Ok Tedi Mining Limited’s (OTML) new project in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province is set to provide improved connectivity for more than 10,000 residents from the Kavorabip and Atemkit areas.
Following a recent groundworking ceremony, works have commenced on the development of the Kavorabip-Atemkit road project at Mt Bini in the Star Mountains.
Funded through OTML’s Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme along with the PNG Government, the K36.1 million road project will connect Kavorabip and Atemkit to Tabubil and Indonesia.
According to the company’s manager community relations and sustainability Jeffery Tom, OTML’s investment in this key infrastructure link was essential to help develop communities in the Western Province.
“The Kavorabip–Atemkit road project aims to improve road connectivity in the area, making it easier for residents to access essential services including schools, healthcare facilities, and markets,” he said.
“The project will also strengthen community relations between the Kavorabip and Atemkit villages and OTML.”
Kavorabip ward councillor Absen Buretam said the road was a “long-awaited dream” for the community.
“We will now have access to education, healthcare, and economic activities, services that were previously inaccessible to us,” Buretam said.
The project is expected to be completed by locally-led fly engineering and asset management in the next 30 months.
OTML’s operations in the Western Province are centred around Ok Tedi – an open-cut copper, gold and silver mine located at Mt Fubilan.
About 60 thousand tonnes of ore is mined each day and delivered to the mill for processing.
The company also holds a number of exploration licenses in the Western Province.
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