OK TEDI MINING LIMITED (OTML)
SERACS Ltd has been entrusted by OK Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) to serve as one of the three (3) Independent Observers (IOs) in the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) Extension Review Project for 2024–2025. Commencing on February 19, 2024, the CMCA Extension Review process includes village meetings, regional meetings, and working group meetings. The goal of the CMCA review process is to obtain consent from the 158 mine-impacted villages to extend mine operations from 2026 to 2033.
The IOs’ role is to ensure that the CMCA Extension Review process aligns with the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), which is also in line with two important National Goals and Directive Principles of the country: Goal 2 - Equality and Participation, and Goal 5 - Papua New Guinea Ways.
FPIC refers to the right of community members to provide or withhold their consent for any action that would affect their lands, villages, or rights. “Free” means that community members' consent cannot be given under force or threat. The CMCA process aims to uphold this principle of FPIC, and the IOs' primary role is to ensure this is done properly. The CMCA process also upholds the concept of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), which is crucial for the extension of Ok Tedi mine operations into the future. The ESG concept emphasizes that the project developer must take a holistic approach in managing its environmental, social, and governance issues in compliance with IFC standards, the Mining Act 1992, and the Environment Act 2000.
The CMCA process provides an avenue for OTML to demonstrate to its key stakeholders how the company plans to manage its risks and opportunities related to ESG during the mine extension period from 2026 to 2033. The lessons learned from this CMCA process will play an important role in the other mining projects across the country, especially in project negotiations as part of Community Development Agreement (CDA), as per the Draft Mining Bill. The CMCA process for Ok Tedi Mine can also serve as a model for the Panguna Mine Legacy Assessment and efforts on environmental remediation and negotiations for compensations
DT GLOBAL PROJECT
Our terrestrial biologist specialist, Miss Othniella Vincent (second from right) and marine biologist specialist, Miss Zina Biwi (separate picture), have played an important role in the environmental assessment for the Rabaul Port Rehabilitation Project. Miss Vincent played a vital role in identifying the various vegetation types in the project area and evaluated their conservation significance. Her work also extended to flora and fauna evaluations, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the area's biodiversity.
Miss Biwi, was instrumental in the marine assessment, focusing on fish species in and around the port area that could be affected by the port's development. Her expertise was vital in identifying potential impacts and providing recommendations for sustainable marine management. These assessments are crucial for informing the feasibility study and guiding the sustainable development of the Rabaul Port Rehabilitation Project.
SERACS Ltd wish to extend our gratitude to DT Global, the lead consultant, for entrusting our company to undertake the environmental assessments as part of the feasibility study for the project.
APTC PROGRAM
SERACS Ltd Welcomes Mayur Resource Ltd Partners with APTC to Empower Local Workforce in CCL Project
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mayur Resource Ltd for formalizing a Partnership Agreement with the Australia-Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) to empower the local workforce within the communities involved in the Central Cement and Limestone (CCL) Project in Central Province.
As a contractor to Mayur Resource Ltd, we are proud to have initiated this workforce training program in 2023. Recognizing gaps in human resource capacity, our team reached out to APTC to leverage their training programs for underprivileged youths in the CCL Project area.
We initially covered the costs for the first batch of students from Lealea, including logistics, stationery, and daily meals. Following this, Mayur Resource Ltd took over financial support and assistance for the second batch from Kido village. This year, 33 students graduated with a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways from these two batches.
The recent signing of the Partnership Agreement between Mayur Resource Ltd and APTC reflects the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, APTC officers, and Mayur’s Community Affairs officers. This agreement ensures the sustainability of the workforce training program as a key component of local content development.
We extend our special thanks to Mayur Resource Ltd for their trust in us to facilitate this partnership. Together, we are making a lasting, positive impact on the communities involved in the CCL Project, fostering growth and development for a brighter future.
