Ok Tedi Mining Ltd. (OTML) has brought a fire involving waste tyres at the Tabubil Landfill largely under control, with monitoring continuing as authorities investigate its suspected deliberate ignition.
The fire was detected in the early hours of 26 October and prompted an immediate response from the company's Emergency Response Team and Incident Management Team, which implemented containment measures to minimise potential impacts on employees, contractors and the wider Tabubil community.
No injuries have been reported.
Preliminary assessments indicate the fire may have been deliberately lit. The matter has been referred to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, with Ok Tedi cooperating with authorities as investigations continue.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit said the safety of employees, contractors and community members remained the company's highest priority.
"Our immediate focus has been the safety of our people and community, and the safe containment of the fire," Ilimbit said.
He commended the company's emergency response personnel for their swift and professional action, which helped bring the situation under control.
Ilimbit said Ok Tedi would continue monitoring the site and working with authorities to manage potential risks while investigations into the incident were ongoing.
He also urged employees, contractors, business partners and community members to rely on verified information from the company's official communication channels and avoid circulating unverified reports that could cause unnecessary concern.
Ok Tedi further cautioned residents to remain vigilant amid current dry conditions, which increase the risk of fire-related incidents.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation has been encouraged to report it to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.
