to LATEST NEWS for more information on the improving relationship between the Banabans and the Kiribati Government

From the original 1,500 lush tropical acres that was the original Ocean Island, there is now only 150 viable acres left unmined, where the Banaban inhabitants reside today. The Engineers also reported back that any ideas of restoring the island were in one engineer’s words ‘HOPELESS’. Of course with their company’s ideas to re-open phosphate mining back on the island, their views may have been rather one-sided.

The Banabans still believe that one day their dream to rehabilitate their homeland become a reality.