Careers
OTML has a human resource that is as valuable to its operations as the ore resource on Mt Fubilan. Without the expertise and dedication of the employees, the mine would not be able to function. The common purpose that drives all mine employees is encapsulated in the OTML Charter.
The OTML Charter outlines the company's values of integrity, open and transparent communications, participation and involvement, win-win relationships and operating excellence with continuous improvement. These values provide guidelines for the company's approach to policy making and the challenges it faces in its day-to-day operations.
An important aspect of the Charter relates to preferentially employing PNG nationals, specifically people who live within the “Preferred Area”. This includes any PNG citizens who are ethnically from the Telefomin and Kiunga districts and sub-districts. More than a third of the employees are from the Western Province and local areas.
All OTML employees are required to respect local customs, and not infringe upon the lifestyle of the local people in the project area.
OTML directly employs more than 2,000 people, and 95 percent of these employees are PNG citizens.
A further example of the mine’s commitment to the people of PNG is the education and training that is provided. The company actively encourages PNG national staff to undertake specific training programs and further education, sponsors local students to attend university and offers apprenticeship, traineeship and graduate places each year. It is a testament to the experience and training that OTML employees receive that so many former employees of OTML can be found on the mine-sites and in the offices of many Australian and other overseas enterprises.
Airlines PNG, Air Niugini and OTML charter aircraft run frequently between Tabubil, the capital Port Moresby, and elsewhere in PNG. The OTML charter also has three flights to Cairns each week. This means that despite its remote location, Tabubil is only a short flight from major centres.
In the production areas of the mine, the operations are continuous, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Expatriate employment
To work at OTML, expatriates must obtain a work permit and multiple-entry visa. Travel assistance is provided by OTML for recruitment and repatriation, annual leave and rest and recreation leave. Educational assistance is also provided for families relocating to PNG.
Salaries are stated in Australian dollars, and paid in Kina. As a guide, on 14th January 2008, one Australian dollar was worth 2.71 Kina. Housing allocation for expatriates is determined by whether the employee is accompanied by his or her family. Arrangements are made for storage and shipment of possessions for all expatriate employees during their period worked at OTML.
OTML advertises expatriate professional positions in the Australian Press. It does not generally advertise internationally. OTML has a localisation program directed at the development of PNG.