Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) marked World Environment Day 2026 through tree planting and community sustainability initiatives across its operations, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship, climate action and sustainable development.
Leading the observance, Ok Tedi planted more than 900 trees representing more than 30 native species in Tabubil and Bige. The initiative promoted local biodiversity conservation while reinforcing Ok Tedi’s commitment to restoring and protecting the ecosystems in which it operates. This initiative reflects the company’s hands-on approach to environmental ownership by combining rehabilitation, greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, and environmental awareness to both employees and surrounding communities.
World Environment Day, established by the United Nations and observed globally on 5 June, provides a platform to drive awareness and action on pressing environmental issues. In PNG , it is formally recognised under National Gazette No. G600.
This year’s theme, Climate Action, aligns strongly with Ok Tedi’s 2026 focus, “Committed to Positive Climate Action,” reinforcing the company’s dual approach to mitigation—reducing emissions—and adaptation to the impacts of a changing climate.
Climate action remains central to Ok Tedi’s operations, the environment in which it operates, and the wellbeing of surrounding communities. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, flooding, and drought present risks to infrastructure, workforce safety, and downstream riverine system. These realities underscore the importance of responsible mining practices that safeguard environmental integrity while ensuring long-term operational resilience and the associated economic benefits.
Ok Tedi continues to align with PNG’s Climate Change (Management) Act 2015, the National Climate Change Policy, and global commitments such as the Paris Agreement. The company is also working towards achieving The Copper Mark certificate, an independent assurance framework for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards across the copper value chain. Through its Growth 2050 Energy Transition Strategy, Ok Tedi is actively reducing its carbon footprint through additional renewable energy investments apart from the Ok Menga hydro power and progressing towards carbon neutrality by 2050.
At its Bige Operations, Ok Tedi’s commitment to climate action and environmental stewardship is demonstrated through one of its largest environmental management programs. Each year, Bige safely manages approximately one million tonnes of piped pyrite concentrate and 17 million tonnes of dredged neutralised sand sediments recovered from the Fly River system. Through strategic dredging, sediment is removed from the river to help mitigate downstream impacts, maintain river capacity, and support the long-term sustainability of ecosystems and community livelihoods along the Fly River corridor.
The operation also undertakes progressive rehabilitation of completed storage areas, with approximately 30 hectares rehabilitated annually through the planting of more than 50,000 trees from a diverse range of native species. These former tailings storage areas are progressively transformed into stable, vegetated landforms, demonstrating how responsible mine waste management can contribute to environmental restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable land use.
Beyond the tree planting and rehabilitation activities, Ok Tedi also marked the World Environment Day through a range of community sustainability initiatives aimed at environmental awareness and encouraging community participation. Activities include:
- Workplace Environmental Improvement Competition – promoting continuous improvement through awareness, inspections, and hazard identification.
- Environmental Recognition Awards – recognising teams demonstrating excellence and improvement in meeting environmental obligations.
- School Competitions (Tabubil and Kiunga) – engaging primary and secondary students through photo and essay competitions aligned to the Climate Action theme.