Ok Tedi Mining Limited hosted the Minister for Mining and Member for Kundiawa Gembogl, Hon. Dilu Muguwa on his first official visit to the mine along with the Minister for Works and Highways and Member for Telefomin Hon. Solan Mirisim on Monday, 13th May.
The visit provided the ministers an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the mine, appreciate the challenges faced by the company and see how the government can support the mine to continue its operations.
“The government is proud of what the OTML Board of Management, the Management Team and the employees are doing. OTML recently renewed its Special Mining Lease (1), and my visit here is to find out plans for mine-life extension and continuity and see how we can support the company in ensuring the mine continues to operate for the benefit of the country,” said Minister Muguwa.
“Ok Tedi Mining Limited is a 100 percent nationally owned company and as the Minister for Mining matters in the country – it is important that I visit this state-owned mine and see what the company is doing before I go to other mines in the country,” he said.
The ministers had a briefing with OTML’s Executive Leadership team before they were taken on a tour of the mine site and mill operations.
The delegation saw firsthand the daily operations of the mine and its continuous improvement efforts.
Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Alan Bong when speaking during the visit emphasised the importance of OTML’s contribution to the country saying; “Ok Tedi is a proud 100% nationally owned mining company and is a great asset for the country.
Our production and safety performance this year has been exceptional thanks to our people and we will continue to move forward aligning with our vision to mine responsibly so that we can continue to deliver to our stakeholders and leave a lasting sustainable legacy for our people.”
The ministers were impressed with the level of knowledge and technology being applied onsite to safely and effectively operate the mine and mill. The ministers vowed to support the board and management of OTML to continue mining to 2050 and beyond as the immediate region and country as a whole depend on OTML’s success.
