As Papua New Guinea’s leading national mining company, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) is committed to strengthening communities through open knowledge sharing, practical learning and the promotion of responsible resource development across the country.
This commitment formed the basis of a weeklong visit by a delegation of Former Panguna Mine Affected Area Association Representatives from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville from 22–28 February 2026.
The visit aligns with Ok Tedi’s broader efforts to build capability and confidence within communities as they address complex decisions around mining, development and long‑term benefit sharing and balancing the economic gains with social development .
Accompanying the delegation were Bougainville Copper Limited and Social Environmental Research and Consultancy Services (SERACS) Limited representatives.
The weeklong program allowed the delegation to learn first-hand how a full scale mine operates, from its operational areas to the social and environmental programs which provide critical pillars that sustain its social license to operate. This included exposure to Ok Tedi’s well established environmental mitigation programs and projects, systems for compensation and benefits sharing, community engagement, and the development of successful spin off business opportunities.
The delegation visited key components of Ok Tedi’s operations including the Mine and Mill, Kiunga Port Facility, Bige Dredging, Stockpile and Rehabilitation operations, as well as the company’s Environment Mitigation and Monitoring programs. They also visited the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) to learn about the organisations mandate and work in the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) areas.
For the landowner representatives, the experience provided clarity and valuable insights into their plan for future resource development in Bougainville.
Raphael Evinu, said their interest in Ok Tedi’s model began at the 2024 Community Affairs and National Content Conference and Exhibition (CANCONEX) in Port Moresby.
“We wanted to see and learn about Ok Tedi’s operation as part of our preparation toward the reopening of the Panguna Mine. We especially wanted to understand how Ok Tedi works with landowners and communities through compensation, benefits sharing, and spin off opportunities.
Sylvester Birou highlighted the extent of the exposure they received and the reassurance it brought.
“Our visit covered the full length of Ok Tedi’s operations with presentations and site tours. Many questions our people have asked for years were answered here.
“At the mine pit and mill, I saw only nationals working, including Bougainvilleans, which made me proud.
“Ok Tedi’s environmental monitoring and mitigation programs are impressive. At Bige, we saw how tailings and pyrite were managed, something we believed was impossible. From this visit, many uncertainties have been cleared.”
Ok Tedi Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit reaffirmed the company’s commitment to knowledge sharing and responsible mining practices.
“Knowledge sharing is essential for building capable, confident and resilient communities. The visit provided a practical learning platform for the Panguna Mine Landowners as they consider the future of Panguna and explore opportunities for community participation, enterprise development, and improved social outcomes. “Ok Tedi looks forward to continued collaboration and supports the delegation’s commitment to ensuring their people are empowered, informed, and ready for the decisions ahead,” said Mr Ilimbit.