OTML attains certificate to dispose refrigerant gases

OK Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) has attained a “Certificate of responsible disposal” for responsibly disposing 1,095 kilograms of mixed refrigerant gases, the company said in a statement.
According to OTML, the gas were disposed to an Australian-based facility approved by Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (Cepa).
Refrigerant gas is an ozone depleting substance (ODS) meaning it has the potential to destroy the earth’s protective ozone layer.
While Papua New Guinea is yet to establish a national strategy for the proper destruction of ODS in the country, OTML was confirmed to be the first in the country to responsibly destroy ODS.
OTML waste management manager Dexter Wagambie said: “OTML, being a responsible miner, has taken the bold step to responsibly dispose of its reclaimed refrigerant gases.
“It was a challenge as it was the first in PNG.
“Our Cepa national ozone unit team was extremely helpful with the permits process so they need to be equally praised for supporting us.”
A letter from Cepa managing director Gunther Joku to authorise the ODS shipment commended OTML for the initiative.