A former politician for the Ok Tedi mine area is worried that the mine is being closed prematurely.
Warren Dutton, a former government minister and MP for North Fly, told Loop PNG and Facebook members that the OTML management might be forced to take “drastic actions’’ to cope with the spillover of El Nino climate change.
Mr Dutton is also the chairman of North Fly Rubber Ltd.
He said that under previous management, the mine was not closed down during such dry periods until it was unavoidable.
Mr Dutton said that when Ok Tedi was owned by BHP and when PNGSDPL and Inmet were running OTML, “they were extremely conscious of their responsibility, particularly to the people of the North Fly and so they did not close down until they were really forced to (in 1997).
“Having been stripped of over K300 million of its accumulated Free Cash Flow by its new owner, OTML does not have the funds to proceed with its Mine Life Extension Programme, which has been accepted by the people of the Fly River, and which has been enacted into law by our National Parliament.
“The State is reneging on its responsibilities to the people of the Western Province and as well of the rest of PNG, by not supporting its own board with replacement funding.
“I am still fearful that OTML may be forced to take drastic actions by this year's El Nino, but it should not be instructed to do so prematurely!’’
Photo: Kiunga setting, where ships load and unload for the Ok Tedi mine.