As part of its ongoing commitment to developing human capital in mine-associated communities, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) has taken a leading role in improving education infrastructure that will enhance learning outcomes for current and future generations. The successful airlifting of construction materials for the Ok Ma Junior High School project marks a significant step forward in expanding access to quality education in one of the region’s most remote areas.
Construction materials for the Ok Ma Junior High School project have been successfully airlifted to site, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to improve education infrastructure in the mine impacted communities.
The project is a collaborative effort supported by several partners. Milum Services Limited contributed K300,000 towards the initiative, while the Ok Tedi Development Foundation provided K100,000 in funding. Ok Tedi, through its Donations Committee administered by Community Relations and Sustainability Department, supported with purchase of building materials and coordinated 17 helicopter airlifts to transport the building materials to the remote project sites. Kayop Investment Limited (KIL), a local landowner company, also provided free storage and logistical support to facilitate the operation.
North Fly District Administration and the Fly River Provincial Government have pledged their support for the Ok Ma Junior High School Project as well.
According to Mr Stanley Kumasimba, Programme Manager of the Star Mountain Education Foundation (SMEF), the materials delivered will support construction of the Junior High Schools facilities at Ok Ma.
Mr Kumasimba confirmed that construction is scheduled to commence next week once all materials have been fully airlifted.
Mr Jeffery Tom, Manager Community Relations and Sustainability at Ok Tedi, said that Ok Tedi is pleased to support the Ok Ma school projects under the Star Mountain Education Foundation (SMEF) initiatives because it is serving students from more than 10 villages from the Upper North Ok Tedi Community Mine Continuation Agreement regions and neighbouring villages from Ningerum and Star Mountains LLGs respectively.
Mr Tom, who is also a member of the Board of Directors at SMEF, emphasised that education remains a central pillar of community development and reaffirmed Ok Tedi’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve learning opportunities for communities in its areas of operation.
“Ok Tedi is a responsible corporate citizen, and the company is committed to investing in the education and development of our future local and national leaders,” Mr Tom added.
He further noted that improving education infrastructure is critical to building a skilled, capable and empowered workforce that can contribute to long-term regional and national development.
Ok Tedi, through its Tax Credit Scheme (TCS) project, has secured K15 million in funding assistance to support the development of key education facilities. This includes classrooms, science laboratories, and teachers’ housing for Ok Ma Junior High School are currently being prefabricated, with delivery and installation scheduled for the second half of 2026.