PNG's Ok Tedi mine resumes operations

6:18 pm on 14 September 2020

The Ok Tedi copper and gold mine in Papua New Guinea has resumed operations today after a six-week closure due to Covid-19.

OK Tedi mine

OK Tedi mine Photo: Ok Tedi Mine CMCA Review

The mine in Western province has been at the centre of a significant Covid-19 outbreak in the past two months.

Staff at the mine or employees of Ok Tedi contractors accounted for the vast majority of the 185 Covid cases in Western province.

OK Tedi Mining Limited estimates a loss in revenue of US$120-million over the six weeks, as well as $10 million per week in operating cost.

The company says it also incurred a significant amount of its normal operating costs during the six weeks, and as a result lost around US$10 million per week.