OK Tedi Mining Limited Apprenticeship Program

 Mining companies operating in Papua New Guinea use structured payment systems that comply with national labour laws and industry standards. Because most mines operate in remote locations, payroll processes are designed to ensure employees are paid consistently, whether they work on fly-in fly-out rosters or live in mining townships. Employment contracts clearly outline payment schedules and entitlements to ensure transparency.

PNG Mine Workers Salary or Pay and Benefits

Most mining firms in PNG pay employees through direct bank deposits using major banks such as BSP, Westpac and Kina Bank. Workers are paid on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis depending on their job level and roster arrangement. Electronic payments allow large mines such as Ok Tedi, Porgera, Lihir and Ramu NiCo to manage thousands of workers efficiently and accurately.

Salaries within the mining sector vary depending on skill level, qualifications and job responsibilities. Typical salary ranges (PGK per fortnight) include: (Below shows Estimated figures for per pay day)

1. General Labourers: PGK 900 – PGK 1,500
2. Skilled Tradespeople (Fitters, Welders, Electricians): PGK 1,800 – PGK 3,500
3. Equipment Operators: PGK 2,000 – PGK 4,000
4. Safety Officers: PGK 2,200 – PGK 4,500
5. Technicians (Mechanical, Electrical, Processing): PGK 2,500 – PGK 5,500
6. Graduate Engineers: PGK 3,000 – PGK 5,000
7. Experienced Engineers / Supervisors: PGK 5,000 – PGK 9,000
8. Senior Engineers / Superintendents: PGK 8,000 – PGK 14,000
9. Managers: PGK 12,000 – PGK 25,000
10. Expatriate Specialists: PGK 30,000 – PGK 80,000

Higher-level technical staff and managers receive increased compensation due to the specialised skills and responsibilities required in major operations. These structured salary scales help companies attract and retain qualified professionals needed to run complex mining plants and maintain production targets.

In addition to salaries, mining employees receive various allowances and benefits, which significantly add to their total earnings. Common benefits include:

Housing or Camp Accommodation

1. Meal Allowances or Full Catering
2. Medical Insurance
3. Shift and Site Allowances
4. Overtime Payments
5. Superannuation (NASFUND or Nambawan Super)
6. Annual Leave and Travel Assistance
7. Performance Bonuses for Key Roles

Mining companies also apply required statutory deductions such as tax and superannuation, ensuring compliance with PNG regulations. Pay slips detailing earnings, deductions and allowances are issued regularly to maintain transparency. Overall, PNG’s mining sector provides structured and competitive payment packages that support workers, their families and the wider communities connected to major resource projects.

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OK Tedi Mining Limited Apprenticeship Program