Ok Tedi Mining Ltd. (OTML) marked World Environment Day 2026 with extensive tree-planting and community sustainability initiatives across its operations, underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship, climate action and sustainable development.
The company planted more than 900 trees representing over 30 native species in Tabubil and Bige as part of activities commemorating the annual event observed globally on June 5.
According to Ok Tedi, the initiative promotes biodiversity conservation while supporting efforts to restore and protect ecosystems in areas where the company operates. The program also contributes to greenhouse gas reduction and environmental awareness among employees and surrounding communities.
World Environment Day, established by the United Nations and formally recognized in Papua New Guinea under National Gazette No. G600, serves as a platform to raise awareness and encourage action on environmental challenges.
This year's global theme, "Climate Action," aligns closely with Ok Tedi's 2026 environmental focus, "Committed to Positive Climate Action," highlighting the company's emphasis on reducing emissions while strengthening resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Ok Tedi said climate action remains central to its operations and the wellbeing of communities in its project areas. The company noted that rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, flooding and drought pose increasing risks to infrastructure, workforce safety and downstream river systems.
The miner said these challenges reinforce the need for responsible mining practices that protect environmental integrity while supporting long-term operational resilience and economic benefits.
Ok Tedi continues to align its environmental programs with Papua New Guinea's Climate Change (Management) Act 2015, the National Climate Change Policy and international commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The company is also pursuing certification under The Copper Mark, an independent assurance framework that assesses environmental, social and governance standards across the copper value chain.
As part of its Growth 2050 Energy Transition Strategy, Ok Tedi is investing in renewable energy projects beyond its existing Ok Menga hydropower facility and is working toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
At its Bige Operations, the company highlighted one of its largest environmental management programs, which annually manages about one million tonnes of piped pyrite concentrate and 17 million tonnes of dredged neutralized sand sediments recovered from the Fly River system.
Ok Tedi said strategic dredging helps mitigate downstream impacts, maintain river capacity and support the long-term sustainability of ecosystems and communities along the Fly River corridor.
The company also undertakes progressive rehabilitation of completed storage areas at Bige, rehabilitating approximately 30 hectares each year through the planting of more than 50,000 native trees.
According to Ok Tedi, former tailings storage areas are progressively converted into stable, vegetated landforms, contributing to environmental restoration, biodiversity enhancement and sustainable land use.
In addition to rehabilitation and tree-planting efforts, the company organized a series of environmental awareness and community engagement activities to mark World Environment Day.
These included a Workplace Environmental Improvement Competition aimed at promoting environmental awareness, inspections and hazard identification; Environmental Recognition Awards honoring teams that demonstrated excellence in meeting environmental obligations; and school-based photo and essay competitions in Tabubil and Kiunga focused on the Climate Action theme.
Ok Tedi said the activities reflect its broader commitment to fostering environmental responsibility among employees, students and communities while supporting sustainable development across its areas of operation.
