Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has extended his congratulations to the Board, management, and workforce of Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) for achieving a record K1.85 billion in revenue during the first quarter of 2025, delivering K681 million in net profit after tax.
“This exceptional result is a testament to what Papua New Guineans can accomplish when entrusted with the stewardship of our natural resources,” said Prime Minister Marape. “Ok Tedi, being 100% nationally owned, embodies our vision of resource nationalism and demonstrates how revenue and profits can flow back to our landowners, provinces, and the national budget.”
Prime Minister Marape recalled that one of his first provincial visits after taking office in 2019 was to Western Province, where he issued clear policy direction for OTML to extend its mine life and improve operational efficiency.
“I am pleased the management team took our policy direction seriously. The extension of Ok Tedi’s life to 2050 is a direct result of those early decisions. We now see the benefits through increased output and financial returns,” he said.
OTML has projected it will generate over K40 billion in benefits over the next 26 years, which includes dividends, royalties, taxes, and compensation payments. Prime Minister Marape welcomed these figures, saying they reinforce the strategic importance of OTML to national development. “This revenue — and more importantly, the profit — is what we can use to build schools, fund hospitals, and support rural development. OTML is truly our flagship mine,” the Prime Minister said.
He also reaffirmed the Government’s support for the ongoing Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) review, emphasising the importance of securing social licence and ensuring benefits continue to reach landowners and impacted communities.
“The extension of the mine must not come at the cost of our environment or the rights of our people. I am assured that environmental and social standards are being elevated under the current management,” he said.
Looking to the future, Prime Minister Marape reiterated his government’s broader vision to turn the Tabubil-Kiunga corridor into a diversified economic zone through downstream processing, agriculture, training institutions, and renewable energy initiatives.
“In fact, I have directed Kumul Minerals Holdings Ltd (KMHL) to explore establishing a new subsidiary that brings together PNG’s own mining professionals to run mines domestically or export their services abroad. OTML’s performance proves that we can run our own mining enterprises – and do it well.”
He also highlighted the importance of critical infrastructure investment to support OTML’s future operations and open new economic frontiers.
“The Government’s Connect PNG initiative is playing a vital role in de-risking business operations. The new road corridor linking Western Province to the Indonesian border is expected to be completed by the end of this year. We are also opening access from Kiunga to the Aiambak deep-water port and establishing connections to the Highlands Highway. These projects will help safeguard mine operations during dry weather and unlock commercial opportunities for the region,” he stated.
“Such infrastructure not only supports Ok Tedi’s logistics and supply chains, but also strengthens the long-term commercial viability of Western Province as a trade and investment hub.”
