Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) has officially commissioned its new Mine Operations Workshop, a modern facility purpose-built to support the maintenance of the company’s recently introduced fleet of XDE 260 XCMG electric trucks.
Named “Workshop 50” in recognition of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary, the facility represents a major step forward in strengthening Ok Tedi’s mining operations, offering increased capacity and tailored facilities to service the larger and more advanced truck fleet.
Ok Tedi anticipates operating a total of 15 electric trucks by the end of the year. The company currently runs 10 units, with five more being assembled. The XCMG trucks are used to haul ore and waste from the mine to the crusher and waste dumps respectively.
Designed and equipped to meet the unique maintenance needs of the XCMG electric fleet, the new workshop is expected to enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime.
Ok Tedi Mine Manager for Mobile Maintenance Tommy Mambu thanked Ok Tedi Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit and the Ok Tedi Board, saying the investment reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
“The new Mine Operations Workshop gives us the capacity and capability to properly maintain our electric truck fleet, ensuring safe, reliable and efficient operations. It is another important milestone as we modernise our mining fleet and invest in the long-term future of our operations,” Mambu said.
The construction and commissioning were completed within budget, with additional works including the installation of a 50-tonne crane and lube facility delivered through project contingencies and cost optimisations. Thorough commissioning checks were carried out prior to the official handover.
Despite challenges such as adverse weather and budget pressures resulting from changes to scoped requirements, the project team applied adaptive planning and close coordination to mitigate delays and ensure safe delivery.
Ok Tedi General Manager Operations Ben Burger underscored the strategic importance of the new facility.
“The new workshop will primarily benefit the Mine Maintenance Department, but its impact will extend across the broader Ok Tedi business by enabling more reliable fleet performance,” Burger said.
This milestone supports Ok Tedi’s 2050 Growth Strategy, with a focus on transformational growth and sustainability, paving the way for a stronger and more resilient future for the company and its shareholders.
Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) is a majority state-owned company that operates an open-pit copper, gold and silver mine located in the Star Mountains of Western Province, Papua New Guinea. The company exports copper concentrate to smelters and refineries in Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, India and Germany.
Operating in the region for over 40 years, Ok Tedi has made a significant contribution to development in Western Province through direct and indirect employment, royalties, compensation payments and business opportunities.
