Panguna Parties Sign MoU to Address Mine Impacts

In a significant step towards addressing the legacy of the Panguna mine in Bougainville, the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL), and Rio Tinto have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a Roundtable. This collaborative effort aims to address the findings of the Panguna Mine Legacy Impact Assessment (PMLIA) and establish a process to agree on remedies for actual and potential impacts identified in the report.

The PMLIA, conducted by Tetra Tech Coffey, has highlighted serious environmental and human rights impacts caused by the mine's operation between 1972 and 1989. These include significant risks to life and safety posed by collapsing mine infrastructure, ongoing contamination and movement of tailings waste, mine-related flooding, and toxic chemicals stored in specific locations. The MoU signifies a commitment by the parties to work together, consult with impacted communities, and address these pressing concerns.

The MoU also prioritizes the maintenance and inspection of ageing infrastructure, such as the Jaba Pump Station and Momau River Bridge, to mitigate potential hazards and improve community safety. These works are expected to commence in November 2024 and will take several months to complete. This collaborative approach fosters transparency and accountability, ensuring that decisions are made with community input and aligned with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.



The Panguna mine's legacy has had a profound impact on the local communities and the environment. Addressing these infrastructure concerns will bring significant long-term benefits, including enhanced safety, improved access to essential services, and environmental restoration. By mitigating potential hazards associated with deteriorating structures and rehabilitating storage facilities and workshops, the project will ensure the safety of local residents and visitors while contributing to the overall economic development of the region.

The MoU is a testament to the parties' commitment to addressing the legacy environmental impacts of the Panguna mine. By working together and incorporating community feedback, the Roundtable process aims to ensure that the legacy impacts are addressed in a manner that respects and considers the needs and concerns of the local communities. This collaborative approach is crucial for achieving a sustainable and prosperous future for Bougainville.