The Panguna Mine Legacy Impact Assessment Report was officially completed and presented to the Autonomous Bougainville Government yesterday. The report highlights various environmental impacts caused by the Panguna Mine and their potential effects on the human rights of residents in the surrounding areas.
Rio Tinto has acknowledged the findings and pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to address the legacy issues identified. According to the company, the report represents a significant step toward understanding the long-term impacts of the mine, which ceased operations in 1989 due to the Bougainville Civil War.
The assessment, which began in 2022, was initiated following a complaint filed in 2020 by the Human Rights Law Centre (HRLC) on behalf of 156 residents of Bougainville villages, later increasing to 170 complainants. Rio Tinto, together with Bougainville Copper Limited, supported the independent assessment, which included comprehensive field studies, soil and water testing, and community surveys.
Key impacts identified in the report include unstable landforms, mine-related flooding, sediment movement, and contamination of soil and water near areas used for processing or chemical storage. Recommendations have been made on mitigating these impacts. A copy of the report was submitted to the President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville for review.
In a statement, Rio Tinto Chief Executive for Australia, Kellie Parker, described the report as the most thorough assessment conducted since the mine's closure. Parker emphasized the company's commitment to working with stakeholders to address the legacy impacts in an equitable manner. She thanked the affected communities and acknowledged their contributions to the assessment.
Rio Tinto confirmed ongoing efforts to address ageing infrastructure and other priorities identified in the report. Discussions are also underway with the Autonomous Bougainville Government regarding geotechnical hazards to ensure the safety of local communities and small-scale miners. The company has pledged its support for further investigations to enhance understanding of the report's findings and explore solutions to address the identified issues.
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