The United States Federal Court again rejected arguments from Rio Tinto in a massive human rights claim brought by South Pacific islanders claiming the world’s largest mining company conspired with the government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) in crimes against humanity, racial discrimination and war crimes. In the most recent ruling, Judge Margaret M. Morrow held that the heinous nature of the allegations led to the court’s conclusion not to impose an “exhaustion requirement” with respect to the claims. An exhaustion requirement would require the Court to explore the possibility of dismissing the case in the United States, leaving plaintiffs to start the legal process all over again in Papua New Guinea.
See http://www.streetinsider.com/New+Coverage/Hagens+Berman+Sobol+Shapiro:+Plaintiffs+Celebrate+as+Rio+Tinto+Loses+Important+Battle+in+Human+Rights+Case/4840210.html.