Frieda River project director Phil McCormack has confirmed the mine will not dispose of its waste into the Sepik river system.
The proposed Frieda River copper-gold project is located near the Sepik River. Frieda River Limited (FRL) – the site’s operator and subsidiary of PanAust – has ensured the surrounding communities that the company is committed to protecting the Sepik ecosystem “at all costs”.
“PanAust does not take lightly its commitment to ensuring the safe design, safe construction, and safe operation of the (tailings) dam,” McCormack said.
“PanAust is mindful of the ecosystem it is in including its host communities. As a values-driven organisation, it assures its host communities and governments that is committed to sustainably operating its business in an environmentally, socially, and culturally responsible way for the benefit of all stakeholders.”
The construction of the Frieda River mine will include the building of the Frieda River hydroelectric project. Within the hydroelectric project, FRL will build a 191m-high asphalt core rockfill dam to act as an integrated storage facility.
The dam has been designed in accordance with international standards, using the internationally recognised dam construction method of asphalt core rockfill.
“The Sepik development project is owned by PanAust, a high performing Australian based mining company that operates successful mines with waste rock and tailings storage facilities in Laos,” McCormack said.
“We understand the importance of the Sepik ecosystem, where the project is based, and our work is committed to ensuring the safe design, construction, and operation of the dam for the long-term benefit of all its stakeholders.
“It is a transformative approach to the project for the Sepik region and Papua New Guinea, aimed at protecting the environment while enhancing living standards, and general well-being in the remote Sepik communities.”
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