A group of Panguna Mine Landowners has visited the Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) to learn insights from the company’s successes.
OTML in a statement said as Papua New Guinea’s leading national mining company, they are committed to strengthening communities through open knowledge sharing, practical learning, and the promotion of responsible resource development across the country.
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This commitment formed the basis of a week-long 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, while balancing economic gains with social development.”
Accompanying the delegation were representatives from Bougainville Copper Limited and Social Environmental Research and Consultancy Services Limited (SERACS).
The week-long program enabled the delegation to learn first-hand how a full-scale mining operation functions—from its operational areas to the social and environmental programs that serve as critical pillars sustaining its social license to operate.
This included exposure to Ok Tedi’s well-established environmental mitigation programs and projects, systems for compensation and benefit sharing, community engagement initiatives, and the development of successful spin-off business opportunities.
The delegation visited key components of Ok Tedi’s operations, including the Mine and Mill, the Kiunga Port Facility, Bige Dredging, stockpile and rehabilitation operations, as well as the company’s environmental mitigation and monitoring programs.
They also visited the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) to learn about the organization’s mandate and its work in the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) areas.
For the landowner representatives, the visit provided clarity and valuable insights as they plan for future resource development in Bougainville.
Raphael Evinu said their interest in the Ok Tedi 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 operations as part of our preparation towards the reopening of the Panguna Mine. We especially wanted to understand how Ok Tedi works with landowners and communities through compensation, benefit 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 through 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 are managed—something we once 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.
This 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.
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/ok-tedi-drives-stronger-safety-culture-across-operations/
“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,” Mr. Ilimbit said.