President Toroama issued the statement following the move by several parties who are trying to raise a class action suit against Rio Tinto for their role in developing the Panguna Mine and the effects it had on the environment and the communities around the mine.
The Panguna Legacy Impact Assessment is being funded by Rio Tinto through Tetra Tech Coffey who are conducting the assessment.
It is also the first time Rio Tinto has made any commitment to Bougainville since the cessation of mining operations in Panguna, Central Bougainville.
