Ok Tedi Mining has marked a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the historic Misima gold project with the arrival of the first machinery and equipment on Misima Island.
A vessel delivering earth-moving equipment, vehicles and essential supplies successfully landed at Bwagaoia in February, heralding the start of initial works on the long-dormant site.
This deployment initiates groundwork to restore critical infrastructure in support of ongoing feasibility and permitting activities.
The equipment’s arrival underscores Ok Tedi’s commitment to advancing the project responsibly, with infrastructure setup occurring alongside continued exploration and the finalisation of social and environmental impact assessments required for regulatory approvals.
Local communities turned out in large numbers to witness the milestone, with a welcoming ceremony attended by representatives from the Milne Bay Provincial Government, the Louisiade Rural Local Level Government, Ok Tedi and community leaders.
Engagement with local stakeholders, including the district’s Member of Parliament, Honourable Isi Henry Leonard, was completed prior to the landing, signalling broad community support.
Ok Tedi’s general manager for social performance and sustainability, Jesse Pile, emphasised the company’s vision for a “social mine”.
“This milestone reflects the collective effort of government partners, landowners, community leaders, and our parent company Ok Tedi Mining Limited. Misima Minerals is committed to ensuring that this project becomes more than just a mine,” Pile said in a statement.
“Guided by Ok Tedi’s legacy, we aim to build a social mine—one that places people at the heart of its development.”
The arrival of the first equipment marks a new chapter for the Misima project, reinforcing momentum toward future construction and operational phases as work progresses through feasibility and permitting.
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