Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi), through its wholly owned subsidiary Misima Minerals Limited (MML), has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government at all levels, landowners and local communities as planning and early works for the proposed Misima Project continue.
Representatives from Ok Tedi, Misima Minerals Limited, the Milne Bay Provincial Government, relevant state agencies, landowner groups and other key stakeholders met in Alotau this week to discuss project progress, address stakeholder concerns and identify priorities that will help guide the parties' focus on project development.
The meeting provided an opportunity for open dialogue on project activities, including feasibility studies and environmental and social impact assessments, both of which are required for mining and environmental permits, infrastructure planning and future opportunities for local participation.
Ok Tedi General Manager, Social Performance and Sustainability, Jesse Pile, said the company remains committed to ensuring stakeholders are actively engaged throughout the development process.
"The Misima Project can only succeed through genuine partnership between government at all levels, landowners, mine-associated communities and the developer. Meetings such as this are critical to ensuring we are listening to key stakeholders while sharing information openly to assist them in understanding the project's status as it evolves from exploration to mining."
"Meaningful partnerships are built through regular engagement and open communication. We are committed to working alongside the Provincial Government, landowners, communities and local businesses to ensure stakeholders' perspectives continue to inform project planning and help maximise long-term benefits for Misima, Milne Bay Province and Papua New Guinea."
General Manager of Misima Minerals Limited, Ben Burger, said stakeholder engagement continues to play a vital role in shaping project planning and decision-making.
"Stakeholder feedback remains critical as we progress feasibility studies, environmental assessments and project planning activities. The insights shared during this meeting will help inform our work as we continue to evaluate the project's technical, environmental and social aspects."
Burger also provided an update on the project's development stages, including:
- Early works, including camp and access road development;
- Exploration and resource drilling activities;
- Feasibility study and permitting processes;
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) activities and environmental permitting requirements with the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA); and
- Preparation of the Mining Lease application and approval process.
Speaking on behalf of the Milne Bay Provincial Administration, Deputy Provincial Administrator, Technical and Advisory Services, Michael Viula, welcomed Ok Tedi and MML to Alotau and expressed appreciation for the continued collaboration between the Provincial Government, the project developer and landowners.
"We support the company's commitment to constructive engagement, transparency and collaboration. Working together is essential to achieving sustainable development outcomes that deliver lasting benefits for the people of Milne Bay Province."
A leader from Narian village, Elijah Gwama, said the ongoing consultation process is important in ensuring community voices remain central to project planning, execution and decision-making.
Gwama said: "We appreciate the opportunity to engage directly with the company and government representatives. Open dialogue allows our concerns, aspirations and expectations to be heard and considered as the project moves forward. We look forward to continuing to work together to ensure positive outcomes are achieved for our communities and future generations."
The participants discussed a range of issues and opportunities associated with the project and agreed on the importance of maintaining open communication and regular engagement as studies and project work continue.
The meeting forms part of Ok Tedi's broader commitment to responsible project development and ensuring stakeholders remain informed and involved as the Misima Project advances through feasibility, permitting and development planning stages.
Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) is a majority state-owned entity that operates an open-pit copper, gold and silver mine located in the Star Mountains of Western Province, Papua New Guinea. We ship copper concentrate to smelters and ore refineries in Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, India and Germany.
The company has been operating in the region for more than 40 years and has made a significant contribution to development in Western Province through direct and indirect employment, royalties, compensation payments and business opportunities.
Ok Tedi is expanding its operations to Milne Bay Province through the acquisition of Gallipoli Exploration Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian mining company Kingston Resources Limited, for the Misima mine.
The company's registered office and senior operational management team are located in Tabubil, Western Province, PNG. It also has a representative office in Port Moresby and a marketing and logistics facility in Brisbane, Australia.
To learn more about Ok Tedi Mining Limited, visit our website at www.oktedi.com.
