Snapshot: In May 2024, over 3000 residents of Bougainville, an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea, filed a class action lawsuit against Rio Tinto and Bougainville Copper Ltd's Panguna Copper Mine before the National Court in Papua New Guinea over the environmental and social damage caused by the mine. The mine was shut down in 1989 after local protests over revenue distribution escalated into a civil war, resulting in up to 20,000 deaths. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for loss and damage, anticipated to amount to billions of dollars. They argue that the mine has compromised their access to reliable food, fresh water, and natural habitats. Additionally, they allege that it has destroyed traditional livelihoods in agriculture and fishing, leaving them without sustainable means of living. On 26 September 2025, the Papua New Guinea National Court dismissed the case on the grounds that the lead plaintiff did not have proper authority to represent the other claimants, the lawyer for the plaintiffs was not qualified to act as such before the National and Supreme Courts of Papua New Guinea, and the litigation funding arrangements was considered unlawful. On 3 November 2025, an appeal was filed before the Supreme Court.The case is ongoing.