Panguna Legacy clean-up begins with Loloho Port Works
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) marked a major milestone in addressing the longstanding environmental and human rights impacts of the Panguna mine with the formal launch of hazardous materials removal works at Loloho Port on Wednesday 1st April, 2026.
President His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, said the commencement of this work represents “a moral commitment to our people, our environment, and our history,” following decades of unresolved legacy issues stemming from the mine’s closure in 1989.
As the Oversight and Governance lead for this process, President Toroama acknowledged the leadership of the Panguna Mine Legacy Impact Assessment (PMLIA) Oversight Committee and the coordination provided by the Tanorama Secretariat, whose stewardship has guided this sensitive, technically complex, and community-led initiative.
Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) was commended for the prompt removal of three unstable structures at Loloho Port, which had been identified as severe safety risks. The President said this action demonstrates a serious and practical commitment to the remediation process.
The President also recognised the Human Rights Law Centre for elevating the concerns of Bougainville communities to the international stage, ensuring global attention to the impacts confronting downstream villages.
In clarifying Rio Tinto’s role, President Toroama issued a clear public statement:
- Rio Tinto is not returning to Bougainville to operate the Panguna mine.
- Its participation is solely to address the environmental and human rights issues identified in the PMLIA Phase 1 Assessment Report, as mandated by the ABG-sanctioned Roundtable process.
- This engagement is a remedial responsibility—not a commercial re-entry—and focuses entirely on ensuring that legacy impacts are properly assessed and addressed.
The President paid special tribute to the 156 complainants who lodged the 2020 human rights complaint, describing their actions as “a powerful stand for truth, dignity, and justice.” He further acknowledged the leadership of Ms. Theonila Roka Matbob, whose advocacy ensured the voices of downstream communities were heard globally.
The hazardous materials removal now underway is the first tangible action arising from the PMLIA Phase 1 Report, prepared by Tetra Tech Coffey and presented in December 2024. This report represents the first scientific assessment of Panguna’s impacts since 1989, documenting:
- tailings pollution,
- chemical contamination,
- sedimentation and ecosystem damage,
- unstable infrastructure, and
- human health risks.
President Toroama reaffirmed that the Phase 1 findings will be acted upon, stating “This is not just a technical responsibility—it is a profound moral duty to our people.”
As part of further commitments, BCL will undertake additional actions including the removal of hazardous chemicals at Loloho Port, addressing flooding at Kuneka Creek, and rehabilitating the port access mine road. The Oversight Committee will continue to monitor progress and prioritise all urgent risks.
The President also acknowledged World Vision International for its role in distributing water tanks to communities along the lower tailings area, where contaminated drinking water remains a critical humanitarian concern. He described this intervention as an essential social obligation and a necessary humanitarian response.
While the ABG has declared its intention to eventually reopen Panguna as part of Bougainville’s economic future, President Toroama emphasised that this will only occur under strict conditions.
“We will not repeat the mistakes of the past. No company will operate in Bougainville unless these standards are met,” he said.
The President concluded by reaffirming the ABG’s commitment to transparency, community wellbeing, and long-term environmental restoration.
“Today is a deliberate step toward remediation, reconciliation, and the rebuilding of trust. Bougainville will move forward with unity, strength, and an unwavering commitment to protect our land and our future.”
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