Ok Tedi Mine | Provice Area

Information

Landmark: Ok Tedi Mine
City: Provice Area
Country: Papua New Guinea
Continent: Australia

Ok Tedi Mine, Provice Area, Papua New Guinea, Australia

The Ok Tedi Mine is a large-scale open-pit copper and gold mine located in the Star Mountains region of Western Province, Papua New Guinea.

It is situated approximately 120 kilometers upstream from the mouth of the Ok Tedi River.

Visual Characteristics

The mine site consists of extensive open pits, waste rock dumps, and tailings storage facilities. The surrounding terrain is characterized by steep, jungle-covered mountains. The exposed rock faces within the pit reveal layered sedimentary and volcanic rock formations.

Location & Access Logistics

Access to the Ok Tedi Mine is primarily via air transport to the Tabubil airstrip, which is approximately 30 kilometers from the mine site. Road access is limited and challenging due to the mountainous terrain. Commercial flights operate from Port Moresby to Tabubil. From Tabubil, mine-operated transport is generally required for access to the mine itself.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Exploration for mineral deposits in the region began in the 1960s. The Ok Tedi Mine commenced operations in 1984. It was initially developed as a joint venture, with the Papua New Guinean government eventually acquiring full ownership. The mine's purpose is the extraction of copper, gold, and silver.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Ok Tedi Mine is an operational industrial site and is not open to general public tourism. Access is restricted to authorized personnel. Information regarding mine operations is available through official company channels.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The mine site includes extensive operational infrastructure, including processing plants, power generation facilities, and accommodation for personnel. Basic amenities such as restrooms and food services are available within the operational areas for employees. Cell phone signal is generally available within the main operational hubs.

Best Time to Visit

As the Ok Tedi Mine is an active industrial facility, general visitation is not permitted. Access is controlled and limited to essential personnel and authorized visitors.

Facts & Legends

The Ok Tedi River, which flows from the mine area, has been the subject of significant environmental monitoring and remediation efforts due to the scale of operations. The geological formations in the Star Mountains are known for their rich mineral potential.