Community and Environment
The community and the environment are critically interlinked. Ok Tedi provides a very strong example of this connection, as Ok Tedi Mining Limited is characterised by its interactions with the local community and the mining operation's effect on the environment.
Despite the mine's impact on the river system and their subsistence livelihoods, the people of the Ok Tedi and Fly River have strongly endorsed its continued operation. This is in recognition of the broader economic and social benefits that the mine has generated.
For OTML, the challenge going forward is to minimise the mine's future impacts, whilst maximising its social and economic benefits for the affected communities.
The Community Mine Continuation Agreements are the basis for the mine’s operation, and are the product of negotiations between affected communities and OTML, facilitated by independent advisors and attended by relevant stakeholders. The last review of the CMCAs was concluded in June 2007, and resulted in an improved compensation and development package.
OTML are committed to minimising the environmental impact of the mine, and have made significant investment in research and projects to achieve this end.