Phase one of the Panguna Assessment Report is complete, marking a step forward in addressing the longstanding environmental issues.
The report is a culmination of two years of research conducted by independent scientific experts Tetra Tech Coffey, aiming to address the aging infrastructure at the shuttered mine.
Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama said the report marked a significant milestone for the area.
“I am especially appreciative of the impacted communities and the Human Rights Law Centre who pushed for this project and for the cooperation offered by the [PNG] Government, ABG (Autonomous Bougainville Government), local Chiefs, Rio Tinto and BCL (Bougainville Copper) to see it through to this stage, despite any doubts and hurdles that arose,” he said.
“To Rio Tinto, I want to say thank you for opening up to this process and giving it genuine attention and input.”
The report identifies actual and potential environmental impacts stemming from the mine, including unstable buildings, mine-related flooding and elevated levels of metals in the river.
“ABG is committed to maintaining its participation alongside stakeholders and community leaders in the Oversight Committee which will both oversee and monitor the next stage of efforts which will include remediation and research activities,” Bougainville Chief Secretary Karnneth Nanei said.
“The ABG is happy to have entered into a roundtable arrangement with BCL and Rio Tinto to work together, consult with impacted communities, and establish a process to address the actual and potential impacts identified in the assessment report.”
Oversight Committee member Chief Blaise Iruinu said he could see a strong way forward for people in the impacted area.
“This process has been based on dialogue, empathy and cooperation, now we look forward to continued cooperation and tangible action to addressing the impacts,” Iruinu said.
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