Banaba

Banaba, also known as Ocean Island, is an uplifted coral island in the Gilbert Islands of Kiribati that was the site of extensive phosphate mining during the 20th century. The island’s phosphate deposits were mined heavily, which left much of the interior stripped and altered.

Banaba’s original population was largely relocated to Rabi Island in Fiji during and after World War II; governance and land-rights issues stemming from the mining era remain important aspects of the island’s modern history. The island has a small land area of only a few square kilometres and a highest point around 80 metres above sea level.

Geologically Banaba is a raised reef island rather than a volcanic atoll, and its phosphate-rich deposits were formed from guano-derived sediments and coral limestone. Its remote central Pacific location and small size limit accessibility.

• Phosphate mining: A small raised coral island in the central Pacific that was intensively mined for phosphate during the 20th century, which severely altered its landscape.
• Relocation: Most of the island’s original inhabitants were relocated to Rabi Island in Fiji during and after World War II; only a very small population remains or visits the island.