Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainable development in PNG through investments in education and workforce capability building.
Seven undergraduate scholarship recipients have graduated from the PNG University of Technology (Unitech) and are now joining the company’s 2026 Graduate Development Scheme (GDS).
The graduates completed qualifications in disciplines that underpin the skills and competencies required for the safe, responsible and efficient operation of Ok Tedi’s business, while supporting long-term national capacity building.
The graduates are:
• Andy Nandung – Bachelor of Civil Engineering, First Class Honours
• Moesha Begornar – Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Lower Second Class Honours
• Hillary Rahiria – Bachelor of Engineering (Power), Upper Second Class Honours – recipient of the School of Electrical and Communication Engineering Student Leadership Award
• Bradcilda Onde – Bachelor of Mining Engineering, Lower Second Class Honours
• Emmanuel Winura – Bachelor of Mineral Processing Engineering, Lower Second Class Honours
• Jordon Nabes – Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics (Electronics & Instrumentation), degree with merit
The seven scholarship graduates form part of Ok Tedi’s total intake of 44 graduates into the 2026 Graduate Development Scheme. Of this intake, 32 graduates are from the PNG University of Technology, including the seven sponsored undergraduate scholars and 25 additional graduates recruited through the company’s Graduate Development Scheme application process.
The remaining graduates are from the University of Papua New Guinea and other recognised tertiary institutions across PNG, including Pacific Adventist University, Divine Word University and the University of Goroka.
Speaking on the milestone, Morris Nandun, Acting Manager for Training and Capacity Development, said the scholarship and graduate programmes are central to Ok Tedi’s human resource development and sustainability commitments.
Nandun welcomed and thanked all the graduates, noting that the majority of the 2026 intake is from Unitech, reflecting Ok Tedi’s emphasis on developing strong technical capability aligned with operational and environmental responsibilities.
“Investing in people and developing Papua New Guinean capability is a key part of our sustainability priorities and social responsibility as a 100 per cent PNG-owned company,” Nandun said.
“With our mine life extended beyond 2025, investing in education, structured training and workforce readiness ensures we operate sustainably while creating meaningful long-term opportunities for our people.”
He added that Ok Tedi’s focus is not only on graduates, but also on supporting their transition into professional roles through structured development, mentoring, and the setting of performance goals and expectations.
Reflecting on their scholarship journey, the graduates highlighted the role the programme played in shaping their academic discipline and personal accountability.
“The Ok Tedi scholarship motivated us to remain focused and committed throughout our studies,” the graduates said.
“As we begin our careers, we understand the responsibility that comes with this opportunity and are committed to contributing positively to the company and the country.”
Ok Tedi’s Graduate Development Scheme supports human capital development, local workforce participation, succession planning, and safe and responsible operations.
These initiatives align with Ok Tedi’s broader Growth 2050 Strategy framework by ensuring long-term business resilience while contributing to national development outcomes.
Ok Tedi congratulates all graduates on their achievements and welcomes them into the organisation as they begin their professional careers and contribute to delivering sustainable value for Ok Tedi and PNG.
A management team from Ok Tedi attended the graduation ceremony and congratulated the graduates.
Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) is a majority state-owned entity that operates an open-pit copper, gold and silver mine in the Star Mountains of Western Province, Papua New Guinea. The company ships copper concentrate to smelters and refineries in Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, India and Germany.
OTML has operated in the region for more than 40 years and has contributed significantly to development in Western Province through direct and indirect employment, royalties, compensation payments and business opportunities.
The company is expanding its operations into Milne Bay Province through the acquisition of Gallipoli Exploration Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian mining company Kingston Resources Limited, for the Misima mine.
OTML’s registered office and senior operational management team are based in Tabubil, Western Province. It also maintains a representative office in Port Moresby and a marketing and logistics facility in Brisbane, Australia.
More information is available at www.oktedi.com.
