Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has successfully airlifted 41 tonnes of emergency relief supplies to Tabubil to support local communities severely impacted by a prolonged El Niño-induced drought in the Western Province.

The major logistics operation was completed over three days using the company’s chartered Hercules cargo aircraft, with the final delivery arriving this morning.

The relief delivery is funded through a K15 million allocation specifically dedicated to Western Province, which is part of Ok Tedi’s larger K50 million El Niño Relief Fund.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit confirmed the successful deployment of the aircraft, noting that the company prioritized the relief operation despite facing its own operational challenges caused by the severe weather patterns.

"Ok Tedi recognises the immense challenges facing our drought-affected communities, particularly as the company itself is also experiencing the impacts of El Niño," Mr. Ilimbit said. "Making our chartered aircraft available for these relief operations ensures that essential, life-saving supplies directly reach the communities that need assistance the most."

OTML is actively collaborating with government agencies, humanitarian stakeholders, and local leadership to coordinate the ongoing distribution of the aid across the region. The company stated it will continue to balance its community support commitments with the safety, efficiency, and continuity of its mining operations.