The abandoned Panguna copper mine in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, previously operated by Bougainville Copper, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto Group, poses ongoing risks to local communities.

The mine, which was once one of the largest in the world, was closed in 1989 due to local protests that led to a civil war resulting in approximately 20,000 fatalities.

The waste left at the site has caused significant environmental damage, raising concerns about the long-term impact on the surrounding population.

Despite facing challenges in gaining access to the mine for necessary remediation work, Rio Tinto has been unable to resolve the situation, leaving communities at risk.