Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) has reached a major milestone in its Growth 2050 Strategy with the submission of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report for the proposed Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) at Ok Birim to the Papua New Guinea government — a transformational project designed to significantly reduce downstream impacts associated with riverine tailings disposal and secure the long-term future of the Ok Tedi mine.
The documents were presented to Conservation and Environment Protection Agency Director of the Non-Renewable Resources Division Michael Wau and his team, in the presence of Mineral Resources Authority Deputy Managing Director and Chief Inspector of Mines Michael Lave, in Port Moresby this week.
The ESIA submission forms a key part of Ok Tedi's application for a major amendment to its existing Level 3 Environment Permit conditions issued under the Ok Tedi Environment Management Act (OTEMA) in 2020.
OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit said the TSF is one of the most important projects in the company's history.
“The Tailings Storage Facility is critical to the future of Ok Tedi and represents the single largest environmental mitigation initiative ever undertaken by the company,” Ilimbit said. “It is a cornerstone of our Growth 2050 Strategy that will support the continued operation of the Ok Tedi mine while fundamentally changing the way we manage process tailings."
Ilimbit added that the primary objective of the TSF is to significantly reduce downstream impacts associated with riverine tailings disposal by retaining both coarse and fine tailings on land. This will allow us to largely eliminate the currently approved practice of riverine tailings disposal and transition to a modern engineered storage system that meets international expectations for responsible tailings management.
“Importantly, this project will deliver lasting environmental benefits for the Ok Tedi and Fly River systems while ensuring the economic and social benefits generated by the mine continue to support PNG, Western Province, our communities, employees, business partners and shareholders well into the future," he said.
He said the proposed TSF had been designed by an internationally recognised engineering company in accordance with international standards to provide a technically proven, environmentally sound and economically viable alternative to riverine tailings disposal.
Key environmental benefits of the project include:
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Significant reduction in the volume of tailings entering the downstream river system.
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Reduced future sediment accumulation in the Ok Tedi and Fly River corridors.
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Lower pressure on river morphology and sediment transport processes downstream of the mine.
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Reduced long-term environmental footprint associated with tailings disposal, including dieback.
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Improved protection of aquatic habitats and the ecological health of the river systems.
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Reduced potential impacts on communities that rely on the river system for transport, fishing and traditional livelihoods.
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Alignment with contemporary international tailings management standards and responsible mining practices.
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Creation of a long-term environmental legacy through the transition away from riverine tailings disposal.
Ok Tedi acknowledged the valuable contributions of government agencies, regulators, landowners, local communities and other stakeholders who participated throughout the assessment process.
Ilimbit said stakeholder engagement had been a key component of the project's development.
“The development of the TSF has been supported by extensive technical studies and a comprehensive Free, Prior and Informed Consultation process with affected communities and stakeholders,” Ilimbit said. “Their input has been critical in shaping the project and ensuring we develop a solution that delivers long-term environmental and social benefits.
“As a nationally significant operation, Ok Tedi has a responsibility to ensure its future growth is supported by sustainable and responsible environmental management. The TSF represents one of the company's largest environmental mitigation initiatives and will provide lasting benefits well beyond the life of the mine," he added.
The ESIA Executive Summary will be made available through the appropriate channels once final reviews and disclosure requirements have been completed. This will include publication on the Ok Tedi website, supported by clear information to help stakeholders understand the project, the assessment process and how questions or concerns can be raised.
Ok Tedi will continue to engage with stakeholders before and after publication of the document to ensure information is shared in a clear, accessible and responsible manner.
