Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) has successfully completed the construction of a critical underground pump station project, which improve mine water management, enhance safety, and saves significant cost.
The project, which started in August 2024 and was completed in June 2025, without any incident and below its projected cost with a saving of USD$1.2 million, highlighting Ok Tedi’s commitment to safety and operational excellence.
With an annual rainfall of 10,000mm experienced at the Mt Fubilan Operation, the pump station is designed to manage increased volumes of rainwater discharged into the mine pit through mine shafts and depressurisation holes. The system now channels this water through 800mm polypipes stretching 3.2 kilometres from the underground tunnel to the surface entrance, where the water is safely discharged into the river system. This engineering solution creates a safe and dry working environment for underground crews, leading to continuous productivity and improved conditions.
The successful delivery of this complex project involved the collaboration of three contractors -Tabubil Engineering (TE), the Major Project Electrical Team, and Milum Services Limited (Milum) – who worked closely with over 40 Ok Tedi underground mining crew members, including the Wokman Teleoks Limited (WTL) embedded contract miners.
The project led by James Waisime, Manager Mine Support Service and Underground, was delivered collaboratively by mining engineers, geotechnical engineers, structural engineers, surveyors, boilermakers, pump fitters, electricians and underground miners from the Mine Operations business unit and Major Project Engineering Team.
“This was a true team effort,” said Mr Waisime. “The safe and timely completion of this project demonstrates the strength of collaboration across departments and our contractors. I’m proud of the commitment and professionalism shown by everyone involved.”
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit congratulated the team for successfully completing the project.
“As a world class mine, it is imperative that we adopt global best practices. The underground pump station is among a number of projects undertaken by Ok Tedi to improve operational efficiency within our mine operation to ensure we continue to deliver results for the benefit of our shareholders – the people of Western Province and Papua New Guinea,” said Mr Ilimbit.