Dry weather not affecting mine ops

By CHARLES MOI and MICHAEL LAI
THE Ok Tedi Mining Limited operations in mining and processing are continuing despite the dry weather spell in Western, according to a statement from the company.
It is yet to activate dry weather measures at this stage, but continues to carefully monitor weather forecasts and stocks of critical supplies, including food, diesel and urgent parts.
The mine was forced to close down in 2015 because of the prolonged dry weather in Western. Over the past 25 days, rainfall has been negligible.
The company said most of its vessels were stranded in the Fly River and unable to deliver critical supplies to Kiunga or shipments of copper concentrate out.
“At a minimum, occasional heavy storms are needed in the Fly River catchment to allow vessels to transit through the shallows.
The company will release further updates should the dry spell continue.”
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service says dry conditions are likely to remain in certain parts of the country up to next month.
Director Samuel Maiha said rain should come in slowly.
Some rain is expected this month but drought is likely to continue, he said.
Maiha said rain and normal weather were expected by the end of next month and drought was not likely to continue into February or March