Mine launches review project on extension

THE Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) last month launched the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) extension review project, according to manager community relations and sustainability Jeffery Tom.
He said the 2024-2025 project would obtain consent from the 158 mine impacted villages to extend mine operations from 2026 – 2033.
“The project will review the entire CMCA agreement between OTML and the eight CMCA regions and mine villages, with a particular emphasis on the total benefits packages,” Tom said.
“The OTML operates under a social licence which is the CMCA enacted by Parliament.
“The CMCA extension is known as a mine life extension agreement and the review is to ensure the community is well informed before consenting to an extension of the agreement period for another eight years.” He added that the consent by the communities gave the OTML the social license to operate and secure the interest of the communities that depend on the mine.
“It is in the best interest of the impacted communities and beneficiaries to seek continuity of the benefits that is derived from Ok Tedi to have the mine secured so Ok Tedi will continue to operate.”
The review will involve village meetings, regional meetings, and working group meetings.
Village meetings will be conducted in all 158 CMCA and mine villages. Regional meetings will be conducted at regional centres involving nominated village representatives and stakeholders.
The working group meetings will be between the OTML management, key stakeholders and regional delegates elected from village meetings, which also include regional women and youth presidents.