Bougainville Copper Limited BCL has welcomed the official launch of the Panguna Mine Legacy Impact Assessment in Arawa this week by Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama. The assessment work is set to commence as early as March next year and will run for an estimated 18 months.
The work will be conducted by major global consulting firm Tetra Tech Coffey International, in conjunction with specialist project management firm Tanorama Limited. It will examine actual and potential environmental and human rights impacts a nd provide recommendations for dealing with issues identified. The project is being predominantly funded by Rio Tinto which majority owned the mine during its years of operation between 1972 to 1989 with support from BCL as the mine’s former operator. BCL is also a member of the multi-stakeholder oversight committee and has been contributing important baseline information.
The oversight committee also comprises community leaders, landowners, government representatives, the Human Rights Law Centre and Rio Tinto. Ioro Constituency MP Theonila Roka Matbob is also an instrumental supporter of the project. Tetra Tech Coffey International will work collaboratively with members of mine-affected communities in carrying out the assessment that will involve expert scientific and social impact researchers. #PangunaMine #Bougainville.