OK Tedi Mining Limited has graduated 36 participants from its professional development and training programmes, qualified five trades assistants as tradesmen and deferred recruitment for its 2027 trainee intake as part of a company-wide cost reduction and business optimisation drive.
The three workforce development milestones and recruitment decision were outlined in announcements issued by the Papua New Guinea miner on October 20, highlighting both its investment in local skills and the impact of its current cost-control measures on future training opportunities.
The company celebrated graduates from its Graduate Development Scheme (GDS), Preferred Area Development (PAD) and Competency Based Training programmes at a ceremony in Tabubil, Western Province. The cohort included participants in engineering, environmental science, communications, accounting, health management and heavy equipment trades.
Ok Tedi also announced that it would defer recruitment for the 2027 GDS, Apprenticeship Training Programme and PAD Training Programme. It will not conduct recruitment campaigns or participate in university career fairs, graduate roadshows, school outreach programmes, apprenticeship recruitment activities or related events for the remainder of 2026.
The company said the decision formed part of a broader cost reduction and business optimisation programme intended to maintain operational efficiency and financial discipline under current operating conditions.
It said it would continue reviewing workforce and training requirements and communicate future recruitment opportunities when appropriate.
Graduates move into employment
Ok Tedi General Manager People and Culture Kevin Russell said investment in employees remained central to the company's long-term sustainability and succession planning.
“Our people remain our greatest asset. Through structured training, mentoring and development pathways, we are investing not only in the growth of individuals but also in the long-term sustainability of our business,” Russell said.
Acting Manager Training and Capability Development Morris Nandun said 24 of the 31 graduates and trainees recognised at the ceremony had secured employment opportunities within Ok Tedi, while seven would pursue opportunities elsewhere.
The company separately reported that 36 participants had graduated across its development and training programmes.
Graduate representative Abbra Ntumy, a communications graduate from Divine Word University, said the GDS had helped participants translate academic knowledge into practical workplace experience over two years.
“The journey has not always been easy, but it has been worthwhile. Through mentorship, practical experience and guidance from colleagues, we have gained valuable skills and confidence that will support us throughout our careers,” Ntumy said.
She said the experience had reinforced the importance of continuous learning, professional relationships and the support of families and communities in helping graduates pursue their careers.
Ntumy's experience reflects the programme's role in preparing young Papua New Guineans for professional work, although the company's decision to defer its 2027 intake means prospective applicants will have to wait for further recruitment announcements.
Five trades assistants earn formal qualifications
In a separate development, five Ok Tedi employees have gained formal tradesman qualifications through the company's onsite Trade Testing Programme.
The graduates — Eddie Ally, Isaac Kua, Stanley Ovosa, Peter Witne and Wilford Alois — are heavy equipment fitting trades assistants who have developed practical skills through years of work alongside qualified tradesmen.
They are the second cohort to complete the programme, which allows experienced employees to obtain nationally recognised trade qualifications without leaving the mine for extended periods of offsite training.
Ok Tedi's Training and Capability Development Department brought the programme to Tabubil to address the travel, accommodation and family-related challenges associated with external training. The department is working with the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board to embed trade testing at the site.
Manager Mine Technology and Optimisation Wau Kua said the employees had demonstrated commitment and perseverance in completing the programme.
“Many of them have been performing these tasks competently for years. Through this programme, they now have the formal recognition to match their skills and experience,” Kua said.
The qualifications could open opportunities for career advancement within Ok Tedi and employment across Papua New Guinea's mining and other industries.
The company said the initiative formed part of its broader commitment to developing employees at different levels of the organisation, complementing its graduate and community-based training pathways.
Balancing skills development and cost controls
The recruitment deferral comes as Ok Tedi continues to promote workforce development through existing training and qualification programmes while implementing measures to reduce costs and optimise operations.
The company said it remained committed to developing Papua New Guinean talent and recognised the contribution of graduate, apprenticeship and community-based training programmes to building a skilled national workforce.
However, it did not provide a date for resuming recruitment or specify when applications for future intakes would open. It said updates would depend on business conditions and operational requirements.
Ok Tedi is a majority state-owned company operating an open-pit copper, gold and silver mine in the Star Mountains of Western Province. It has operated in the region for more than 40 years and contributes to the local economy through employment, royalties, compensation payments and business opportunities.
The latest developments underscore two parallel aspects of its workforce strategy: building professional and technical skills among Papua New Guineans while adjusting recruitment plans to meet current business requirements.
