Ok Tedi Mining Ltd. (OTML) has officially welcomed 41 new intakes under its flagship Graduate Development Scheme (GDS) program, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to building Papua New Guinea’s future workforce.
The 2025 cohort comprises graduates from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, the University of Papua New Guinea and Divine Word University. Notably, this intake also includes, for the first time, five graduates from Don Bosco Technical Institute.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit warmly welcomed the new graduates and urged them to make the most of the opportunity.
“In these next two years, build your career. Ask questions and learn as much as you can. Do not shy away from your leaders or mentors. When you fear your mentors, it stops you from asking questions, and you won’t learn,” Ilimbit said.
Reflecting on his own professional journey, Ilimbit shared that he is himself a product of the GDS program and now serves as the company’s managing director and CEO.
“We are proud of the graduate training program that we offer. The more graduates we recruit, we train, and we supply to the nation,” he said.
“Therefore, I welcome you all on behalf of Ok Tedi. Look after yourself and Ok Tedi will look after you.”
He added that the GDS program provides a strong foundation not only for careers within Ok Tedi but also across the country and internationally.
The 2025 cohort represents a diverse range of disciplines, including accounting, human resource management, psychology, environmental science, chemistry, geology, cartography, mining engineering, mineral processing, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, information and communication technology, and applied physics and instrumentation.
Between 1988 and 2024, Ok Tedi’s GDS program trained 731 graduates. With the 2025 intake, this number has increased to 772.
Many of Ok Tedi’s GDS trainees have gone on to secure permanent employment with the company or its business partners, joined other resource operations domestically and internationally, and contributed to the development of Papua New Guinea across various sectors.
OTML is a majority state-owned entity that operates an open-pit copper, gold and silver mine located in the Star Mountains of Western Province, Papua New Guinea. The company ships copper concentrate to smelters and ore refineries in Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, India and Germany.
The company has been operating in the region for 41 years and has made a significant contribution to development in Western Province through direct and indirect employment, royalties, compensation payments and business opportunities.
