Mining at Panguna included the direct discharge of tailings into tributaries of the Jaba River. The mine caused devastating environmental issues on the island, and the company was responsible for poisoning the entire length of the Jaba River, causing birth defects, as well as the extinction of the flying fox on the island.
Mining activities at Panguna involved directly discharging tailings into the Jaba River's tributaries. This mining operation resulted in substantial environmental damage on the island, leading to birth defects and the extinction of the flying fox, all caused by the company’s actions.