Ok Tedi: Interest shown in BHP role
Post-Courier (PNG), Copyright 2000
November 30, 2000
THERE are companies interested in taking over from BHP as operators of the Ok Tedi copper mine in Western Province.
Mining Minister Michael Laimo yesterday confirmed in Parliament his ministry has had approaches from several companies who would be interested in operating the mine if the current operator, BHP, withdrew.
He said some had written in and others had been inquiring verbally, showing interest in the mine. His department had told the companies to put together proper proposals for the Government to look at.
He was answering South Fly MP Kala Swokin who also told Parliament that some of these companies interested in ok Tedi were lobbying for support among some ministers and MPs.
BHP recently announced it wanted to pull out because of damage to the Fly river.
Mr Laimo said: “The future of Ok Tedi will be determined by shareholders. There is a shareholders meeting early next month in London,’’ Mr Laimo said.He said Ok Tedi was one of the country’s major foreign exchange earner and “we will not just cut it off’’.