Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) hosted a delegation from the East Sepik Provincial Administration on a fact-finding mission to gain insights from the Ok Tedi operations to prepare for the upcoming Frieda River Project in the Sepik Region.
The delegation from the Provincial Administration Mining Desk Team, visited from the 11th – 16th August, to understand the various aspects of the mine operations to address some of their concerns with the upcoming Frieda River Copper-Gold Project.
The Frieda River Project is located in a region shared by both East and West Sepik Provinces, and has garnered significant attention from local communities due to its potential impact on the environment, particularly concerning the Sepik River and its floodplain system.
The delegation visited the Mine, Mill, Ok Menga Hydro Power Station, Bige and Kiunga Operations, and had the opportunity to witness the second stage of regional meetings for the current Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) Review.
They observed the management of mine waste, pyrite concentrate plant, environment monitoring, community relations activities, national and local content business structure, and community development programs, particularly through the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF).
Team Lead Mr Martin Torovi said Ok Tedi is of a similar physical setting to the proposed Frieda River Mine and the legacy issues of Ok Tedi are the very concerns and anxiety of the Sepik River People.
“If Environmental Permit is granted, East Sepik Provincial Administration will be tasked with managing a large mine’s environmental “impact” and benefit sharing agreements and negotiations. We Sepiks do not have the experience to manage these issues. As such we reached out to Ok Tedi for the learning experience,” said Mr Torovi.
“Some of the key takeaways from the visit include: The Development of Engineered Waste Rock Dumps; pyrite treatment plant; Bige Dredging; sustainable development projects; and understanding the Equity, Royalty, Trusts and Development Funds structure.”
Mr Torovi added, “We also could not have asked for a better time to conduct this visit. We had the opportunity to observe the CMCA meetings that is very appropriate to the concerns we have.”
Provincial Mine and Lands Minister & President of Gaui LLG Mr Leo Singut said he was appreciative of the opportunity to visit and learn from Ok Tedi.
OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit, said “We are pleased to provide the delegation valuable insight into the multifaceted activities of our operation. We believe the visit has provided them valuable information as they prepare for the upcoming Frieda River Project and its impacts in their respective region and province.
