Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) marked a significant milestone with the successful signing of the 4th Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA), with new and improved terms to the agreement, reinforcing its enduring commitment to the communities of Western Province and Papua New Guinea.

The 4th CMCA delivers the largest increase in benefits in the agreement’s history – up to 80 percent increase across the board, with some regions having more than 100 percent increases on their current CMCA compensation package. These benefits are not only larger in scale but broader in scope.

The 4th CMCA introduces three new components:

• Youth Development Programs to empower future generations.
• Short-Term Investment Opportunities to promote economic sustainability.
• And Impact Projects Agreement to address the social development gaps.

“These additions reflect our belief that the future of our communities lies not only in mining, but in education, entrepreneurship, and resilience,” said Ok Tedi Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit, when speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday 7th October.

Mr Ilimbit acknowledged the presence of Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, State Owned Enterprise Minister William Duma, Mining Minister Rainbo Paita, Minister for Livestock and Member for South Fly Seki Agisa, Deputy Opposition Leader and Member for North Fly James Donald, Western Provincial Governor Taboi Awi Yoto, Member for Delta Fly Agena Gamai and members of the Fly River Provincial Government administration. Also in attendance were the landowner leaders, and community representatives, statutory agencies and government departments; all of whom were involved in celebrating this momentous achievement built on over a year of inclusive dialogue and negotiation.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Board and Management of Kumul Minerals Holdings, the Mineral Resources Development Company Managing Director Augustine Mano and his management team, Mineral Resources Authority Managing Director Jerry Garry, PNG Sustainable Development Program Limited management, Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Secretary Harry Kore and his team, and National Energy Authority Managing Director Ronald Maketa.

“This agreement is the result of a rigorous dialogue process grounded in Free, Prior and Informed Consent,” said Mr Ilimbit. “Every village had the opportunity to engage, ask questions, and make informed decisions with the support of independent legal advisors. It has been a long journey, lasting 19 months but one that reflects our shared values of transparency and respect.”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, mine villages and CMCA leaders, women and youth representatives also commended Ok Tedi for the improvements to the CMCA benefits package and the willingness to work with them to achieve an outcome favourable to all parties.

Since the inception of CMCA in 2001, the Agreement has ensured that the 152 CMCA villages and six mine villages have a direct voice and stake in the mine’s operations. Today, these communities are not only beneficiaries but shareholders, owning 21 percent of shares in Ok Tedi through Mineral Resources CMCA Holdings and Minerals Resources Star Mountain. The remaining 12% of the 33% total shareholding by Western Province is held by the Fly River Provincial Government.

“As we honour PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary, Ok Tedi remains proud as a pillar of nation-building. We are not just a mining company – we are a company owned by Papua New Guineans, serving Papua New Guineans, and building Papua New Guinea,” said Mr Ilimbit. “Our legacy is measured not just in ounces of gold or tonnes of copper, but in the schools, health posts, infrastructure, and and sustainable livelihoods that will remain long after the mine closes.”

Mr Ilimbit concluded: “To our landowners: thank you for your trust, patience, and partnership. Ok Tedi belongs to all of us, and together, we will continue to make it a source of pride for Papua New Guinea.”