Ok Tedi Mining

The Ok Tedi copper mine is situated in the headwaters of the Ok Tedi, which is a tributary of the Fly River. 'Ok' means 'river' in the local language. The Strickland River is also a tributary to the Fly, but is not affected by OTML's mining operations.

The river system, with its huge estuary and massive flood plains, lakes and tributaries, supports one of the richest fish, aquatic and wetland fauna in the Australasia and Indowest Pacific region. It is home to approximately 120 fish species as well as turtles, crocodiles and many other amphibians and reptiles.

Local and commercial fishing activities in the Fly River have increased significantly in recent years and are an important source of food and revenue for communities. Barramundi and fresh water prawns are fished commercially. Catfish and shellfish are important subsistence food sources for local communities.

The middle and lower reaches of the Fly River are characterised by a wide meandering stream with an extensive forested and grassed flood plain and numerous off-river water bodies and swamps. This flood plain, which extends over about 1,000 square kilometres of the river system, is typically wet or flooded for most of the year.

Downstream of its confluence with the Strickland River, the Fly River carries 90 million tonnes per year of sediment, of which 70 million tonnes is derived from the Strickland itself. This reflects the Strickland's high natural silt load.