Theonila Roka Matbob Wins Goldman Environmental Prize for Activism in Bougainville
Theonila Roka Matbob has been awarded the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize for her activism against environmental damage caused by the Panguna copper and gold mine in Papua New Guinea. Her efforts, including a landmark legal complaint against Rio Tinto, aim to address the long-term social and environmental impacts of mining operations on local communities.
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Theonila Roka Matbob, a prominent activist from Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, has earned the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize for her work addressing the aftermath of the Panguna copper and gold mine, previously operated by Rio Tinto. The mine, active from 1972 to 1989, resulted in significant environmental degradation and social upheaval, including a civil war that led to her father's death.
Following the mine's closure, Roka Matbob initiated legal action against Rio Tinto, culminating in a 2021 agreement for an independent assessment and a memorandum of understanding in 2024 to collaborate with affected communities. Her activism underscores the urgent need for accountability and remediation efforts in regions impacted by mining operations, reflecting risks associated with environmental neglect and community displacement.
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