OTML

As of July 20, about 2733 staff and contractors have received the vaccine, with 301 fully vaccinated after receiving their second jab. This represents 23 per cent of the workforce receiving at least one dose.

With a steady vaccination uptake, OTML aims to achieve herd immunity before the end of the year to enable the operation and people’s lives to return to some form of normality.

OTML Managing Director & CEO, Musje Werror said: “The Company is doing all it can in line with its duty of care culture to protect the workforce, residents and the communities.

Herd immunity, also known as 'population immunity', is the indirect protection from an infectious disease that happens when a population is immune either through vaccination or through immunity developed through previous infection.

The vaccination implementation program started last May after they received the first supply of 1000 doses of the AstraZeneca Vaccine from the National Department of Health.

Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) assisted them in two separate medevac operations from Bolivip Village in North Fly, and Iowara Village in the Lake Murray Region in Middle Fly.

Ralph Sereseng from Bolivip is 65, and was suffering from a Urinary Tract Infection which led to a deterioration in his health.

His nephew said they were desperate to save him.

On the same day, the medical team airlifted a 27 year old pregnant mother to Tabubil.

Her placenta was preventing the baby from exiting the womb during birth.

The launching marked the community radio station’s return to broadcasting after nearly six years when it was suspended following the El Nino event in 2015.

Unlike the old Radio Fly station which broadcasted using an analogue studio, the new one features two new digital studios which will be used for live broadcasting, and the production of news and community radio programs. 

The launching marked the first batch of 1,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine which OTML received from the National Department of Health.

OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Musje Werror led the Company’s senior management and employees, including OMTL contractors, business partners, Tabubil Hospital staff, and teachers to receive their first dose of the vaccine.

Two-hundred and thirteen people were vaccinated during the launch.

A further 150 people have already registered to be vaccinated as well.

Minister for National Planning, Richard Maru, PNG Civil & Identity Registrar, Michael Kumung, and OTML Managing Director, Peter Graham, signed an MOU on Friday to fomalise the partnership.

The signing took place on in Tabubil, Western Province.

The MOU formalizes the partnership in which OTML and the Office of PNG Civil & Identity Registry to register citizens from the mine areas, Tabubil Township, Fly River corridor and the surrounding communities.

The submission of the plan which is a requirement under Clause 29 of the NTC Act 1991 captures the achievements and challenges of the previous three years and the Company’s programs to training, mentoring, and developing its national employees.

OTML has a long and proud history of producing many qualified and competent Papua New Guinean nationals including Apprentices, Graduates and Preferred Area trainees who have been absorbed into the job market both internationally and locally.

“We are in the process of finalizing the 33.33% equity sharing splits through the proposed Community Consultative and Awareness Program which will take two months to complete.

He said after the awareness, they will have to formally deliberate and endorsed by the Provincial Council Assembly and the PEC before it is submitted to NEC for deliberations.

Ganasi said as leaders they would like to see that the benefits flow to the people so they are empowered to make decisions over their own resources.

The cargo is now being assembled on the silo vessel, the Kumul Arrow, anchored in Port Moresby.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Peter Graham said OTML operations are off to a very encouraging start following the return of employees from a seven month suspension due to dry weather.

He said the work completed on major projects during the temporary shutdown has positioned the company very well.

“Our workforce has returned enthusiastic to get restarted.”