Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) and the residents of Tabubil welcomed a distinguished delegation of government representatives on Thursday, 14th November, to celebrate OTML’s 40th anniversary dinner.

Among the prominent attendees were Minister for State-Owned Enterprises William Duma; Minister for Coffee William Bando; Minister for Highways and Works Solan Mirisim; South Fly MP and Minister for Livestock Sekie Agisa; Vice Minister for Mining Sam Basil Jr.; Western Governor Taboi Awi Yoto; Middle Fly MP Maso Hewabi; and their delegations. The anniversary dinner was also attended by local community leaders including the longest serving President of the Star Mountain LLG, Borok Pitalok and Chairman of the Mt Fubilan Landowners Resources Association Joshua David and key external industry stakeholders including SDP Manager Communications and Stakeholder Mark Haihuie and MRA Chief Inspector of Mines Lave Michael.

Upon their arrival at the Airport, they were greeted with a traditional welcome by a local Min singsing group. The guests were later given a tour of the Mine operations before gathering for the celebratory dinner.

As a bonus, the celebration included OTML’s first-ever virtual speech delivery by a Prime Minister, with Hon. James Marape addressing the attendees via Microsoft Teams at the celebratory dinner.

Throughout the evening, speakers commended OTML’s growth and resilience over four decades, highlighting its consistent production amid various challenges. OTML was also recognized and commended for its significant contributions to Papua New Guinea’s economic and social development, as outlined:

  • K13.4 billion in dividends to Papua New Guinean shareholders
  • K664 million in tax credit schemes (1997–2023) for key infrastructure projects
  • K1 billion in Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) payments (2001–2023), supporting local communities
  • K10.2 billion in taxes and duties paid to the national government, including:
      • K6 billion in Company Income Tax
      • K800 million in Dividend Withholding Tax
      • K2.0 billion in Salaries & Wages Tax
      • K300 million in Customs Duties
      • K350 million in Withholding Tax
      • K240 million in SISS PAYE Tax
      • K94 million in GST
      • K345 million in Mining Levy
      • K164 million in Production Levy
      • K200,000 in Departure Tax
      • K32 million in Royalty Withholding Tax
  • K1.6 billion in compensation payments
  • K1.4 billion in royalties distributed to landowner partners

In his keynote address, Minister for State-Owned Enterprises, Hon. William Duma, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for OTML: “We acknowledge OTML’s contributions and pledge our continued support to ensure the company’s operations proceed in line with its agreements with the government. This partnership remains crucial in supporting national revenue generation and positively impacting communities both in the impact areas and across Papua New Guinea.”

OTML remains committed to building sustainable futures for its stakeholders. The company is on track to generate an estimated K40 billion in revenue over the next 27 years.