Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) recently hosted 30 landowners from Ok Birim villages in the North Fly District on an awareness visit to its Bige Operations as part of the company’s commitment to transparency, early engagement and informed decision-making.
The visit provided landowners with firsthand insight into the Bige Operations, which include river dredging, landform rehabilitation and the secure subaqueous storage of pyrite concentrate. The activities form part of Ok Tedi’s long-term environmental management efforts aimed at addressing challenges associated with historical riverine tailings disposal.
Ok Tedi said a similar and enhanced operating concept is being considered for the proposed Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) Project at Ok Birim, which has been identified as the preferred site and is currently undergoing feasibility studies.
The proposed TSF is a key component of the company’s Growth 2050 Strategy and is intended to provide a long-term tailings management solution while progressively reducing reliance on river-based disposal and dredging activities at Bige.
The awareness visit was organised by Ok Tedi’s Community Relations Department to allow landowners to observe operations firsthand, ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of how mine waste is managed in a controlled and environmentally monitored manner.
Ok Tedi emphasised that the TSF project will only proceed following extensive consultation, community understanding and agreement with potentially affected landowners.
The company said engagement activities are guided by the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), ensuring communities receive accurate information, adequate time for consideration and the freedom to make decisions without pressure.
Manager Community Relations Jeffery Tom said early awareness initiatives are critical in helping communities make informed decisions.
“It is important that communities understand what a project involves before any discussions about agreements take place,” Mr Tom said.
“Bringing Ok Birim landowners to Bige allows them to see for themselves how similar operations work and the safeguards that are in place.”
Ok Tedi said it remains committed to responsible resource development, environmental stewardship and respectful partnerships with landowners throughout the project lifecycle.
