Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) recently hosted 30 landowners from Ok Birim villages in the North Fly District on an awareness visit to its Bige Operations as part of its commitment to transparency, early engagement, and informed decision making.
The visit aimed to provide landowners with a firsthand understanding of the Bige Operations, which include river dredging, landform rehabilitation, and the secure subaqueous storage of pyrite concentrate. These activities address long-standing environmental challenges associated with Ok Tedi’s operations, particularly the historical riverine tailings disposal.
A similar and enhanced operating concept is being considered for the proposed Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) Project at Ok Birim, which has been identified as the preferred site and is currently in the feasibility stage. The proposed TSF is a critical pillar of Ok Tedi’s Growth 2050 strategy, designed to provide a long-term solution to tailings management and progressively reduce reliance on river-based disposal and dredging activities at Bige.
The visit was organised by the company’s Community Relations Department, enabling landowners to observe operations firsthand, ask questions, and gained a clear understanding of how mine waste is managed in a controlled and environmentally monitored manner.
Ok Tedi emphasised that the TSF project will only progress following extensive consultation, understanding, and agreement with potentially impacted communities. Engagement is guided by the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), ensuring communities receive accurate information, sufficient time for consideration, and the freedom to make decisions without pressure.
Speaking during the visit, Manager Community Relations, Jeffery Tom, said early awareness initiatives are essential.
“It is important that communities understand what a project involves before any discussions about agreements take place. Bringing Ok Birim landowners to Bige allows them to see for themselves how similar operations work and the safeguards that are in place,” Mr Tom said.
Ok Tedi remains committed to responsible resource development, environmental stewardship, and respectful partnerships, ensuring landowners are fully informed and meaningfully involved throughout the project lifecycle.