Ok Tedi Mining Limited has unveiled a five-year plan to redevelop the Misima Gold Project following its acquisition from Kingston Resources in May 2025. The company aims to start construction within the two-year term of the exploration lease.
The plan includes early investment in community infrastructure to benefit local residents before production begins.
“We’re not waiting until production to make a difference. Roads, power, water, and support for schools and the hospital will start early. These improvements will benefit communities long before the mine is operational," said Jesse Pile, Ok Tedi general manager for Social Performance and Sustainability.
Pile spoke during the company’s first community engagement on Misima from 1–4 December 2025. The engagement marks the beginning of ongoing consultations with stakeholders through the three phases of the project: Detailed Feasibility & Permitting, Construction, and Production.
Ok Tedi will conduct detailed exploration at the Umuna, Ewatinona, and Kulumalia pits to optimise mine plans and plant designs. Baseline environmental and social studies will also be carried out. The company expects to secure necessary approvals from the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) and the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) by mid-2027.
Following permitting, major infrastructure works will start from mid-2027 to mid-2029 to prepare the site for full-scale operations.
Commercial production is scheduled to begin after plant commissioning, bringing significant economic benefits to the region.
“The above early phases are critical. It’s where we lay the groundwork for everything that follows, detailed exploration, environmental and social studies, and permitting. This is about doing things right from the start leveraging from Ok Tedi’s 40 years of operational experience," Pile said.
He said that once permits are granted, construction will turn Misima into a hub of activity, creating jobs, spin-off business, and long-term benefits for the island.
Ok Tedi will also continue investing in critical infrastructure during the first phase to support both the community and the project. “Community support is the foundation of this project. We’ve seen incredible positivity from Misima people, and we will continue to engage openly, transparently, and honestly,” Pile said.
