ABG welcomes miner’s move

THE Autonomous Bougainville Government has welcomed the initiative by Rio Tinto and Bougainville Copper Limited to address outstanding legacy issues from the Panguna mine.
President Ishmael Toroama said the Panguna mine was solely responsible for bankrolling Papua New Guinea’s independence and provided its economic base from 1973 to 1989.
He said despite the fiscal benefits of the mine, the failure by Rio Tinto and BCL to address the damage to the environment and the displacement of the local population caused friction between the people of Bougainville and the companies, including the national government.
“Left unintended these issues became one of the major factors that directly contributed to the 10-year Bougainville civil war,” he said.
“In the last 30 years since the mine ceased operations, there is still extensive damage of the environment within the special mining lease and lower tailings (area).”
Toroama said an environmental assessment would thoroughly gauge the full extent of the damage caused by the mine.
He said his government was pleased that Rio Tinto and BCL were being accountable for their actions and acknowledged the Human Rights Law Centre for providing legal guidance and enabling the complainants to bring their grievances to the organisation for economic cooperation and development.
He also acknowledged the Australia National Contact Point for facilitating the dialogue.
The president thanked Minister for Education Theonila Matbob for her part in pursuing the matter on the people’s behalf.
“It was through her perseverance that we have been able to reach an amicable solution with Rio Tinto and BCL,” he said.
Meanwhile, Toroama put to rest rumours that his government would be offering concessions on the Panguna Mine.
“The mine will remain closed until such time as all outstanding issues have been addressed,” he said.
“My government’s main agenda is to progress development and prepare our people for independence.”