Bougainville Copper Delegation Gains Operational Insights from Ok Tedi Mine Visit
Western Province, PNG – A high-level team from Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) recently undertook a two-day fact-finding mission to the Ok Tedi Mine as part of its preparations for the proposed redevelopment of the Panguna mine in Central Bougainville.
The visit, which took place on May 14 and 15, was aimed at drawing lessons from Papua New Guinea’s longest-operating copper and gold mine. The BCL delegation included Chairman Sir Melchior Togolo, Chief Executive Officer Johnny Auna, and Corporate Advisor Derrick Kelly.
 |
| OK Tedi Mine PNG [Photo supplied] |
According to CEO Johnny Auna, the similarities between Ok Tedi and the anticipated Panguna redevelopment made the visit especially valuable. The delegation toured various operational facilities, including the main mine site, processing plant, and Bige dredging and tailings management area. They also visited the Kiunga facilities for concentrate drying, storage and shipping, as well as the Ok Menga 60-megawatt hydroelectric power station and a pilot initiative focused on recycling used vehicle tyres.
A key focus for the team was the management of mine waste and environmental rehabilitation, particularly the restoration of forests affected by tailings. Mr Auna noted that Ok Tedi’s four decades of experience provided critical insights into best practices for addressing environmental, technical, and community-related challenges in mining.
“As we work toward securing a mining licence for Panguna, it is vital that we develop comprehensive plans for ore processing, waste treatment, power generation, and community engagement. The Ok Tedi visit offered a range of potential strategies for consideration,” Mr Auna said.
BCL currently holds a five-year Exploration Licence (EL01) for the Panguna project, granted by the Autonomous Bougainville Government in early 2024. The company is now working to meet the associated licence conditions.
Mr Auna expressed his appreciation to Ok Tedi Mining Limited’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr Kedi Ilimbit, and his senior management team for their hospitality and the opportunity to gain firsthand insights from a long-standing operation.
Also read
Post a Comment