Frieda River Limited is pleased to announce that the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) has granted six environmental permits for the Frieda River Project, following a rigorous and comprehensive assessment process.
The approvals represent a significant milestone for the Project and follow an extensive programme of environmental studies, the development of detailed environmental management plans, and a thorough consultation process with communities and government stakeholders.
Frieda River Project Director, Phil McCormack, said the decision by CEPA demonstrates the strength of the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
“The work to secure these permits has involved extensive expertise across mining and engineering, as well as thorough consultation with landowners and surrounding communities,” Mr McCormack said.
“We thank CEPA for the time and attention dedicated to the review process, which included its own consultation with local communities and the engagement of independent experts to undertake peer reviews of our Environmental Impact Statement.”
The permits cover the Frieda River Copper-Gold Project, the Sepik Power Grid Project, the Frieda River Hydroelectric Project, the Sepik Infrastructure Project Road, Green River Airport and the Vanimo Ocean Port.
All permits are subject to strict environmental conditions, including continuous water quality monitoring to ensure the Sepik River and its tributaries remain healthy and vibrant, preserving their economic and cultural importance to Sepik communities. Frieda River Limited reiterates its unwavering commitment to full compliance with these conditions.
A Transformational, Responsible Investment for Papua New Guinea
The Frieda River Project, also known as the Sepik Development Project, represents one of the most significant long-term investments in Papua New Guinea. It is designed to unlock substantial economic value, deliver sustainable infrastructure and empower local communities through genuine, long-term partnerships with landowners.
Mr McCormack emphasised that environmental protection and sustainability are foundational principles of the Project.
“The Project is designed to the highest environmental standards, incorporating advanced tailings and waste management techniques to minimise impacts on surrounding communities and the Sepik River,” he said.
“Frieda River Limited has invested more than a decade in comprehensive environmental, socio-economic and cultural heritage studies, supported by extensive stakeholder engagement. The Project includes a hydroelectric dam with an installed capacity of 600 MW, which will power the mine and supply clean, renewable energy to the Sepik region—positioning Frieda River among the lowest-emission mining projects globally.”
He added that the company continues to invest collaboratively with local communities and values the strong, respectful relationships built with the East Sepik and West Sepik provincial administrations and host landowners. This includes the regular Community Leaders Forum, which brings together the seven landowning communities of the Frieda River Copper-Gold Project.
Looking Ahead
While the permits mark a major advancement, they represent just one step in a broader planning and approvals process. Frieda River Limited looks forward to continued proactive and transparent engagement with government, landholders and all stakeholders to ensure the Project remains environmentally sound, technically robust, socially responsible and financially viable—delivering enduring benefits for Sepik communities and for Papua New Guinea as a whole.
