For the fifth year in a row, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) surpassed its annual sediment dredging and rehabilitation target at its Bige operations.
In 2024, the company dredged 10.75 million cubic metres (Mm3), surpassing its target of 10Mm3.
A total of 35.21 hectares of sand stockpile was also rehabilitated, exceeding the 30 hectare target.
OTML manager Bige operation Naimen Kepan said it is important to the company to meet or exceed these targets.
“Reaching our rehabilitation targets brings us closer to restoring the East Bank stockpile in accordance with OTML’s Mine Area Rehabilitation Plan and Closure Plan, ensuring a sustainable environment for the local community after mine closure,” he said.
Achieving the targets helps OTML to minimise the impact of riverine sediments on the environment while continuing to support local communities.
Dredging at Bige removes approximately 85 per cent of sediment load passing the dredge slot each year to prevent it from travelling further downstream. Once dredged, the materials are rehabilitated with vegetation cover.
The 2024 amounts add to the approximately 438 million tonnes of river sand OTML has dredged since 1998 at a cost of $US60 million ($96.3 million).
“This operation has significantly contributed to reducing riverbed aggradation and the associated dieback,” OTML said.
“This achievement reaffirms OTML’s commitment to sustainable growth, economic prosperity, and community wellbeing supported by environmental sustainability, community development and operational excellence.”
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