Assessment Highlights Environmental and Safety Risks at Panguna Mine

An independent review of the Panguna copper mine on Bougainville Island, a territory in the South Pacific, has identified several pressing issues, including unstable structures, potential landslide hazards, and contamination of soil and water in nearby areas. The mine, once operated by Anglo-Australian mining company Rio Tinto, ceased operations in 1989.

Rio Tinto divested its stake in the Panguna mine eight years ago. In 2021, the company agreed to sponsor an independent assessment of the mine’s environmental and social repercussions following calls from the island’s residents. The closure of the mine had been a focal point of a decade-long civil conflict in Bougainville. While Rio Tinto has expressed its commitment to addressing these legacy issues, local communities have urged the company to increase its efforts, particularly by funding initiatives to mitigate public safety risks.

Kelly Parker, Rio Tinto’s head of operations in Australia, acknowledged the findings of the assessment, stating, “We are continuing to review the assessment, but we recognize the significance of the impacts noted and accept the results.” She further emphasized the company’s dedication to working with stakeholders, adding, “We understand that this will take time. However, we will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that the legacy of the Panguna mine is addressed in a fair and equitable manner for the affected communities.”

Community leaders, represented by the Australian Human Rights Law Center, have called on Rio Tinto to establish an independently managed fund to address the environmental and social impacts identified in the assessment. They argue that such a fund would play a critical role in supporting recovery and ensuring public safety.