12 Aug 2016

…This gift of our shares to the ABG and PNG was the conclusion of a strategic review that looked at a broad range of options and through which we worked hard to consider all relevant interests. By distributing our shares in this way, we aimed to provide landowners, those closest to the mine, and all the people of Bougainville a greater say in the future of Panguna. The ultimate distribution of our shares also provides a platform for the ABG and PNG Government to work together on future options for the resource....

When BCL evacuated the site in 1989, we believe that BCL was fully compliant with all regulatory requirements and applicable standards at the time. This is something that was acknowledged by President Momis in his speech to the Bougainville House of Representatives on 22 December 2015 and in other public commentaries. Neither BCL, nor Rio Tinto as a shareholder, has been assured safe access to the mine site since 1989.