In preparation for the proposed Frieda River Copper-Gold Mine, a team of East Sepik Provincial Government officials has gained valuable insights from the Ok Tedi Mine’s operation during their six-day fact-finding mission to the mine.
Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) hosted the delegates.
The team stated: “The force of this delegation is to prepare for the upcoming Freda River Copper –Gold Project in the East Sepik Region and also to understand the various aspects of the mine operations.”
The delegation from the Provincial Administration Mining Desk Team, visited from the 11th – 16th August 2024, have discovered the Mine, Mill, Ok Menga Hydro Power Station, Bige and Kiunga Operations.
They also observed the management of mining waste, pyrite concentrate plant, environment monitoring, community relations activities, national and local content business structure and community development programs particularly through the Ok Tedi Development Foundation
(OTDF)
Team leader Mr Martin Torovi said Ok Tedi is of a similar physical setting to the proposed Frieda River Mine and the legacy issues of Ok Tedi are the very concerns and anxiety of the Sepik River people.
Mr Torovi stated that we Sepik’s don’t have experiences to manage these issues, but now we reached out to Ok Tedi for the learning experience.
he agreed with his teammates “if Environment Permits is granted, East Sepik Provincial Administration will be asked with managing a large mine’s “environment impacts”, benefit sharing agreement and negotiations.”
Mr Torovi highlighted some of the key takeaways from the visit include: “Development of Engineered Waste Rock Dumps, pyrite treatment plant, Bige Dredging, sustainable development projects, understanding the Equity, Royalty Trusts and Development Funds structure.”
‘We also could not have asked for a better time to conduct this visit, we had the opportunity to observe the CMCA meetings that is very appropriate to concern we have, “Mr Torovi added.
Provincial Mine and Lands Minister, Mr Leo Singut said, he was appreciative of the opportunity to visit and learn from Ok Tedi.
Singut is the President of Gaui LLG in ESP.
OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Llimbit said, “we are pleased to provide the delegation valuable insight into the multifaceted activities of our operation.”
CEO Mr Llimbit added: “We believe the visit has provided the valuable information as they prepare for the upcoming Frieda River Project and its impacts in their respective region and province.