Rate My Professor Colin Filer

Filer's research specializations center on the social context, organization, and impact of policies, programs, and projects in the mining, petroleum, forestry, and conservation sectors, with particular reference to Papua New Guinea and other parts of Melanesia. He has edited several major publications, including Small Islands in Peril? Island Size and Island Lives in Melanesia (ANU Press, 2024), Large-scale Mines and Local-level Politics: Between New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea (ANU Press, 2017), Kastom, Property and Ideology: Land Transformations in Melanesia (ANU Press, 2017), Tropical Forests of Oceania: Anthropological Perspectives (ANU Press, 2015), and Dilemmas of Development: The Social and Economic Impact of the Porgera Gold Mine, 1989-2004 (ANU Press, 2012). Recent works include the article "Contested Masculinities in the Exploration Phase of the Lihir Gold Mine, Papua New Guinea" in Extractive Industries and Society (2025) and multiple chapters in Small Islands in Peril? (2024). He has served on key committees, including WWF Australia’s Scientific Advisory Committee (2002–2007), the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Sub-Global Working Group (2002–2004), the Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development Project Assurance Group (2001–2002), the PNG National Economic and Fiscal Commission (1998–1999), and the PNG National Forestry and Conservation Action Program Steering Committee (1990–1992).