The Sepik Development Project (SDP) continues to record strong progress in stakeholder engagement while expanding employment opportunities for Papua New Guineans, with a clear focus on benefiting communities in the Sepik region.
Project representatives from the community affairs team, whose dedicated role is to meet with and listen to local communities, recently visited near-mine communities, including those in the Upper Sepik, where they held constructive engagement sessions about project plans and new opportunities.
The consultative engagement is part of an ongoing schedule of positive engagement with landowners, local communities, government agencies, and other key stakeholders, reflecting the Project’s commitment to transparency, partnership, and responsible resource development.
Country Manager Dr Joel Hamago said the strength of stakeholder relationships established to date demonstrates the Project’s long-term commitment to Papua New Guinea.
“We are encouraged by the collaborative approach we are seeing on the ground, and we remain committed to open dialogue and mutual respect as the Project progresses,” Dr Hamago said.
“Meaningful engagement with our host communities, based on transparency and accurate information, is central to how we operate.”
Dr Hamago called on opponents of the Project to adopt the same commitment to accuracy and honesty in their actions.
“It is disappointing to see a recent media publication where Project Sepik continues to misrepresent the outcome of the SDP’s recent engagement with Sepik communities via the OECD’s AusNCP referral process, where an independent examiner confirmed our compliance with OECD guidelines in relation to stakeholder engagement on this project.”
Dr Hamago said community engagement activities would continue. “While we have had an overwhelmingly positive response from communities, which value the level of engagement and the future opportunities from the Development, we understand that many people still have concerns and questions, which is why we will continue to listen as we consult with them."
Employment Growth and Opportunities for Sepik Communities
As activities continue to advance, the Sepik Development Project has opened a number of new employment opportunities across various roles, which are currently advertised on the Project’s official LinkedIn page.
In line with the Project’s localisation strategy, priority will be given to suitably qualified applicants from the Sepik region, ensuring local communities are directly involved in and benefit from Project development.
“Our employment strategy is deliberately focused on local participation,” Dr Hamago said. “Wherever possible, we want people from the Sepik to take up these roles, gain valuable skills, and become part of the Project’s journey from the early stages.”
Supporting PNG’s Local and National Content Agenda
The Sepik Development Project strongly supports the Papua New Guinea Government’s drive to increase local and national content within major resource developments. Through targeted recruitment, training, and skills development, the Project aims to create sustainable employment outcomes and contribute to long-term national capacity building.
“This Project is about more than just mining. It is also an infrastructure project with rippling opportunities,” Dr Hamago said.
“It is about building capability, supporting PNG talent, and ensuring that Papua New Guineans are well positioned to participate meaningfully in major developments, both now and into the future.”
How to Apply
Interested applicants are encouraged to view current vacancies and application details via the Frieda River Limited LinkedIn page. Applicants should carefully review role requirements and ensure their qualifications and experience align with the advertised positions.
The Frieda River Project will continue to provide regular updates on stakeholder engagement, employment opportunities, and Project milestones. Frieda River Limited is the proponent of the Sepik Development Project (SDP) in Papua New Guinea. The SDP comprises four integrated components: the Sepik Infrastructure Project (SIP), the Frieda River Copper-Gold Project (FRCGP), the Frieda River Hydroelectric Project (FRHEP), and the Sepik Power Grid Project (SPGP).
The Project is designed to deliver enabling infrastructure, including power generation and transmission, road access, airport and port facilities, supported through private investment. During operations, the SDP is expected to create approximately 2,500 direct jobs, with a target of 93 per cent national employment, and generate more than 30,000 indirect employment opportunities.
The Project incorporates engineered tailings and water management systems, as well as a hydroelectric power solution intended to reduce operational emissions and support environmental management objectives, including protection of the Sepik River system.
Frieda River Limited is a significant subsidiary of the PanAust Limited Group. Along with pre-development opportunities in Papua New Guinea operations, PanAust Limited also owns Phu Bia Mining, an award-winning dual operation in Laos, and has development opportunities in Chile. An Australian-incorporated company, PanAust is owned by Guangdong Rising H.K. (Holding) Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guangdong Rising Holding Group Co., Ltd. (GDRH). GDRH is a Chinese state-owned company regulated under the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province in China.
