Before Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) commenced mining there was no industry on the island apart from handicrafts. After the mine opened, in addition to the mine itself, which was considered a significant industrial activity anywhere in the world, a number of satellite industries started to provide various services to BCL. In addition, businesses such as travel, banking, newsagents, trading stores and garages developed to service the mine and its employees.

During the 70s and 80s, the Bougainville Development Corporation, which was 57% owned by the Provincial Government was particularly active in promoting businesses on Bougainville through joint ventures and total ownership including steel fabrication, catering services, retail outlets and a commuter airline.

At the peak of the mine's construction in 1971 more than 10,000 workers were employed. During the years of operation manpower was approximately 3,400 Nationals and 800 Expatriates. It is estimated that the mine generated another 2,000 jobs in associated public service and private enterprise activities.

As a developing country, Papua New Guinea had no substantial base of skilled and semi-skilled labour. Approximately 30% of BCL employees underwent training annually. BCL implemented a Mine Training Program, which produced 600 skilled tradesmen in the first 10 years. During that period K40 million was spent by BCL on training. The program was recognised internationally as a leading scheme because of both its size and effectiveness. Although some of the skilled tradesmen who graduated from BCL's training program resigned and were a loss to BCL, they added to Papua New Guinea 's pool of skilled labour.

BCL encouraged the establishment of the Bougainville Mining Workers' Union at the time of commencement of commercial operations. This Union remained active as a vehicle for collective bargaining by award employees. In general, industrial relations were amicable with consensus and compromise the key. Recourse to industrial action was the exception rather than the rule.

The attractiveness of BCL for employment opportunities brought many thousands of Papua New Guinean citizens to Bougainville seeking employment. In early 1970 forecasters predicted little net migration to Bougainville . In 1971 the population of Bougainville was about 78,000 or 3.1% of Papua New Guinea 's total. By 1981 the population numbered approximately 130,000 or a little over 4% of the country's total. This resulted partly from people moving to Bougainville from other parts of Papua New Guinea , but also from reduced child mortality and longer life because of improved medical facilities.