Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) is aware of concerns circulating on social media regarding the health conditions reportedly affecting several women from communities along the Fly River system. The company has taken immediate steps to ensure the matter is assessed objectively and independently.
Ok Tedi takes all concerns relating to community health and environmental stewardship seriously. While allegations on social media have linked the reported skin conditions of two women to the company's operations along the Fly River, no medical assessment has established the cause of the conditions or any connection to the mine.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, Ok Tedi will deploy an independent medical team to investigate the reported cases. The team will work closely with Daru Hospital and the Western Provincial Health Authority to conduct medical assessments, collect samples, and gather the information necessary for a comprehensive review. Samples collected during the investigation will be sent to independent external laboratories for testing and evaluation.
Ok Tedi Health Services Manager Raymond Singamis said the company's priority is to establish the facts and ensure appropriate support is provided where needed.
"We understand the concerns being expressed by affected families and communities. Ok Tedi is committed to working with health authorities to ensure a thorough investigation is undertaken to establish the facts surrounding these reports. Where assistance is required, we will work with health authorities and medical specialists to provide appropriate care and treatment as part of our corporate social responsibility," Singamis said.
Ok Tedi Environment Manager Erizo Kepe said the company operates one of Papua New Guinea's most comprehensive environmental monitoring programs, including regular monitoring of catchment water quality, sediment chemistry, terrestrial and aquatic resources, and the safety of food resources for human consumption using World Health Organization (WHO)-accredited Codex Alimentarius methodologies. The program also includes extensive ecosystem health studies throughout the Fly River system.
"While no link has been established between the reported medical conditions and environmental impacts associated with Ok Tedi's operations, we take these concerns seriously and are committed to supporting a thorough investigation. It is important that any conclusions are based on verified medical and environmental evidence, and we will continue to work transparently with health authorities, regulators, and affected communities as the assessment progresses," Kepe said.
The company emphasized the importance of allowing the independent medical investigation and scientific analysis to be completed before drawing conclusions about the cause of the reported conditions.
Ok Tedi remains committed to responsible environmental management and the well-being of communities within its areas of operation. The company said it will continue to keep stakeholders informed as more information becomes available and once the independent assessments have been completed.
