Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) is aware of concerns circulating on social media regarding the health condition developed by several women from communities along the Fly River system and has taken immediate steps to ensure the matter is assessed objectively and independently.
Ok Tedi takes all concerns relating to community health and environmental stewardship seriously. While allegations have been made on social media, linking the reported skin conditions developed by two women to mine impacts on the Fly River, the cause of the reported medical conditions has not been established through medical assessment.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, Ok Tedi will deploy an independent medical team to investigate and review the reported cases. The team will work closely with Daru Hospital and Western Provincial Health Authority to conduct medical assessments, collect samples and gather information necessary for a comprehensive review. Samples collected during the investigation will be sent to external laboratories for independent testing and evaluation.
Ok Tedi Manager Health Services Raymond Singamis said the company’s priority is to establish the facts and ensure appropriate support is provided where required.
“We understand the concerns being expressed by affected families and communities. Ok Tedi is committed to working with health authorities to ensure a thorough investigation is undertaken to establish the facts surrounding these reports. Where assistance is required, we will work with health authorities and medical specialists to provide appropriate care and treatment as part of our corporate social responsibility,” said Mr Signamis.
“Ok Tedi operates one of Papua New Guinea’s most extensive environmental monitoring programmes, including regular monitoring of the catchment water quality, sediment chemistry, terrestrial and aquatic resources availability and safety for human consumption using World Health Organisation (WHO) accredited Codex Alimentarius methodology, and rigorous general ecosystem health studies throughout the Fly River system,’’ said Ms Erizo Kepe, Ok Tedi Environment Manager.
“While no link has been established between the reported medical conditions to environmental impacts associated with Ok Tedi’s operations, we take these concerns seriously and are committed to supporting a thorough investigation. It is important to ensure that any conclusions made are based on verified medical and environmental evidence, and we will continue to work transparently with health authorities, regulators and affected communities as the assessment progresses.’’
The company emphasises that it is important to allow the independent medical investigation and scientific analysis to be completed before speculating the cause of the reported conditions.
Ok Tedi remains committed to responsible environmental management and the wellbeing of communities within its areas of operation. The company will provide updates to stakeholders as more information becomes available and once the independent assessments have been completed.