Ok Tedi Mining Limited recently received the Gazettal Notice for its Ok Tedi Environmental Act (OTEMA) 2019 from Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) of Papua New Guinea.
Ok Tedi began operations before Papua New Guinea’s Environment Act 2000 was introduced. Consequently, the company operated under its own legislation - the Environment Regime 2001, created by the 9th Supplemental Agreement to the Ok Tedi Act 1976. That regime was formally replaced last year, on gazettal, by the OTEMA.
The OTEMA 2019 was gazetted on August 30, 2024, following the formal endorsement by the Governor General. This new legislation aims to align Ok Tedi’s environmental obligation with the Environment Act 2000 which also governs other operations. It also paves way for CEPA to increases its regulatory oversight over Ok Tedi’s operations.
General Manager Operations Ben Burger expressed gratitude for the Gazettal Notice, emphasising the Company’s commitment to responsible mining.
“Ok Tedi successfully operates within the OTEMA guidelines through integration of comprehensive environmental controls into our operations. We recognise the benefits of the OTEMA gazettal to continue to work closely work with CEPA as our environmental regulator to ensure our systems and controls continue to be effective,” said Mr Burger.
Echoing this sentiment, General Manager Social Performance and Sustainability Jesse Pile highlighted Ok Tedi’s long-standing dedication to environmental stewardship.
“As one of the oldest mining companies in the country, we are proud of our mature approach to environmental practices. Our Tyre Pyrolysis program is one example, where waste tyres, a product at the end of its life cycle, is converted into useful char and pyrolysis oil which is then reused as fuel in our operations,” said Mr Pile.
Looking ahead, Mr Pile mentioned that Ok Tedi is considering other initiatives to innovate waste management solutions further for its many wastes streams, as part of its goal to be environmentally responsible by creating values from waste and set new benchmarks for sustainable practices in Papua New Guinea’s mining sector.
CEPA Managing Director Jude Tukuliya commended Ok Tedi’s pioneering efforts in superior waste management that benefit both local communities and the natural environment.
He said the initiatives introduced at Ok Tedi are commendable and should serve as a model for other mines across PNG.
Ok Tedi remains committed to conducting routine assessment and monitoring to ensure compliance with both national and international environmental standards. The issuance of the Gazettal Notice marks a critical milestone in Ok Tedi’s ongoing dedication to sustainable mining practices, supporting community development while ensuring environmental protection.
