APAC Outlook - issue 49

TATA HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

w w w. a p a c o u t l o o k m a g . c o m

K TEDI MINING

An in-depth look into Ok Tedi, its operations within Papua New Guinea, including executives interviews and revealing deep insight into the organisation Kent Wu of JustKitchen, discusses his company’s all-inclusive business practices in the Asian food and beverage industry

Issue 49

travel magazine THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE

MALAYSIA TRAVEL GUIDE

M A L AYS I A

THAILAND This Southeast Asian country is a perennial favourite, thanks to an intoxicating combination of beautiful beaches, world-renowned cuisine and incredible temple complexes

Malaysia is a melting pot with a unique culture, a world-renowned food scene and a spectacular landscape of islands, ancient rainforest and mountains

ISSUE 04

Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

K

nown as the ‘Land of Smiles’, Thailand is a friendly country that welcomed 38.27 million tourists to its shores last year.

There are plenty of reasons why this Southeast Asian destination is so popular.

For a start, there’s the beaches. In the south, Thailand’s two coastlines stretch for miles, populated by swathes of icing-sugar soft sand, the bays speckled with dramatic limestone formations. Thailand is also home to 1,430 islands, ranging from full moon party spots like Koh Pha Ngan to the more off the beaten track Similan Islands, a national marine park popular with scuba divers.

Then, there’s the food. Thailand’s noodles, stir fries and curries are beloved around the

world, characterised by the fragrant taste of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and tulsi. Every town is bursting at the seams with floating markets, street food stalls and high-end restaurants where you can try delicious local dishes.

Thailand’s rich spiritual heritage also attracts tourists. Golden temples and larger-than-life Buddha statues can be found across the country. Visitors can experience colourful religious festivals in the northeast of the country or explore the underground cave shrines in Kanchanaburi and Phetchaburi.

Despite Thailand’s popularity, it’s easy to find a quiet corner to relax, be it on a deserted island or an eco-retreat in the craggy mountains north of Chiang Mai.

Writer: Dani Redd Project Manager: Joe Palliser

T

here are many reasons why Malaysia is a tourist favourite.

For a start, there’s the landscape. Imagine 878 islands, ringed with white sand beaches leading down to translucent waters. Vibrant coral reefs lie just offshore, home to a profusion of marine life. Inland are ancient rainforests, the shaded canopy seemingly impenetrable.

Take a guided walk to learn about this habitat’s astonishing biodiversity.

You might even catch sight of a tapir, or a silver-leafed monkey swimming through the jungle canopy.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also relish tackling some of region’s towering granite mountains or exploring the intricate networks of limestone caves.

Then, there’s the culture. Malaysia

is a melting point of Malay, Indian, Chinese and aboriginal groups (Orang Asli). There’s a packed calendar of religious festivals, including Wesak, or Buddha’s birthday, celebrated with processions of flowers and candles.

Cities such as Melaka and Georgetown boast fascinating heritage districts where you can experience this fascinating fusion for yourself. Make sure you take time out to try Malaysia’s delicious cuisine, which reflects its multicultural population.

Of course, Malaysia has a modern side too. It can be found in the malls, skyscrapers and fine dining restaurants in larger cities, such as the capital Kuala Lumpur.

WORLD’S BEST DISTILLERIES

The whisky tourism industry is flourishing

VIETNAM

A feast for the senses

QUINTANA ROO Beautiful beaches, compelling culture

NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE

SEYCHELLES TRAVEL GUIDE

S E YC H E L L E S Most people visit this archipelago in the Indian Ocean for the beaches, but it has much more to offer than that Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

D YOUR TRAVEL GUIDE TO

NAMIBIA Namibia is a country of rugged, otherworldly landscapes; a desert realm with a complex history and culturally diverse inhabitants Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Joe Palliser

N

amibia is known for its sparse, otherworldly landscapes. It gets its name from the Namib, the world’s oldest desert; a sparse, windswept region extending 1,900 kilometres down Africa’s Atlantic coast. The desert is characterised by its red dunes, which plunge down towards the ocean at Sandwich Harbour and Skeleton Coast. It’s also known for its white clay and salt pans, such as Deadvlei, where there are hundreds of ossified trees.

Another scenic spot in the desert is Moon Landscape, named after its eerie, pockmarked topography.

But sightseeing in Namibia isn’t just about deserts.

Inland you’ll find the green-gold grasslands of the Kalahari, and rugged mountains such as the Brandberg, Spitzkoppe and Damaraland.

Tourists flock to Namibia to experience its remote corners. Hot air ballooning, sand boarding and offroad quad bike excursions are all popular activities.

When it comes to safaris, Namibia offers some unrivalled experiences – head to Etosha National Park to see big cats, elephants and black rhinos.

Namibia has a fascinating history. It was inhabited as early as 25,000 BC, with tribes such as Ovambo and Herero gradually migrating into the country. In the “Scramble for Africa” Namibia became a German colony, known as German South West Africa, in 1884. After over a century of bloody battles, Namibia finally gained independence in 1990. These days it’s a country rich in historical attractions and cultural diversity; a country with plenty of stories to tell.

BARBADOS

escribing the Seychelles, it’s easy to veer into cliché. These picture-perfect islands are blessed with white sand beaches lapped by translucent water, fringed with palm trees and interesting rock formations. The dramatic sunsets, laidback atmosphere and a wide range of luxury accommodation make them a popular spot for honeymooners.

The Seychelles consists of 115 islands and some small islets, located

in the Indian Ocean at a crossroads between Asia and Africa. Most of the action is concentrated around the three major islands: Mahé, La Digue and Praslin. Mahé is the largest and most populous; home to the capital, Victoria, and transport hub to the rest of the islands. La Digue is renowned for having some of the best beaches in the archipelago. Praslin, meanwhile, is home to the idyllic Vallée de Mai nature reserve.

But there’s more to the Seychelles

than just the beaches. Trek through the granite mountains and lush rainforests of the Morne Seychellois National Park. Try some of the island’s traditional Creole dishes at a local restaurant. Or if you’re a nature lover, head to Bird Island to observe its population of fairy terns and common noddies, as well as the giant Aldabra tortoises endemic to the archipelago. You’ll be bowled over by what the Seychelles has to offer.

Award-winning filmmaker Josh Trett discusses turning a hobby into a successful film and video production company

Your Guide to the World I N A C H A N G I N G WO R L D , where the travel industry must adapt to challenging global situations, our mission at Outlook Travel remains the same. We will continue to showcase some of the world’s most inspiring destinations, offering real insight and comprehensive travel guides for when global mobility resumes.

The major component of the publication takes the form of our Outlook Travel Guides, providing executives, avid travellers and our existing 575,000 international subscribers with the ultimate rundown of all the major economic drivers and thriving hubs across the world, with exclusive input from tourism industry associations and stakeholders – the people who know these places the best.

You can join the vast numbers of tourism sector players enjoying the exposure we provide across our digital platforms with a range of options, from advertising through to free-of-charge editorials, extensive social media saturation, enhanced B2B networking opportunities, and a readymade forum to attract new investment and increase exposure.

www.outlooktravelmag.com/who-we-are

WELCOME

Putting People First

EDITORIAL Editor: Sean Galea-Pace sean.galea-pace@outlookpublishing.com Editor: Marcus Kääpä marcus.kaapa@outlookpublishing.com Junior Editor: Phoebe Harper phoebe.harper@outlookpublishing.com PRODUCTION Production Director: Stephen Giles steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com

In today’s ever-changing and volatile world, placing employees at the heart of decision-making is an

Senior Designer: Devon Collins devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com Junior Designer: Matt Loudwell matt.loudwell@outlookpublishing.com BUSINESS Managing Director: Ben Weaver ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com Sales Director: Nick Norris nick.norris@outlookpublishing.com Operations Director: James Mitchell james.mitchell@outlookpublishing.com Commercial Director: Joshua Mann joshua.mann@outlookpublishing.com HEADS OF PROJECTS Callam Waller callam.waller@outlookpublishing.com Eddie Clinton eddie.clinton@outlookpublishing.com Thomas Arnold thomas.arnold@outlookpublishing.com TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Vivek Valmiki vivek.valmiki@outlookpublishing.com SALES MANAGERS Donovan Smith donovan.smith@outlookpublishing.com Krisha Canlas krisha.canlas@outlookpublishing.com Matt Cole-Wilkin matt.cole-wilkin@outlookpublishing.com Ryan Gray ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com PROJECT MANAGERS Kyle Livingstone kyle.livingstone@outlookpublishing.com Sam Love sam.love@outlookpublishing.com Thomas Turnbull thomas.turnbull@outlookpublishing.com ADMINISTRATION Finance Director: Suzanne Welsh suzanne.welsh@outlookpublishing.com Finance Assistant: Freya Penn freya.penn@outlookpublishing.com Office Manager: Daniel George daniel.george@outlookpublishing.com CONTACT APAC Outlook Ground Floor, 69-75 Thorpe Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1UA, United Kingdom.

Sales: +44 (0) 1603 363 631 Editorial: +44 (0) 1603 363 654 SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0) 1603 363 654 sean.galea-pace@outlookpublishing.com www.apacoutlookmag.com Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/apacoutlook Follow us on Twitter: @apac_outlook

important mantra to adopt. For Ok Tedi, one of Papua New Guinea’s leading mining companies, it values harnessing a positive culture that employees want to be a part of.

“We have spent lots of time thinking about our people strategy because ultimately, people are at the heart of what we do,” explains Mark Stone, General Manager of People and Capability at Ok Tedi. “Firstly, we have to ensure that people remain focused on contributing to the Ok Tedi vision and buy into the culture. Secondly, it’s about developing national leaders to take up roles currently held by expats.”

And Musje Werror, CEO and General Manager of Ok Tedi, echoes Stone’s comments and believes his company’s philosophy acts as its competitive advantage.

“When we became a 100 percent PNG-owned company, there were a lot of doubts out there and people thought it would go downhill. But we’ve proven people wrong,” affirms Werror. “I believe Ok Tedi will be a role model for this country.”

In this in-depth report into Ok Tedi, we explore the organisation’s stance as the only 100 percent PNG-owned mining firm and how it operates with a large national workforce.

Elsewhere in the magazine, we speak with Sandeep Singh, Managing Director of Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery, about how the manufacturing industry has been impacted as a result of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, we build up to ITC Asia — the highly-anticipated insurtech event — which is set to return in a face-to-face format this June.

And before you go, be sure to also check out company reports with NRY Architects, Terumo Asia Holdings, PICSA Group and Global Technology Group!

Enjoy the issue!

Sean Galea-Pace Editor, Outlook Publishing APAC Outlook issue 49 | 3

CONTENTS

152

8

12 REGULARS

6 NEWS

TOPICAL FOCUS

Around Asia Pacific in seven stories

20 Economy

8 EXPERT EYE An insight into the transformation of education technology

BUSINESS INSIGHT

EVENT FOCUS

A complete business model in the Asian food and beverage industry

Singapore - leading the charge of insurance innovation in APAC

18 Economy

Business in China

Inside China – the most populous country in the world

20 4 | APAC Outlook issue 49

Examining the impact of the pandemic on Asia Pacific’s tourism sector

12 Food & Drink JustKitchen

18

Restructuring Tourism in Asia Pacific

152 Insurtech Connect Asia 154 THE FINAL WORD What or who has been a source of inspiration for you during your career?

APAC OUTLOOK MAGAZINE

140 128

136

26 F E AT U R E S

24 SHOWCASING LEADING COMPANIES

136 PICSA Group

Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world

Community-centric construction in PNG

Building Papua New Guinea

MINING

TECHNOLOGY

26 Ok Tedi

140 Global Technology Group

The Heart of Papua New Guinea A comprehensive report into PNG’s 100 percent owned mining company

MANUFACTURING

116 Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery Indian Industry Leaders

Providing quality construction machinery across the globe

116

Answering Digital Demand Answering the growing demand for digital connection in Myanmar

HEALTHCARE

144 Terumo Asia Holdings Making Medtech

Providing people-centric medical technology during a demanding period

144

CONSTRUCTION

128 NRY Architects Building 2021

Enduring COVID-19 within the construction industry

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 5

NEWS Around Asia Pacific in seven stories…

TECHNOLOGY

LG leaving smartphones behind

TECHNOLOGY

SONY ACCELERATING EV DRIVE F O L LOWIN G A P P LE ’S drive into the space, Sony is aiming to shift its focus more towards auto-manufacturing. Currently the company has already carried out road tests with its model Vision-S electric car, utilising software drawn from its entertainment systems and industry experience into the making of such vehicles.

Sony is leveraging the knowledge it gained over the years from multiple areas of business in its entertainment division, such as in cameras, computing and audio, and applying it to vehicle

development. As Sony’s vehicle focus revolves around electric power there is no need for the company to dive into the unfamiliar territory of internal-combustionengine (ICE) technology, that further builds upon the company’s advantage of supplying its own software.

At present, Sony has no plans to mass-produce or sell the Vision-S. But with transport and mobility expected to be a major future trend, the company is exploring how it can contribute to the fast-approaching era of autonomous driving.

TECHNOLOGY

Siemens investment into CNet Training SIE MEN S INFRASTRU C T U R E, a subsidiary of global conglomerate Siemans AG, have invested in on-going technical education with CNet Training across its Middle East, South East Asia and Pacific divisions.

This commitment sees Siemens’ Sales and Operations teams across the regions undertake CNet’s highly respected Data Centre 6 | APAC Outlook issue 49

Fundamentals programme. Designed for new or experienced individuals, the programme covers key areas, including an introduction into the data centre industry, the types of data centre, key infrastructure

E X I STI N G AS a key player in the retail technology sector for many decades, South Korean corporation LG is stepping back from the competitive smartphone market.

Back in 2013, LG ranked among the top three smartphone makers and had always maintained a good position in the market. However, the company’s devices lessened in popularity against companies such as Chinese upstarts Xiaomi and Oppo, and as of 2020 LG was not even within the top seven players globally.

Despite LG’s position as the third most popular smartphone maker in the US, the tech giant announced that it would close down its mobile phone unit following these multiple years of global losses and is expected to wind down by 31st July.

This decision will allow LG to focus its resources on growth areas such as electric vehicle components, connected devices, smart homes, robotics and AI.

requirements, an overview of compliance needs, as well as common challenges.

Upon successful completion, learners are rewarded a CNet Certificate of achievement from which they can move on to explore further learning to help expand their knowledge and skills and can gain official certifications and qualifications within their chosen specialisms.

Siemens values the education and professional development of its people and continues to invest in these areas across its workforce.

A E R O S PAC E

Pan-APAC optimism T H E RECEN T announcement of a New Zealand and Australian travel bubble is set to raise airline stocks in the APAC region as the news gives way to a rising optimism.

Shares in Australia’s Qantas Airways surged over three percent during the last week of March, while at the same time Air New Zealand’s stock increased in value by a substantial 5.8 percent.

FOOS & DRINK

On top of this, according to Singapore’s aviation regulator, the beginning of May will see Singapore start to accept travellers who use the International Air Transport Association (IATA) mobile travel pass for predeparture checks. This has led to an increase in shares for Singapore Airlines to 0.72 percent higher than previously.

Having been one of the hardest hit industries in the APAC region, the travel industry looks to be on the way up from here out.

AUSTRALIAN WINE COMPANY SOLD H I STO R I C AU STR A L I A N wine producer McWilliam’s Wines has been bought by another wellknown winemaking brand.

Calabria Family Wines purchased the company on 06-April and the sale will follow through in totality by the end of the month. Calabria, based in Griffith (Australia), will take ownership of the McWilliam’s Hanwood vineyard, winery and cellar door, on top of its brands, intellectual property, and stock holdings.

In January of this year, McWilliam’s Wines was aiming to achieve a strong return and continuous trade relationship in the wake of its voluntary administration throughout 2020. Alongside this, the company wanted to retain its winery staff after what had been a trying period.

S U S TA I N A B L I T Y

WIND POWER IN THE PHILIPPINES

ECONOMY

New Zealand’s living wage to increase NEW ZEA LAND’S Living Wage is set to rise by three percent as of September 2021.

This will rise to a nation-wide total of $22.75 per hour with the increase based on average annual earnings in the last year’s June quarter.

At the same time as this, the top tax rate for the country’s highest earners

is being increased to 39 percent, and those on minimum wage will receive a pay increase to $20 an hour, although many employers state that the amount is too much and poorly timed.

These changes will be implemented alongside small increases to unemployment and sickness benefits.

This raise in wages is aimed to combat housing costs, for example those of Auckland that sit around 11 times the average national income, and the high child poverty rate the country faces.

TH E P H I L I P P I N E S is planning to build its first offshore windfarm.

In order to meet the soaring customer demand for power, eco-business and wind power company Triconti ECC is aiming to tap into the archipelago nation’s current nascent wind market.

As the Philippines looks to its offshore wind potential, developers are taking a look at the nation’s Asian counterparts with relation to policies and the drive for the sector’s growth in the region.

Similar to its neighbours such as Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, the Philippines is increasing its sustainable energy efforts to meet both consumer demand and climate targets.

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 7

EXPERT EYE

The Edtech Revolution The global pandemic put digital learning in the spotlight and the education technology boom ensued, with Asian companies leading the way. And the market is showing no signs of slowing down Written by: Roger James Hamilton, CEO, Genius Group

T

he world has seen the adoption rate for new technologies accelerated considerably as a result of events such as the COVID-19 pandemic before.

For example, the SARS crisis of 2003 contributed to the boom in China’s ecommerce industry, as quarantines led consumers to shop online. Certainly, this market trend did not slow down once quarantine restrictions were lifted. Ever since, global online sales have risen exponentially. The same story is emerging in the edtech market.

Within the past 12 months, all the industry’s biggest funding deals have been in Asia. Byju, India’s largest edtech company now has a $12 billion valuation following a $500 million funding raise in September 2020.

Surpassing Byju is China’s edtech giant, Yuanfudao, the live tutoring app, which reached a staggering $15.5 billion valuation last October, nearly doubling its valuation seven months prior to that. In just two short years, the company doubled its total users to 400 million students across China.

In two years’ time, the edtech market in China is estimated to be worth $81 billion, according to research firm iResearch.

With China’s next largest online education company Zuoyebang, being valued at $10 billion, the world’s top three edtech unicorns are all headquartered in the Asia Pacific region.

Compare these figures to the 8 | APAC Outlook issue 49

ABOUT THE EXPERT Roger James Hamilton is a world-renowned futurist, New York Times best-selling author and co-founder of Genius School.

Genius School is the world’s first global, virtual school providing a full curriculum designed to nurture entrepreneurs, artists, changemakers and global citizens.

Roger is also founder and CEO of Genius Group, the world’s number one entrepreneur education group. Genius Group is a multi-million-dollar group of companies leading the entrepreneur movement which includes the global edtech company GeniusU, education curriculum company Entrepreneurs Institute, and Entrepreneur Resorts Limited, the world’s leading group of entrepreneur resorts and coworking spaces.

largest education technology firms in the United States, Udemy at $3.3 billion and Coursera at $2.5 billion, the difference is huge.

Which begs the question: why are Asia’s edtech companies up to 10 times bigger than their US counterparts? The answer is threefold.

1) The number one difference is that the largest APAC online education companies are creating their own curriculum and courses. Compared to the likes of Udemy and Coursera in the US, which act as platforms for their partners’ content, whether these are educators (as with Udemy) or education institutions (which is the case with Coursera). As a result, the firms creating their own curriculum and courses have net revenues of between 80 percent and 100 percent of their gross revenue. Compare this to net revenues sitting at just 10 percent to 30 percent of gross revenues for edtech companies in the US and the contrasts in valuations become apparent. We are looking at two distinctly different business models.

2) Couple this with the fact that the curriculum and courses the Asian unicorns are delivering are central to the needs of the students, which means they are taking a bigger slice of the education pie. They are focused on test prep and certifications. Whereas many of the US platforms work around the accreditation system – Udemy, for example, does not provide courses that give school or university credits. This is changing in the US,

with Coursera now offering degree programmes, but these are fully online and not as likely to result in getting a job after completion. So, the situation is shifting, albeit slowly.

3) Thirdly, the Asia-based edtech companies are a blend of high tech and high touch with students often guided with live mentoring from tutors, while the larger US platforms are mostly pre-recorded courses. The higher engagement where students invite other students to join for a shared learning experience creates a network effect that isn’t yet harnessed to the same level by the US edtech companies.

What does the future hold for the industry? Will a change in business model come to the US? Genius Group, based in Singapore, with a global community of over 1.4 million students is expanding in the US with the Asian edtech model: own curriculum,

“EDTECH COMPANIES ARE OFFERING SOLUTIONS TO MANY OF THESE ISSUES THAT HAVE TROUBLED THE ECONOMY FOR THE PAST DECADE OR MORE, AND THEY ARE BEING REWARDED WITH EXPONENTIAL PROFITS” relevant course, high tech and high touch with live micro-schools and a global faculty.

The edtech boom ignited by the pandemic is just the beginning of a paradigm shift in how we view education and work.

As with e-commerce in 2003, the

demand for education technology in 2020 was already there. It has been there for years. Many of the jobs we are preparing children for today may even be redundant in the future.

Edtech can bridge the skills gap, not only within formal education but also for adult learners upskilling and reskilling for today’s digital world.

The edtech sector can deliver the tools to equip students of all ages with the skills necessary for creating their own opportunities, as well as exchanging knowledge and collaborating in a digital economy.

The need for a truly 21st century education system that reflects the needs of the job market is long overdue. Edtech companies are offering solutions to many of these issues that have troubled the economy for the past decade or more, and they are being rewarded with exponential profits.

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 9

Outlook Creative Services Complementing the production of APAC Outlook, Africa Outlook, EME Outlook and North America Outlook magazines, Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising these same specialist production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

For more information on how we can work with you in providing a plethora of completely flexible and customisable production services, please visit: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

DESIGN: Stephen Giles +44 (0) 1603 363 634 steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com

E D I TO R I A L : Sean Galea-Pace +44 (0) 1603 363 654 sean.galea-pace@outlookpublishing.com

Devon Collins +44 (0) 1603 363 656 devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com

Marcus Kääpä +44 (0) 1603 363 653 marcus.kaapa@outlookpublishing.com

JUSTKITCHEN

JUSTKITCHEN

D

uring this challenging period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the food and beverage industry has been turned upside-down.

Companies and businesses across the globe have slowed and even completely halted in a hibernating state to endure the unique and 12 | APAC Outlook issue 49

We talk to Kent Wu, COO of JustKitchen, about the company’s all-encompassing method of business in the Asian food and beverage industry Writer: Marcus Kääpä

trying past year. Several businesses have also adapted to maximise their opportunities during this new way of working and living, such as turning to digital orders and home deliveries.

Despite COVID-19 negatively impacting countries for extended lengths of time, Taiwan has returned to a semi-normality fairly quickly.

FOOD & DRINK

Because of the swift adherence to the notion of a national lockdown (that was a voluntary lockdown with restrictions on travel rather than government mandated), this smooth transition to combat the virus has limited the negative effects for Taiwan compared to many other countries that have, and still are, facing challenges.

In light of this, Taiwan has already reached a level of post-pandemic normality that spells promise for sectors across the nation. While many companies have had to shift and adapt to new methods of operation, JustKitchen has been able to provide its high quality and professional services to a multitude of customers.

JUSTKITCHEN

COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT JustKitchen maintains a key company focus on the community and the environment.

One such element of business is maintaining community connections for the mutual betterment of both small-scale farmers and the company itself. For example, JustKitchen sources a percentage of its rice from individual rice farmers; the company buys their entire crop and integrates it into its supply chain to help individual farmers maintain a strong livelihood.

On top of this, JustKitchen works alongside a local orphanage to provide valuable industry experience through a paid staff training programme maximising individual youth achievement, opportunities and potential.

Lastly, the company’s environmental initiatives have revolutionised JustKitchen through ensuring that its packaging is almost all recyclable, with 75 percent of it being fully compostable.

Kent Wu, COO, JustKitchen

14 | APAC Outlook issue 49

“JustKitchen is essentially an operator with its own brands. We create our own in-house brands that appeal to a wide cross section of tastes and are able to deliver very high-quality meals through our network of kitchens,” explains Kent Wu, COO of the company.

Kent had always been tied to the e-commerce space and it was through friend and family ties that his career path made its way into the food and beverage industry. After spending six months as an advisor for JustKitchen, and being incredibly impressed with the business model, Kent invested in and joined the company in a permanent capacity.

“I really saw the value both to the consumer as well as to our own brands whether they were in-house or external,” Kent tells us. “The agile nature of the business model was really compelling; the way the digital met the real world to culminate in this virtual kitchen represented the future of F&B.” When looking at the food and beverage industry, there are clear divides when it comes to the sourcing of food, the ordering of a meal, the

FOOD & DRINK

prep and the delivery of it to the door of the customer. For each step of this process, businesses each play a vital yet separate role in the entire food delivery system.

JustKitchen changes this. For the company, the process involves JustKitchen being the root source of the prepping process, with the ingredients being sent to kitchens that prep and cook meals that come under the banner of the multiple company brands they operate (Just Chicken, Bit Beef Noodle, and Bodyfit Healthy Bento to name a few). Customers will then use the JustKitchen app to order meals before the company utilises a

partner delivery provider to collect and deliver from the closest kitchen to the customer’s address.

Just over a year old, and with 17 brands under the JustKitchen name (four licensed and 13 in-house), the company exists as a home delivery cuisine service wrapped in one.

JustKitchen is constantly finding ways to engage its customer base and ensure the smoothest possible transition during the process.

Kitchen-OS is one such development.

“This is what we’re really focusing on in our technology

side of business,” Kent elaborates.

“We want to have full back-end technology stack that supports and streamlines purchasing, supply chain, inventory management, accounting, point of sale, and all of these fundamental fields that are part of running a kitchen.

JUSTKITCHEN

THE JUSTKITCHEN PROCESS The company’s network of highly efficient “hub and spoke” commercial kitchens allow delivery-only restaurants to reach more customers.

HUB KITCHEN Full-scale commercial kitchen that produces semi-prepared meals which are sent to spoke kitchens.

ONLINE ORDER Customer orders meal via the website or delivery app.

SPOKE KITCHEN Order is completed at spoke kitchen nearest to customer.

DELIVERY Delivery partner quickly transports meal to customer.

DELIGHT Customer enjoys meal that arrives faster and fresher.

16 | APAC Outlook issue 49

“To this end, we are providing a turnkey solution for both our own operators as well as our future franchisees. We can have full visibility of every one of our locations at any one point to help them with the technology. Using this, we can see each separate inventory and can replenish them individually. Through Kitchen-OS, we can also track shipments and oversee entire supply chain management operations.”

JustKitchen is building a unique and innovative brand in the food and beverage industry in Taiwan and beyond. Investing in the brand itself, through company aspects such as its tech stack and app development allows the brand to run hyper-efficiently and provide the best possible customer experience.

And when it comes to service, the supply chain plays an important part in the delivery of quality operations. As JustKitchen works with essential aspects of food and

FOOD & DRINK beverage service such as perishable goods, quality checks, and the sourcing of manufactured items such as food packaging, the fluid operation of the supply chain becomes an element of business that JustKitchen needs to ensure runs smoothly.

Additionally, there is a keen focus on individual employee effort which is recognised by the company.

“We currently have approximately 200 employees and they do an exceptional job,” Kent tells us proudly.

“We encourage them to do their best, and we work internally to ensure career progression where possible and take a proactive approach to company training to best develop our staff.

“JustKitchen empowers its employees by providing them help towards any path they wish to tread alongside the company, be that a change in business division, or specific training in another area. We help facilitate their individual growth as well as encouraging off-site training.

“Our culture surrounds our people, and we take the time to celebrate occasions like birthdays and company awards and maintain a social sphere through events such as happy hours on Fridays.”

Only in its second year, JustKitchen’s innovative operations and major plans for international expansion spell promise for the rest of 2021 and the years beyond. With an April 2021 listing on the Toronto Venture Exchange confirmed, it is worth keeping an eye on this growing company and its revolutionary business operation.

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 17

BUSINESS IN CHINA

BUSINESS IN CHINA

We examine China; a country that has been dominated by manufacturing for the past four decades, and explore the current state of play within the world’s most populous country

MANUFACTURING IN CHINA

Writer: Sean Galea-Pace

C

hina sits as the largest of all Asian countries and maintains the highest population of any country across the world. The country is among the biggest by landmass in the entire globe and is only surpassed in area by Russia and Canada, while it is almost as large as the entirety of Europe.

China consists of 33 administrative units that are under the central government; these are made up of 22 provinces, five autonomous 18 | APAC Outlook issue 49

places on earth, with its landscape varying from almost unreachable terrains to coastal lowlands. Indeed, China has the greatest contrast in temperature between its northern and southern borders of any country globally.

regions, four municipalities and two special administrative regions.

Beijing is renowned as the capital of the People’s Republic, and is also the cultural, economic and communications centre of the country. Meanwhile, Shanghai is the main industrial city and Hong Kong resides as the leading commercial centre and port.

It is true that China is a unique country. Its topography means that it is both one of the highest and lowest

When it comes to business, there are few industries that are as synonymous with a country than manufacturing and China.

For the past 40 years, China has been regarded as the world’s most important manufacturer and industrial producer, with these two sectors alone accounting for over 40 percent of China’s GDP. Back in 2001, China was labelled the world’s factory after its accessions to the World Trade Organisation. In the 20 years since, China has become a

ECONOMY world leader in the manufacture of electronics, robotics, car parts, steel and chemicals.

However, over the past year, China’s position at the top of global manufacturing has come crashing down. As a result of a number of external issues, such as new challenges including high tariffs, COVID-19 and increased geopolitical tensions have meant a mass exodus from Chinese manufacturing and triggered the beginning of the downfall of the country’s manufacturing empire.

China was once seen as the perfect place to outsource manufacturing.

There were cheap labour rates and proximal access to accelerating consumer populations within Southeast Asia, which made China one of the most lucrative business hubs across the globe. In 2011, it quickly overtook the United States as it became the world’s largest manufacturer having driven growth in the nation’s GDP by 40 percent.

As digital transformation began to drive change, China reacted quickly to diversify and expand its manufacturing operations with entire cities such as Shenzhen developed with the sole purpose of allowing increased manufacturing of consumer electronics.

But, the speed and price of which China was able to produce goods began to slow as a result of the country’s exponential population growth. This was also added to because of environmental and wage regulations. Next, there was a global trade war with the United States which dealt another blow towards manufacturing in China.

This saw not just decreased export volume to the US, but also to other countries facing pressure by North America to diversify away from Chinese manufacturing. While, finally, COVID-19 dealt manufacturing in China another deadly blow and put operations on the verge of shutdowns.

Now, US companies are moving their supply chains away from China in a bid to mitigate risk earlier in production cycles in order to better prepare for a next global pandemic.

However, all is not lost for China’s manufacturing exploits. Its factory and retail sector activity rose high during the first two months of 2021, which beat expectations as the economy consolidated its recovery from the pandemic.

According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, it was revealed that China’s overall official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index rose to 51.9 in March 2021 from 50.6 in February 2021. Within the survey of sentiment among factory owners in the world’s second largest economy, it was discovered that the readings for high-tech manufacturing and equipment manufacturing were 53.9 and 52.9 respectively, around two and one percentage points higher than the overall manufacturing PMI.

OTHER BUSINESS

Services China’s services industry is another major force in the country’s economic growth and is the basis for the next stage in the country’s development.

China’s services sector consists of a number of industries, such as warehousing and transport services, information services, securities and other investment services, professional services, waste management, health care and social assistance, arts, entertainment and recreation.

Having accounted for 54 percent of GDP in 2019, it has grown at a considerably faster pace than the manufacturing space. While COVID19 has obviously slowed the progress of China’s services sector because of the country’s lockdown, it has since recovered to a large degree of normality and is beginning to thrive again.

Retail and e-commerce The coronavirus has impacted both what consumers buy and how e-commerce platforms distribute goods. Chinese consumers spent less during lockdown because they were confined to their homes and faced economic uncertainty. Despite this reduction, online sales of physical goods still managed to rise by three percent during the same period, as consumers flocked to e-commerce platforms. The lockdown saw a considerable rise in online grocery acquisitions, with sales of food products rising 26.4 percent year-onyear in January and February.

The significant increase in online groceries has meant a strain placed on cold chain supply management, as operators struggled to handle supplies and distribution of fresh and perishable products. As a result of this challenge, e-commerce operators are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to establish efficient distribution strategies as well as collaborating with local brick-andmortar grocery stores to ensure products are fresh and quickly deliverable.

China still remains a massive and ever-growing consumer market.

Despite some US manufactures having left China, it remains a fiercely competitive space. Of course, its economic growth isn’t at the levels it once was, but the country’s move to a more service-based economy could still represent significant opportunity for western firms. It’s there for the taking.

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 19

TOPICAL FOCUS

Shining a light on the seismic impact of the pandemic on Asia Pacific’s tourism sector, the recalibration of the travel market and the potential for digitalisation expected to drive economic recovery Writer: Phoebe Harper

RESTRUCTURING TOURISM IN ASIA PACIFIC

W

orldwide, one in every ten jobs results from tourism.

A global health, economic and social emergency of unprecedented magnitude, the coronavirus pandemic triggered a standstill of international travel. What originated in Wuhan of December 2019 had bought the tourism sector to its knees by April 2020, as visitor numbers dropped off the graph in a shocking decline. Nowhere was this more evident than across Asia Pacific as the region that was hit first, and arguably, the hardest.

A sector that is integral to the global economy, tourism accounts for 10 percent of gross domestic product. Yet over the course of 2020, the industry lost an estimated $1.3 trillion in export revenue, as countries worldwide recorded an overall 20 | APAC Outlook issue 49

decline of 35 to 48 percent in tourism expenditure. International arrivals dropped by an unprecedented 74 percent, as reported by the World Tourism Organisation.

As the crux of worldwide international travel and the region where the pandemic found its source, Asia Pacific suffered an 84 percent slump in overseas visitors and recorded the greatest decrease in tourist numbers at 300 million.

Countries including China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar, handled the initial wave of infections well and embarked on relaxing restrictions as the number of new cases began to trickle out.

However, plans for tourism recovery were soon thwarted by the second wave of infections that arrived in late

July and August.

Not only does this region boast some of the world’s most iconic tourist destinations - the Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat, and the Great Wall to name but a few - we must also consider that Asia Pacific is the largest tourism-generating area in the world.

As the principal source nations for the tourism sector, international travel is heavily reliant on departures from China and Hong Kong SAR. In Vietnam for instance, around 80 percent of the country’s foreign tourism spending are from international tourists across Asia.

In Thailand, the leader of tourism in South East Asia, the nation is essentially dependent on Chinese tourists. Indeed, across the Asia Pacific region in 2018, Chinese tourists represented 60 million tourist arrivals.

ECONOMY As such, tourism industry players must diversify their outreach to extend beyond the traditional demographic of overseas visitors, as in 2019 when domestic tourist expenditure across Asia Pacific was at an all-time high.

Through exploiting the possibilities of regional travel, travel industry players can recalibrate the travel market to redress the balance away from China.

Partnerships between the government and destination management organisations (DMOs) play a big part in this, as seen with the Thai government’s programme, ‘We Travel Together’, launched back in July 2020, which allowed Thai tourists to pay 60 percent of hotel room rates while the government subsidises the rest, along with 40 percent of the cost of an airline ticket.

Returning to the example of Vietnam, internal travel has been a lifesaver for the industry, as it was reintroduced in time for last year’s summer season following a tenmonth international border closure.

Alongside China, this has been one of the few Asian countries that has been relatively mildly impacted by the pandemic and did not fall into a recession during 2020. At a contrast to this, the pandemic has been ruinous for Sri Lanka’s economy exposing its vulnerability and impeding essentially all economic activity, which contributed to a hastened reopening of the borders in January 2021 and a pioneering ‘biosafety’ bubble programme implemented by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

Countries across the continent must consolidate and work together to accelerate tourism recovery using the formation of travel corridors and bubbles to enhance intra-regional travel whilst attitudes remain hesitant towards long-haul destinations and inter-continental travel. Vaccine passes may also act as a catalyst.

The detrimental effect of the pandemic on the tourism sector is yet

to be fully realised, but economically speaking, it cannot be undermined.

The World Bank have estimated that at least 11 million more people across East Asia and Pacific could fall into poverty in the wake of the virus.

This vast region comprises a host of nations where tourism is the lifeblood of the economy – whether established or developing. Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines have all demonstrated significant GDP growth resulting from tourism, whilst elsewhere, it is an essential component to stimulate emerging economies.

The industry is also vital as a core provider of employment opportunities. According to WTC, of the 50 million tourism jobs that are likely to be lost due to the pandemic, 30 million of these job losses would be across Asia Pacific.

On every level of the tourism value chain – from DMOs to transport providers and hotels - resilience will continue to be tested over the next few years. This will essentially restructure the sector, as large international operators stand the greatest chance of adaptation and survival. Countries that boast a sector infrastructure with robust vertically integrated supply chains and local production capacities are expected to rebound fastest.

The outlook of the industry in general forecasts a cautious return to pre-pandemic levels of travel by 2023, according to a survey conducted by UNWTO’s panel of tourism experts.

Post-pandemic recovery is largely dependent on the actions of established industry players and national governments to maintain the sector’s survival. A variety of shortterm solutions can be leveraged to mitigate the virus’ impact, including effective marketing strategies to encourage traveller confidence and keep audiences informed with regards to recovery progress. Alongside this, airlines such as Vietnam Airlines are boosting their offering of low-cost fares to stimulate interest, although such measures are unsustainable in the long term.

Long term recovery will necessitate significant investments in infrastructure not only within transport, to improve geographical connectedness across the region outside of air travel, but crucially within healthcare and digital developments as well.

Arguably the most effective in terms of fiscal aid, is the degree to which national governments are committed to the sector’s revival.

Singapore is a notable example of the contingency of government

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 21

TOPICAL FOCUS

“DIGITAL APPLICATIONS CAN BE USED TO IMPLEMENT COVID-19 RISK REDUCTION MEASURES SUCH AS TRACING, DIGITAL VACCINATION CERTIFICATES AND REAL-TIME MOBILE ALERTS FOR TRAVELLER’S WHILST IN COUNTRY” involvement on the sustenance of tourism, as the nation was ranked sixth globally in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report published by WeForum in 2019 due to government prioritisation, spending on travel and tourism, and effectiveness in marketing.

Aside from finance, local governments can implement measures such as easier visa attainment, in a bid to boost tourist numbers moving forward. Governments will be expected to adopt a proactive role, as seen in Sri Lanka where the industry anticipates the introduction of government-led concession relief packages, the reduction of tax burdens and the implementation of policies to rebuild the sector as part of the country’s Tourism Resilience Plan.

The Asian Development Bank continue to contribute support payments to 22 | APAC Outlook issue 49

aid governments across the region, financing policy measures.

Sponsorships within the private sector should be capitalised to optimise exposure for smaller enterprises, taking advantage of well-integrated supply chains and benefitting from the wider footprint of larger organisations. Inter-sector partnerships are also an avenue worthy of exploration, including between hotel operators and health insurance providers, whereby travellers can access comprehensive health insurance through booking directly with the hotel.

Incorporating flexibility will be essential, particularly with regards to hotels, as seen with the Tauzia Hotel Group in Indonesia who have launched a ‘Pay Now, Stay Later’ option. Of course, this is easier for larger hotel chains and international

APAC COUNTRIES MOST DEPENDENT ON INTERNATIONAL GUESTS SHARE OF TOTAL TOURISM TIMOR-LESTE

86

PERCENT

MALAYSIA & THAILAND

36

PERCENT

JAPAN

15

PERCENT

INDONESIA

14

PERCENT

ECONOMY operators that cover a range of middle-income countries.

The most promising aspect is the untapped potential of Smart Tourism in reshaping the sector - an essential component to post-pandemic recovery. Digital applications can be used to implement COVID-19 risk reduction measures such as tracing, digital vaccination certificates and real-time mobile alerts for traveller’s whilst in country. For instance, in Singapore, the ‘TraceTogether’ contact tracing app is mandatory for overseas visitors and works through emitting Bluetooth signals if you have been within close contact of the virus.

Digitisation should be leveraged to inspire the confidence of tourists and streamline travel arrangements.

This will play a key role in the initial destination selection process now that safety has become a paramount concern for travellers worldwide.

Software giant Adobe is partnering with leading brands throughout the industry, launching data-driven initiatives designed to transform the personalised traveller experience.

APAC COUNTRIES MOST DEPENDENT ON TOURISM AS SHARE OF GDP MACAO CHINA

48

PERCENT

FIJI

13

PERCENT

PHILIPPINES

9

PERCENT

THAILAND & MALAYSIA

7

PERCENT

INDONESIA & INDIA

4

PERCENT

Essentially, this also plays a large role in the ‘contactless’ travel experience, taking advantage of keyless hotel entry, check-ins through mobile applications and other distancing measures, as seen with Beijing Capital International Airport where the passenger’s entire journey has become automated using biometric technologies including facial recognition systems.

By restructuring the sector with data-driven results and harnessing the potential of digital innovation with a core emphasis on sustainability, we ameliorate the chances for recovery.

Across Asia Pacific, the playing field is far from level and the tourism challenge varies depending on the country. However, what is clear is that economic recovery rests on the restoration of tourism and requires a significant collective effort. Over the course of the next few years, Asia Pacific’s mode of recovery will likely set the precedent that the rest of the world will follow.

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 23

Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world.

APAC OUTLOOK is a digital and print product aimed at boardroom and hands-on decision-makers across a wide range of industries on the continent.

With content compiled by our experienced editorial team, complemented by an in-house design and production team ensuring delivery to the highest standards, we look to promote the latest in engaging news, industry trends and success stories from the length and breadth of the Asia Pacific region.

We reach an audience of 220,000 people across the continent, bridging the full range of industrial sectors: agriculture, construction, energy & utilities, finance, food & drink, healthcare, manufacturing, mining & resources, oil & gas, retail, shipping & logistics, technology and travel & tourism.

In joining the leading industry heavyweights already enjoying the exposure we can provide, you can benefit from FREE coverage across both digital and print platforms, a FREE marketing brochure, extensive social media saturation, enhanced B2B networking opportunities, and a readymade forum to attract new investment and to grow your business.

To get involved, please contact Outlook Publishing’s Managing Director, Ben Weaver, who can provide further details on how to feature your company, for FREE, in one of our upcoming editions.

FREE

Marketi ng Oppo

TATA HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY Ok TEDI MINING

w w w. a p a c o u t l o o k m a g . c o m

rtunity

MINING

Issue 49

THE

HEART OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

K TEDI MINING

An in-depth look into Ok Tedi, its operations within Papua New Guinea, including executives interviews and revealing deep insight into the organisation

We take an in-depth look into the Ok Tedi mine, its operations within Papua New Guinea and speak with executives to delve deeper into the organisation

A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT INTO PNG’S 100 PERCENT OWNED MINING COMPANY

Writer: Sean Galea-Pace | Project Manager: Josh Mann

We’re a company with a soul.”

That’s the view of Musje Werror, Managing Director and CEO of Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML).

It’s fair to say that OTML is a mining firm proud of its culture. The company prides itself on being a 100 percent 2 | APAC Outlook issue 49

Papua New Guinea (PNG) owned organisation and operating with a large national workforce. In fact, according to Werror, the staff are committed to make OTML become a successful company since the profits generated stays within the country.

“When we became a 100 percent

PNG-owned company, there were doubts that we could operate as a strong and vibrant business and so far we have done that.,” he explains. “I believe Ok Tedi in many ways is a role model for this country.”

Today, Werror sits at the helm of the mine’s operations. However, his

journey to the top of the organisation is an interesting one. Werror has worked his way up through the ranks since joining the company’s Graduate Development programme in 1988.

“I always had an interest in mining and accepted the offer to join Ok Tedi after completing my degree,”

he recounts. “I started off in the production laboratory before moving into the health and safety department where I became the first trained occupational hygienist in PNG.” Subsequently, Werror then became Superintendent of Health and Safety before he moved into the operations

area. By his own admission, there isn’t an area within Ok Tedi that he hasn’t worked in or doesn’t know about. “My time in health and safety allowed me to have access to all the operating areas on site. It helped me to develop a greater understanding of how the business worked,” he explains.

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 3

Kent Wu of JustKitchen, discusses his company’s all-inclusive business practices in the Asian food and beverage industry

www.apacoutlookmag.com/work-with-us

Ok TEDI MINING

THE

HEART OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA We take an in-depth look into the Ok Tedi mine, its operations within Papua New Guinea and speak with executives to delve deeper into the organisation Writer: Sean Galea-Pace | Project Manager: Josh Mann

We’re a company with a soul.”

That’s the view of Musje Werror, Managing Director and CEO of Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML).

It’s fair to say that OTML is a mining firm proud of its culture. The company prides itself on being a 100 percent 26 | APAC Outlook issue 49

Papua New Guinea (PNG) owned organisation and operating with a large national workforce. In fact, according to Werror, the staff are committed to make OTML become a successful company since the profits generated stays within the country.

“When we became a 100 percent

PNG-owned company, there were doubts that we could operate as a strong and vibrant business and so far we have done that,” he explains. “I believe Ok Tedi in many ways is a role model for this country.”

Today, Werror sits at the helm of the mine’s operations. However, his

MINING

journey to the top of the organisation is an interesting one. Werror has worked his way up through the ranks since joining the company’s Graduate Development Programme in 1988.

“I always had an interest in mining and accepted the offer to join Ok Tedi after completing my degree,”

he recounts. “I started off in the production laboratory before moving into the health and safety department where I became the first trained occupational hygienist in PNG.” Subsequently, Werror then became Superintendent of Health and Safety before he moved into the operations

area. By his own admission, there isn’t an area within Ok Tedi that he hasn’t worked in or doesn’t know about. “My time in health and safety allowed me to have access to all the operating areas on site. It helped me to develop a greater understanding of how the business worked,” he explains.

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 27

If you want a project completed safely, on time and within budget, Assess Orr will deliver.

Our highly qualified team are capable of coordinating all activities, including the supply of a team of skilled technicians, all trades, multi-skilled riggers/ scaffolders and operators, equipment, tooling and flexible logistics, taking the worry away from our clients and allowing them to focus on what they do best.

Preservation in PNG of P&E is of genuine concern. Assess Orr is your onestop-shop including the design, fabrication of storage lifting and transport frames along with humidity-controlled preservation wrapping to assist weather proofing of essential P&E. Assess Orr makes it a priority to understand what is important to our clients, delivering a range of solutions to suit individual client needs: • Scaffold access solutions.

• Heavy lifting cranage services.

• Construction and commissioning of infrastructure required for mining, power, water and the oil & gas industries across the world.

• Flange management & torque verification services.

• Hydrostatic & pneumatic leak testing services.

• Production of all required documentation including FTR’s, ITP’s and MDR’s.

• Mentoring, training and upskilling of national labour workforces.

• Provide preventative maintenance and QA services.

Mark Orr Mobile: 0407 885 712 Email: mark@assessorr.com.au

www.assessorr.com.au

Ok TEDI MINING

OK TEDI’S STRATEGIC PROJECTS 1. CONSTRUCTION OF AN ENGINEERED STABLE WASTE DUMP This project will allow mine extension from 2026 – 2029. The dump will have a capacity to hold 300 million tonnes of waste material. The project feasibility study is scheduled to be completed in May 2021.

2. MINE PIT DEPRESSURISATION AND DEBRIS REMOVAL High rainfall of up to 11 metres per annum poses significant geotechnical issues in the mine pit where depressurisation of the pit walls from both the surface and underground is critical to safely continue mining. Ok Tedi has high-grade ore in the bottom of the centre pit and has commenced the removal of some 20 million tonnes of accumulated debris material to gain access to this ore by 2024.

Musje Werror, Managing Director and CEO of Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) Werror graduated with a Chemistry degree from the University of Papua New Guinea, the country’s premier state institution. Having worked in the mining space for over 30 years, Werror has had a front-row seat to how the industry has changed, particularly in PNG. “The industry has had its fair share of challenges over time,” he admits. “Addressing environmental and social impacts are always high on the agenda as expectations continue to develop and change.”

And that experience certainly equipped Werror with the tools he needed when an opportunity to lead the company came along in June 2020. Upon his appointment, he acknowledged that while Ok Tedi is a small operation relative to the global industry, his company plays an influential role in PNG’s economy. “We are small in size but big in heart and we have a lot more to contribute to the development of our country.”

CRUSHER REPLACEMENT PROJECT Ok Tedi operates a large-scale copper and gold mining and processing facility in the Western Province of 30 | APAC Outlook issue 49

3. MINE WASTE MANAGEMENT SITE The extension of mine life to 2029 will require additional space for the storage of dredged material and pyrite concentrate at the mine waste management site located in the lower Ok Tedi region.

4. PROCESS PLANT UPGRADE Having been in operation for 36 years, the plant had experienced a number of failures and is due for a major birthday. Ok Tedi plans to invest over $100 million to refurbish and upgrade the process plant, which will enable operations to continue beyond 2029.

About Us

Services

Established in 2007, Assess Orr is a family owned and operated business specialising in construction, commissioning and maintenance services within the oil and gas, power generation, water and mining sectors.

We are NATA accredited to carry out hydrostatic/ pneumatic testing. Add in our ability to carry out torque verification, flange management we are a onestop shop that provides peace of mind to our clients throughout the entire construction and commissioning processes, with effortless transitioning into the maintenance phase.

Assess Orr understands the importance of commencing operations with limited downtime. We offer our clients end to end commissioning services from pre-commissioning right through to start-up and performance testing.

Directed by Mark Orr, Assess Orr started as a scaffolding/ rigging/ heavy lift business and over the years, through dedication and hard work, we have expanded our services backed with ISO and NATA accreditation, to be able to meet clients changing needs. All of Assess Orr’s personnel work to the highest standards, and in accordance with industry codes and safety regulations so you can be sure we will complete any job with the necessary skills and resources at maximum proficiency.

• Construction and commissioning of infrastructure required for mining, power, water and the Oil & Gas industries across the world.

With clients that include Shell, QGC, Ok Tedi Mining Limited, Origin Energy, BHP BIO, Chevron, Downer, CPB Contractors, Thiess and SNC Lavalin, we have safely delivered on some of the largest and most technically challenging projects within Australia.

Capacity Assess Orr has a proven capacity to deliver on some of the largest and most technically challenging projects, on time, and within budget.

Assess Orr has been involved in the construction and commissioning of Power Stations, including works with Coal Seam Gas infrastructure, Water Treatment Plants, Mining infrastructure and recently with Subsea Spooling for major LNG Infrastructure. We pride ourselves on our ability to exceed our client’s expectations.

Mark Orr

|

M +07 407 885 712

|

Assess Orr makes it a priority to understand what is important to our clients, delivering a range of solutions to suit individual client needs: • Scaffold access solutions.

• Heavy lifting cranage services.

• Flange management services.

• Torque verification services.

• Leak testing services.

• Production of all required documentation including FTR’s, ITP’s and MDR’s.

• Mentoring, Training and Upskilling of National Labor workforces.

• Provide preventative maintenance and QA services and systems including the design fabrication of storage lifting and transport frames along with humidity-controlled preservation wrapping to assist weather proofing of essential P&E. Assess Orr provides our clients peace of mind through the management of the entire construction and commissioning process, incorporating strategic planning, documentation management, and coordination of all commissioning activities.

Delivering on our commitment to provide high-quality services, Assess Orr has a robust ISO & NATA accredited Integrated management system (IMS) with a structured workflow process, management and coordination of all commissioning activities.

E mark@assessorr.com.au

|

assessorr.com.au

United. Inspired.

Pit Viper 271 and SmartROC D65 Enhanced with the latest Epiroc automation technology the Pit Viper 271 and SmartROC D65 are both tough, reliable and productive drill rigs designed to get the job done safely with accuracy and precision.

epiroc.com

Ok TEDI MINING

Papua New Guinea. Ore mined from the open pit mine at an annual rate of 24 million tonnes feeds a processing facility which consists of a gyratory primary crusher, two parallel grinding modules, flotation and gravity separation and sulphur removal.

“In 2016, a major strategic review of the business was conducted to optimise the main Fubilan pit and maximise the value of the business while maintaining our environmental obligations to the Government and communities. The review identified the Crusher Replacement Project (CRP) as a major value adding proposition,” explains Werror.

“The project was completed and commissioned in December 2020.

It had cost PGK800 million and was completed on time and on budget without a lost time injury. The completion of the project will allow access to high grade ore material below where the old crusher was located by 2023.”

34 | APAC Outlook issue 49

“WE HAVE A SMALL STRATEGIC PLANNING TEAM WHO HAVE DONE AN OUTSTANDING JOB TO IDENTIFY THESE HIGH VALUE PROJECTS FOR THE BUSINESS... WE HAVE ALL BUT EXHAUSTED THE VALUE IN THE CURRENT PIT AND WILL FOCUS OUR ATTENTION ON EXPLORATION TO EXTEND MINE LIFE BEYOND 2029” The scale of the project was significant given the challenges of procuring and freighting the equipment and materials into a remote location and establishing a team made up of 98 percent contractors and consultants to execute the project. At the time of installation, the gyratory crusher was regarded as one of the largest machines of its type to be manufactured globally. Over 13,000 cubic metres of concrete and more than 2,500 tonnes of fabricated steel was required to construct the new facility. “The site itself required

substantial pioneering earthworks to be undertaken before construction could begin,” says Werror. “It is indeed a credit to the CRP team for safely executing the project on time and within budget.”

For Werror, he believes in the value of having long-term strategic goals.

“We have a small strategic planning team who have done an outstanding job to identify these high value projects for the business,” he says.

“We have all but exhausted the value in the current pit and will focus our attention on exploration to extend mine life beyond 2029. Hopefully, we

A Robust Partnership with Ok Tedi

E

piroc is a leading manufacture of surface and underground mining equipment, manufactured in Sweden, the United States, Japan and China. Its products are small and large drilling rigs, water well and coal seam gas drills, production drills for quarry and development industries, while also specialising in underground mining equipment, jumbo production and development drills. Epiroc’s products are sold worldwide to the large and small mining and mineral extraction industries.

David Green is the Product Manager of PNG and Pacific Regions at Epiroc. He believes that his company is well-placed to meet today’s challenges within the mining industry. “It’s very exciting because the mining industry is moving very fast because of the extraction of raw minerals to meet the global demand,” says Green. “Australia is a very fortunate country in the world to have such vast resources available with proximity to our trading partners.

We’re very well positioned to meet these demands and challenges with technology playing a larger part of the mining process.”

Epiroc has established a key, strategic partnership with Ok Tedi. The mining firm approached Epiroc to quote for the supply of diesel-powered blast hole drills to avoid production losses because of droughts that occur in the vast country. Epiroc was successful in receiving purchase orders for three pit viper drills in 2005 which grew to seven drills, three of which have been made redundant because of sterling service over many years. As well as Pit Viper Drills, Ok Tedi made a further purchase of three D-65 hammer drill as part of the mining process.

Green is well aware of the key benefits of the partnership with Ok Tedi. “Our strong relationship with Ok Tedi is driven through its commitment to the

customer, while Ok Tedi has invested into Epiroc for Mining Equipment, which is its commitment to invest back into the company.

“Relationships are a vital and key part of building a life of mine relationship and I have had the privilege to meet many special miners with lasting friendships.

Loyalty and honesty are both important needs in attending to its customers’ demands in operating such a massive mine in a remote location.”

Wade Prebble is the Customer Support Manager at Epiroc. When looking to establish a key, strategic partnership, he looks for openness and collaboration.

“Continuous communication is very important in this industry, especially when we’re talking about high usage and priority fleets,” says Prebble. “When the relationship is strong and open, we can expect that the most productive and positive outcomes are achieved which ensures the best possible experience for all involved.”

Prebble reflects on the company’s collaboration with Ok Tedi and looks back fondly. “I think that our partnership with Ok Tedi as an ongoing project is something that I am very proud of,” he says. “It’s no secret that the environment up there is really tough and it is extremely satisfying to be able to be a part of a team that is committed to making sure that we all do our very best to maintain strong forward momentum.”

Looking ahead to the future, Prebble is optimistic about the next few years. “Continuing our commitment to supporting our customers within the region to ensure that their experience is the best possible and that their expectations are always exceeded,” he explains. “Autonomous technology has begun its rise in focus within the East Coast of Australia and Papua New Guinea so watch this space as it’s going to move fast!”

epiroc.com/en-au

Resource Sector Aviation Solutions.

Pacific Helicopters Limited Airport Road P.O Box 342, Goroka Eastern Highlands Province Papua New Guinea

Pacific Helicopters PNG is the leading helicopter service provider for oil, gas, mining, construction and telecommunications companies in the Asia Pacific region. With its headquarters based in Goroka, and an aviation facility in Port Moresby, Pacific Helicopters PNG prioritises safety and professionalism to the highest of international and OGP standards.

T (675) 5321833 www.pacifichelicopters.aero

The scope of capabilities, projects and expeditions that we are able to support are extensive and include, but are not limited to: • • • • • • •

Heliportable Seismic support services Geological Exploration Construction Projects IFR/VFR Off-Shore Petroleum Exploration Aerial Survey and Photography Power line Construction General Helicopter Charter Services

Resource Sector Aviation Solutions.

Pacific Direct and predecessors have been very proud strategic partners to Ok Tedi Mining since 1991 providing fixed wing aviation solutions enabling transport of mine employees, contractors and cargo to and from the mine township of Tabubil, Western Province, Papua New Guinea.

Our fleet of Dash8 – 100 aircraft have flown the expanse of the PNG nation, into eastern Indonesia and regularly to Cairns, Australia. A variety of flights have been operated including passenger only, cargo only, passengers and cargo as well as medical evacuations.

Pacific Direct provides flexibility and a proactive approach to our customer’s needs whilst ensuring that safety remains paramount.

We congratulate Mr Musje Werror and his dedicated team for the very successful operation of the Ok Tedi Mine and look forward to providing them with aviation solutions into the future.

Pacific Direct Ltd PO Box 1379 Goroka Eastern Highland Province Papua New Guinea

Ok TEDI MINING

Weir Minerals Weir Minerals is a global leader in the provision of mill circuit technology and services. We engineer and manufacture world-class equipment for the mining market, around the world.

Weir Minerals is the market leader in slurry-handling equipment and associated aftermarket support for abrasive high-wear applications.

Together with Weir ESCO®, we are the only global provider of premium mining solutions from extraction to concentration.

Leading mission-critical technology We work closely with our customers to understand their needs and provide end-to-end solutions. Our broad range of equipment delivers high wear resistance and lower total cost of ownership, backed by Weir’s leading materials science technology.

will identify another ore body but time is running out so it will have to happen soon.”

To most organisations across the world, the importance of establishing key strategic relationships is essential to long-term success. Werror acknowledges how much of an influential role key suppliers play and affirms that his company places considerable emphasis on how important they are, particularly as a result of its location in PNG. “We are located in a very remote area,” explains Werror. “Most of our consumables and supplies are imported from overseas and this requires the company to maintain close working relationships with our partners and suppliers.” He added that it can take up to four months for supplies to arrive on site so forward planning to ensure the right equipment or part is critical.

38 | APAC Outlook issue 49

Werror points to Ok Tedi’s relationship with Hastings Deering as a particularly important example.

“With our mining fleet, we use Caterpillar equipment,” he says.

“Hastings Deering are our PNG agent for Caterpillar, and we require parts to be available at any time to maintain our fleet. We have other suppliers that supply critical parts for our mills and processing plant. Partners are critical to us to ensure the mine continues to operate successfully and the relationship we have with partners like Hastings Deering are essential to meet our production targets.”

When seeking to establish a mutually beneficial collaboration, Werror has a clear idea of the characteristics he looks for in a partner. These include having values that are aligned with OTML’s values, reliability and have a proven track record.

Our specialists partner with the metallurgy and maintenance teams at Ok Tedi on solutions to increase efficiency and provide fit-for-purpose solutions with the lowest possible cost of ownership. The latest example is installation of Warman® MCU® 450 mill circuit pumps, complete with Accumin™ automatic lubricators and Linatex®-lined suction and discharge spools. As evidence of our commitment to support our product, we worked with Ok Tedi to meet strict COVID-19 and quarantine requirements to safely provide OEM representation on site for the installation. Weir Minerals also created a custom training video for the Ok Tedi team.

Reliable service network With 23 service centres and offices located throughout the Asia Pacific region, we are well placed to support your needs, wherever you may be.

Throughout 2020, our teams proved they were able to adapt to changing conditions as they successfully utilised our risk management framework to continue supporting our clients.

Find out more at www.apac.weir

www.global.weir

From pit to tailings

we have you covered Material Extraction ESCO™ wheel loader buckets, ESCO™ Nemisys™ points, adapters and shrouds, ESCO™ UltraHaul™ truck bodies

Grinding Circuits Enduron™ HPGR, Enduron™ screens, Trio™ crushers, screens, conveyors, Vulco™ mill lining systems, ESCO™ Production Master™ II jaws, ESCO™ cone crusher liners

Mill Circuits Warman® centrifugal slurry pumps, Linatex ® hose and rubber products, Cavex ® hydrocyclones, Vulco™ mill lining systems, Delta Industrial™ and Isogate™ knife gate valves, Accumin™ lubricators, Enduron™ dewatering screens, Linard™ and Linagard™ wear panels, chute lining and equipment protection

Tailings and Fluid Management TerraFlowing™ tailings management, Warman® centrifugal slurry pumps, Multiflo ® dewatering pumps and barges, GEHO™ positive displacement pumps, Isodry™ filter presses, Delta Industrial™ and Isogate™ knife gate valves, Accumin™ lubricators, Cavex ® hydrocyclones, Linatex ® hoses and spools

From material extraction to tailings, our extensive product range covers everything you need for a complete, end-to-end solution.

Backed by leading material science technology, our equipment delivers proven high wear resistance. Digitally enabled, our solutions lower total cost of ownership, transform productivity, foresee risk and enhance performance.

Whether a mission-critical part or an entire circuit, our engineered solutions come with unrivalled support from our extensive global service network.

Get it all and more. Visit www.apac.weir or email apac.minerals@mail.weir Copyright © 2020, 2021, Weir Minerals Australia Limited. All rights reserved. The trademarks mentioned in this document are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of companies forming part of The Weir Group PLC. 202101/AU1131

Minerals | ESCO

Ok TEDI MINING

Asset Excellence Optimisation Asset Excellence Optimisation provides Asset Management consultancy services to Mining, Processing, Transport, Oil & Gas, Logistics, Bulk material handling and Heavy industries primarily focusing on Maintenance management and Investment & Value management.

The company & its practice leaders provide multidisciplinary services:

“IN AUGUST 2020, WE HAD A POSITIVE CASE AND THE NUMBERS ESCALATED CONSIDERABLY WITHIN A SPACE OF TWO WEEKS... WE SUSPENDED OPERATIONS FOR SIX WEEKS AND IT WAS A CHALLENGING PERIOD FOR US SINCE WE DIDN’T KNOW HOW THE VIRUS WOULD IMPACT OUR EMPLOYEES” In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of the world and caused operations in all sectors to grind to a halt almost overnight, Ok Tedi activated its major incident management plans and introduced a series of measures and alert levels prior to its first positive case.

“In August 2020, we had a positive case and the numbers escalated considerably within a space of two weeks,” says Werror. “We suspended operations for six weeks and it was a challenging period for us since we didn’t know how the virus would impact our employees, contractors, business partners, communities and the business. Fortunately, we had no deaths and only a few people experienced mild to moderate symptoms. We established workplace and residential bubbles, imposed control measures and commenced 40 | APAC Outlook issue 49

a general awareness programme to curb the spread of the virus which we successfully achieved.”

“Despite these efforts, we had a second wave of the COVID-19 virus within the operation in March this year resulting in the company having to suspend operations for two weeks.

A major review of our COVID-19 management processes and control measures were undertaken allowing the safe resumption of operations in early April. To support the country’s efforts to combat the surge in COVID19 cases, the company has made a PGK20 million contribution.”

Talent management is a key part of Ok Tedi’s strategy. The company has around 1,800 permanent employees, with a similar number of embedded contractors and service contractors.

Indeed, Werror is keen to stress that the organisation believes in its staff

• Maintenance management, Work Management and Maintenance System audits • Budget and Cost management • Master data management including BOM development • Reliability engineering and Defect elimination • Value stream mapping and Criticality analysis • EAM integration to ERP • Project management & Operational readiness services • Equipment Life cycle costing • Asset management audit to ISO 55000 standards • Management operating system (MOS) & Organisational framework • Capital project directional studies

www.assetexcellence.net

∂iff∫ntegra Systems Our Digital Platform Initiative We provide customised Maintenance Management systems through our Software Division; DiffIntegra Systems.

DiffIntegra Systems provides a platform to integrate different modules of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems or/ and integrates different Management Systems to seamlessly and efficiently manage Maintenance Execution.

Our flexible Maintenance Management Modules/ Products provide the option of selecting Digital solutions to your specific requirements.

www.diffintegra.com

Alpha Omega Composites Our Advanced Engineering Initiative Alpha Omega Composites is our advanced engineering subsidiary providing high-tech Engineering solutions.

At Alpha Omega we are working towards replacing steel alloys with light weight composite materials.

www.aocomposites.com

Asset Excellence Optimisation Providing Asset Management consultancy services to Mining, Processing, Transport, Oil & Gas, Logistics, Bulk material handling and Heavy industries, helping our clients gain the maximum value from their asset through efficient, effective and enhanced Maintenance management and Investment & Value management.

Our Way – CAdEx

Our Global Experience

• Consult – Support client in identifying opportunities to optimise the value of their assets by applying specialised and specific area of expertise of our practice leaders.

• Advise – Form a long-term partnership with the client to lay the foundations for initiatives to continually optimise asset performance and manage business risks.

• Execute – Execute initiatives, provide coaching and hands-on support to the client using our expertise or manage third-party expertise to optimise client’s asset performance.

Integrating Maintenance Management DIFFERENT systems to manage maintenance?

INTEGRATE your systems to Manage your Maintenance using our customised Software solutions

Xeroth: Zero-base Budget

Evento: Production Management

Nostradamus: Life Cycle Costing

Strata: Cost Control

Soochi: Maintenance Scheduling

SInCos: Supply & Inventory Optimiser

Alpha Omega Composites

LIGHTER | EFFICIENT | STRONGER | DURABLE Composites are the materials for ‘space-age’ with limitless applications to defy gravity and at Alpha Omega, we explore the illimitable potential of the composite material technology to transform your business and make an impact in your industry.

T: +61 431 026 177 | T: +61 7 3191 8517 | E: admin@assetexcellence.net A: P.O. Box 44 Chermside South, 4032, (Brisbane) Queensland, Australia www.assetexcellence.net | www.diffintegra.com | www.aocomposites.com The Name and Symbols of DiffIntegra Systems and All its products are Trade mark of Asset Excellence Optimisation Pty Ltd, ABN 19 620 461 412

Ok TEDI MINING

Brand Hero Industry-veteran Brand Hero is a multifaceted branding agency supporting a range of businesses, from startups to corporations, through the creation and establishment of brands and their visual assets.

Building Confidence Through Impactful Branding Passionate about the power of displaying a quality brand, the company is incredibly proud of their collaboration with Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) in bringing their online and offline presence up-to-date and refining OTML as the international industry leader it is.

The main goals of the project were centred around building confidence in the OTML brand in order to attract quality investors, staff and other stakeholders to engage with the company.

Promote Company Culture and Values

and wants to equip them with the skills and tools to succeed, not just in Papua New Guinea but also overseas if they are given the opportunity to work abroad.

“One of my ambitions is to rewrite Ok Tedi’s history and create a positive perception of the company to the world. We can achieve this by working towards leaving behind a positive legacy which includes our workforce becoming successful when they leave OTML,” explains Werror. “It’s about developing our people with skillsets that create opportunities for them anywhere in the world.”

Ok Tedi seeks to be renowned as the leading PNG mining firm in all aspects of business as part of its Vision 2025. However, Werror acknowledges it’s a short-term goal.

“Usually visions are for much longer durations. In Ok Tedi’s case, it is about providing a balance between commercial and technical aspects and people and social outcomes,” 42 | APAC Outlook issue 49

he explains. “By 2023, all manager positions will be nationalised. We’re not moving all expatriates out; we want them to play a mentoring role and allow the nationals to take the lead. This goal aligns with our philosophy of being a 100 percent PNG owned company.”

THE HISTORY OF Ok TEDI Ok Tedi originally goes back to 1963 when copper mineralisation was first found near the current mine site when a government patrol made contact with the Min people of Star Mountain.

In 1968, the Fubilan Copper-Gold deposit was discovered, and the Kennecott Copper Corporation began exploratory drilling.

Following the withdrawal of Kennecott in 1975, BHP secured a mining lease of the area and as part of an international consortium, began mining feasibility studies culminating in a detailed report to the PNG Government in 1979.

In addition to this, Brand Hero collaborated with OTML on the creation and promotion of the company’s core values. Through the use of visually appealing signage, print collateral and graphic design, the OTML team were empowered to live and work under the company’s ethos, particularly around the areas of safety, accountability and teamwork.

By keeping the design and production with one partner, OTML were able to create a level of consistency that enhanced the professionalism of their brand. This created a seamless branding experience across their website, signage and print media.

Incorporating elements from Papua New Guinea’s cultural heritage into many facets of the project, Brand Hero has helped foster a stronger connection between the company and the local community, building a sense of pride in both OTML and PNG within the workforce.

brandhero.com.au

LOGO DESIGN

SIGNAGE

PRINTING

WEBSITE DESIGN

Ok TEDI MINING

Consort For over 40 years, Consort has been a leading provider of shipping in Papua New Guinea. We own and operate an extensive fleet of marine vessels servicing the 17 main ports across the country. Our marine and logistics services include domestic liner services, international and domestics vessel charters and special cargo logistics.

Our vessels and equipment are available to charter to a diverse range of businesses from domestic manufacturers and wholesalers to transport and construction companies and international energy and mining companies.

Consort continues to support Papua New Guinea’s growth by investing in the latest vessels, marine technology and striving to achieve the highest standards of certification and maintenance.

Ok TEDI’S VALUES SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT The company cares about its employees, business partners and its communities’ well-being.

INTEGRITY Ok Tedi expects honesty, trust, fairness and respect.

ACCOUNTABILITY Ok Tedi personnel owns their jobs and meets their commitments.

PERFORMANCE The company gives its best every day and strives to continuously improve every day.

TEAMWORK Its goals are common, and the company’s successes are shared.

SUSTAINABILITY Ok Tedi uses what it needs and conserves what it can.

44 | APAC Outlook issue 49

Ok Tedi began as an entity to operate the project in 1981 and was formed from a partnership between BHP, the PNG Government, Amoco Corporation and Inmet Mining Corporation.

Ok Tedi mine was a green-field operation remotely located in the Western Province of PNG that necessitated the development of all the infrastructure, including roads, housing, airstrips, power supply and a port located at Kiunga on the Fly River to ship supplies in, and coppergold concentrate out to market.

Ok Tedi began mining operations in 1984, initially as a gold mine to exploit the gold-rich cap on the Mount Fubilan deposit, and then as a copper-gold mine in 1987 for the majority of the ore body. In 2002, BHP exited Ok Tedi, announcing its interest to the PNG Sustainable Development Programme (SDP).

10 years later in 2012, Ok Tedi became a fully owned Papua New Guinea entity when Inmet Mining Corporation shares were purchased

by Ok Tedi. The following year, Ok

In the area of Logistics, Consort Express Lines provide the most comprehensive network of shipping services in Papua New Guinea with an exceptionally trained and committed team.

Consort Express Lines is proud to have been an Ok Tedi Mining vendor for over 15 years.

Facebook: Consort Express Lines

www.consort.com.pg

ON TIME.

RELIABLE.

COMMITTED. Since 1978, Consort Express Lines have proudly supported a diverse range of clients across Papua New Guinea’s mining, oil & gas, construction, wholesale and transport sectors. As PNG’s leading provider of coastal shipping, we are committed to delivering consistent and reliable services to all our customers.

Call us on +675 478 3000 or email us at info@consort.com.pg for more information.

Visit us at www.consort.com.pg Stay connected

ConsortExpressLines

Liner Shipping | Projects & Charters | Storage and Warehousing | Cartage | Stevedoring

Scan code for a quote

Ok TEDI MINING

Tedi became a majority state-owned enterprise when the SDP shares were cancelled, and the government of PNG scaled its direct ownership to 87.8 percent.

Interestingly, Ok Tedi mine was due to be closed in 2010. However, following extensive mining studies which resulted in the further definition of the Mt. Fubilan resource, Ok Tedi sought approval to continue operations as a producer of copper, gold and silver until 2025. The continuation of the mine was agreed and supported by the communities 46 | APAC Outlook issue 49

impacted by the mine’s operations.

Today, Ok Tedi has the right employees, with the right skillset, in the right positions to respond to current global challenges. The organisation has a motivated, committed workforce and possesses world-class rosters, terms and conditions and accommodation that provide robust productivity and results for the PNG people and the economy. The company is renowned as a sustainable, efficient and well-regarded operating firm that delivers value to stakeholders and the PNG economy.

Unlocking the potential of your assets COSOL is a global provider of proprietary digital solutions to asset intensive industries. We drive quantifiable business improvements through the enhanced use of data and data analytics.

Discover what COSOL’s team of enterprise asset management specialists can do for your organisation today.

MAINTENANCE

+617 3129 3341 | www.cosol.com.au

MONITORING

INSIGHT

MANAGEMENT

Ok TEDI MINING

‘OPERATIONAL SITES ARE LOCATED IN TABUBIL, KIUNGA, BIGE, WITH SUPPORT OFFICES IN PORT MORESBY AND A MARKETING AND LOGISTICS OFFICE IN BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA’ The OTML registered office and senior management team are located at Tabubil. Operational sites are located in Tabubil, Kiunga, Bige, with support offices in Port Moresby and a marketing and logistics office in Brisbane, Australia. Ok Tedi Mining exports copper concentrate containing gold and silver to smelters in Germany, India, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.

MINING OPERATIONS Mining of the Mt. Fubilan Ore Reserves is undertaken through a large open pit 48 | APAC Outlook issue 49

operation through conventional drill and blast techniques, with shovel and excavator loading equipment. The current pit design and pit sequencing has been developed to maximise value while meeting environmental constraints agreed with mine-affected communities.

With up to 11 metres of rainfall per annum, incident rainfall and runoff contribute significant volumes of free water draining into the pit. Rainwater also permeates into the rock mass which contributes to instability as a result of increased pore pressure.

Comprehensive monitoring of hydrological and geotechnical factors is introduced into its mining strategy and plans to ensure safe operations.

C

OSOL and OTML have worked together since 2001. During this time, COSOL has embraced the OTML ‘One Team, Wan Pasin’ philosophy.

Fully embedded at Ok Tedi, COSOL is committed to working with an emphasis on upskilling and mentoring local employees to ensure the benefits of their work together is retained in the community.

When completely different challenges emerged in 2020, the OTML-COSOL team was able to rapidly pivot to focus on the COVID-19 response due to the close nature of the partnership.

The clear and significant benefit of this relationship was underscored during the global pandemic as the team worked seamlessly and quickly to develop and manage entirely new processes such as COVID-19 testing and tracking, management of sensitive personnel data and enablement of remote working.

The ultimate success of the service at OTML is measured through demonstrable business improvement. These benefits are in turn converted into tangible outcomes in health, education, and infrastructure for the Ok Tedi community and Papua New Guinea.

“We are honoured to be part of this unique journey with OTML, drawing together the expertise of both teams to unlock potential at Ok Tedi,” said Scott McGowan.

COSOL partners with asset intensive organisations to drive quantifiable business improvements through the enhanced use of digital solutions.

While COSOL provides flexible and tailored support services around the world, understanding the cultural and logistical challenges in providing support to remote mining locations is a key strength of the organisation.

“The lessons we’ve learned working shoulder to shoulder with OTML to deliver both business and community outcomes is experience we now draw on when working with our other clients. Our core value proposition is centred around this kind of client intimacy,” said COSOL Chief Executive Officer, Scott McGowan.

+ 617 3129 3341 | www.cosol.com.au

Ok TEDI MINING

‘NEARLY THE ENTIRETY OF THE RIVER RUNS THROUGH THE NORTH FLY DISTRICT OF THE WESTERN PROVINCE OF PNG, HOWEVER, THE RIVER CROSSES THE INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY WITH INDONESIA FOR LESS THAN ONE KILOMETRE’ THE OK TEDI RIVER Located in Papua New Guinea, the Ok Tedi mine is based near the headwaters of the river, sourced in the Star Mountains. Nearly the entirety of the river runs through the North Fly District of the Western Province of PNG, however, the river crosses the international boundary with Indonesia for less than one kilometre. It is the 50 | APAC Outlook issue 49

biggest settlement of the Western Province, and the second largest tributary of the Fly River.

PROCESSING Ore is mined and processed at an onsite flotation processing plant capable of treating around 24 million tonnes per annum. The plant currently recovers copper, gold and silver into

a saleable concentrate. The primary ore is crushed and ground using Semi Autogenous Grinding and Ball mills to a final grain size of approximately 180 microns. The finely ground material is treated in two mineral floatation circuits to extract the copper, gold and silver as a copper concentrate. A portion of gold is also separately captured through the utilisation of a gravity gold circuit.

Ok TEDI MINING

EMACS Proudly Australian owned with over 30 years of heavy industry experience EMACS has become an industry leader and a trusted asset repair specialist throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific Region.

We specialize in high quality electrical and mechanical rotating equipment overhauls, repairs and testing on-site and in-house. Along with these services we also have a dedicated warehouse supplying an extensive range of pumps and pump parts. Our trade and technical expertise with a commitment to superior workmanship across mining, heavy industries, power utilities and manufacturing means you are in safe hands.

‘Ok TEDI’S EXPLORATION STRATEGY IS PRIMARILY BASED AROUND THREE CORE AREAS: ENHANCING ITS KNOWLEDGE AND MAPPING IN AND AROUND ITS EXISTING MT. FUBILAN PIT, EXPLORATION OF NEAR MINE LOCATIONS AND REGIONAL EXPLORATION’ Subsequently, the concentrate is then piped 156 kilometres south to the Kiunga port facilities located on the Fly River. The concentrate is dried, stored and shipped by barge down the Fly River to a storage vessel which is fundamentally anchored in Port Moresby’s Fairfax Harbour. It is then transferred to a silo and storage vessel before being exported using commercial shipping to customers in Japan, Philippines, Germany, South Korea and India where it is refined to produce copper metal and gold and silver bullion.

DEVELOPMENT AND EXPLORATION Ok Tedi’s exploration strategy is primarily based around three core areas: enhancing its knowledge and mapping in and around its existing Mt. Fubilan pit, exploration of near mine 52 | APAC Outlook issue 49

locations and regional exploration.

The current OTML exploration programme revolves around five exploration licences which covers around 680 kilometres.

In line with the reinvigorated exploration strategy that is focused on the near-mine environment where the mineralisation potential is highest and easily accessible, the majority of the exploration licences are located along the prospective Ok Tedi corridor.

This corridor is a deep-seated geologic feature that trends northnortheast through the Ok Tedi deposit into the West Sepik Province where currently, all known copper and gold mineralisation in the region is located.

Discovery and definition of additional mineral resources within the Special Mining Lease (SML) in close proximity to the processing plant remains an exploration priority.

Investing in our future, we are excited to be developing a purpose-built test bay guided by engineering and industry experts, which will become one of the largest testing facilities in Australia for rotating equipment. The objective of our testing facility is to provide our clients with a comprehensive service, which means that you as the end user can be confident your assets are returned to service knowing they have met stringent standards ensuring reliability, reducing downtime and outages which are critical in a highly competitive marketplace.

We value our clients and understand the demands of industry so working collaboratively and closely ensures the best possible outcome is achieved especially when repairs are time critical.

www.emacs.com.au

YOUR TRUSTED ASSET REPAIR SPECIALISTS EMACS’s highly experienced service and repair technicians are committed to meeting the demands of your industry. Our customized solutions, efficiency and reputation for excellence ensures your key assets remain reliable.

ELECTRICAL

MECHANICAL

ONSITE

•

•

• •

• • • • • •

Generators and alternators AC & DC motors HV & LV electrical testing and rewinding 2.1MW load testing capabilities Overhaul, repair & replacement Capabilities from 1kW to 50MW White metal bearing service

• • • •

Pumps (centrifugal, vacuum, slurry, submersible, positive displacement) Fans and blowers (single and two-stage centrifugal) Gearboxes (in-line, multi-stage, parallel offset, planetary) Turbines & compressors Overhaul, repair & replacement

Electrical & Mechanical Repairs Contact us to discuss our full range of services Tel +61 7 3271 5599 emacs.com.au

• • • •

HV & LV electrical testing Critical asset audits and inspections Onsite overhaul & rewinding up to 50MW Thermography, laser alignments, dynamic balancing Vibration analysis and ultrasonic Installation, supervision and commissioning

Ok TEDI MINING

The exploration team have several near mine programmes at different stages. The primary aim is to grow the mineral resource base and subsequent ore reserves through focused, safe exploration. Immediate attention is on replacing resources mined from within the SML. This includes converting resources already drilled to the appropriate density in the East Wall of Mt. Fubilan pit to reserves and identifying other targets that can be proven up and converted into reserves.

Exploration in the Paris (West Wall South) and Sulphide Creek (New York and Wellington) areas, proximal to the current pit are delivering promising results. These areas are the current focus for near mine exploration to increase the mineral resource in the short to medium-term.

OTML has continued to explore 54 | APAC Outlook issue 49

outside of the SML as part of its wider regional exploration programme on granted leases. OTML holds a number of brownfields strategic exploration leases in the Western Province. The exploration effort has included the assessment of geophysical and geochemical data from various anomalies, mapping and sampling programmes and drilling of prospective targets.

The target areas include Townsville, Kauwol, Anju and Dorongo licences.

SUPPORT OPERATIONS Ok Tedi’s location is based in a geographically remote area of Western Province which is surrounded by a challenging terrain. As a result of the remote location of the mineral resource, as well as the low levels of settlement before the establishment of the mine, OTML built the township

of Tabubil to support the operations.

Tabubil provides the infrastructure required to support the mine, including an airport, workshops, warehouses, housing, banks, schools and medical facilities. Tabubil Hospital provides support for the six local aid posts in the mine-affected areas such as Finalbin, Bultem, Migalsim, Sisimakam, Ok Ma and Atemkit.

The town has sealed roads, gutters and kerbs, power, reticulated water, sewage and garbage collection. The majority of the accommodation is in the form of detached high-set housing and camp facilities for Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) workers.

PROVIDING WORLD-CLASS HEALTHCARE Since mining began in 1984, OTML has been the primary provider and financial supporter of private and

100% Australian Owned and Operated • Welding Machines • Welding Consumables • Engineering Supplies • Cutting & Grinding • Rigging & Lifting • Gas Equipment • Safety Products • Plasma Cutting www.globalweldingsupplies.com.au

Ok TEDI MINING

GR Engineering Services GR Engineering Services Limited (GRES) is an ASX-listed process design and engineering company providing fixed price EPC and EPCM project delivery services to the mining and minerals processing industries internationally.

GR Engineering worked with Ok Tedi Mining Limited under an EPCM contract for the engineering services, procurement support, detailed designed and construction work for the Crusher Replacement Project in Papua New Guinea and continues to support the operation with ongoing project services.

The project included the installation of a new and fully equipped crusher and screening circuit to achieve 24 Mtpa throughput rate.

The gyratory crusher installed is one of the largest machines of this type currently being manufactured in the world.

public health services throughout the Western Province. The firm works closely with various multi-sectoral stakeholders for the provision of health services. These include the Fly River Provincial Health Department, a number of church-based providers, NGOs and private health providers.

Providing access to world-class health services for the community and OTML’s workforce is a key priority. As such, OTML owns Tabubil Hospital, which is an accredited five-star facility under the PNG Department of Health system. The hospital is mainly funded

by OTML, with a contribution from the Fly River Provincial Government.

The hospital provides services to the communities in the North Fly District and Telefomin District and is renowned as the Western Province’s referral hospital.

As a teaching hospital, the hospital provides medical care and services to OTML employees and dependents, contractor employees and the general public. The hospital also offers a practical field for academic and clinical training programmes of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Divine Word University, while also conducting medical research to provide input into Biomedical and 56 | APAC Outlook issue 49

Health Sciences research within PNG. Ok Tedi has committed PGK20 million to help PNG curb the escalating COVID-19 cases within the country. In March 2021, OTML General Manager for Community and Operations Support, Kedi Ilimbit, confirmed the announcement and said that OTML’s commitment demonstrates the company’s seriousness in overcoming PNG’s escalating COVID-19 situation.

Ilimbit added that PGK10 million would be given to the Port Moresby General Hospital as well as other agencies determined by the National Government while the other PGK10 million will be leveraged for the procurement, distribution and rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Western Province, with priority given to the OTML workforce, contractors and residents.

GRES has successfully completed feasibility studies, process and engineering designs and construction works for projects of varying scale and covering a diverse range of metalliferous and mineral commodities. The company has delivered mineral processing, hydrometallurgical facilities and nonprocess infrastructure to a range of clients, both in Australia and internationally. GRES has extensive metalliferous and minerals experience including precious metals, base metals, iron ore, lithium, graphite, HPA, SOP and solar salt. The company is equipped to provide innovative engineering solutions for all types of mining and minerals projects.

The innovative engineering solutions developed by GRES enable our clients to confidently move into development with the knowledge that the outcomes from study work will be reproduced in the operation of their projects.

GRES has a presence in the Americas via its wholly owned subsidiary Hanlon Engineering & Associates, Inc. (Hanlon), based in Arizona, USA. Hanlon is capable of providing the complete suite of engineering and project management services and is a reputable brand to the minerals industry in America’s western states.

GRES also has a presence in the hydrocarbons industry via its wholly owned subsidiary, Upstream Production Solutions (Upstream). Upstream is a leading provider of operations, maintenance and well management services to the oil and gas industry in Australia.

www.gres.com.au

GR Engineering is proud to have assisted Ok Tedi Mining Limited with the delivery of the Ok Tedi Crusher Replacement Project.

Project success at the earliest opportunity

GR Engineering provide innovative, cost effective

SPECIALISTS IN: Feasibility Studies Feasibility Studies Engineering and Procurement Engineering and Procurement Construction Construction andand Commissioning Commissioning Project Management Project Management Consulting Services Asset Management Consulting Services

solutions and quality services to the global

GR Engineering specialises in providing fixed price

resources mineral processingservices industry.

The engineeringand design and construction to the global resources and mineral processing industries. company guarantees integrated, efficient and

GR Engineering has a proven track record of delivering integrated project solutions in over 20 countries across of and operational With all safety major commodity types. Asperformance. a group, GR Engineering employs more than 500 professional, technical and a proven track record of delivering turn-key support staff within Australia and internationally. GR projects in over 20 countries GR Engineering has Engineering directly engage the construction workforce experience all major metalliferous and for projects inacross Australia.

practical designs while maintaining a high level

www.gres.com.au / Perth +61 8 6272 6000 / Brisbane +61 7 3838 8000 / Tucson +1 520 326 0062 PROVIDING GLOBAL MINERAL PROCESSING SOLUTIONS

Ok TEDI MINING

Hastings Deering Papua New Guinea Hastings Deering Papua New Guinea (HDPNG) has a long history of working in PNG across mining, transport, energy and construction industries.

The 35 year partnership between OTML and HDPNG has contributed greatly to the success of both companies. The two companies have been at the centre of many world firsts, including (at one time) operating the largest fleet of Cat 793F Large Mining Trucks in the world and being the testing ground for the new Cat 994 Wheel Loader before its worldwide launch.

‘THE TABUBIL THERMAL POWER STATION INCLUDES A COMBINATION OF DIESEL-POWERED RECIPROCATING ENGINES AND TURBINES WITH A TOTAL COMBINED INSTALLED CAPACITY OF 63 MW TO SUPPLEMENT THE HYDROELECTRIC GENERATION AND MEET THE BALANCE OF THE POWER DEMAND’ “We will be working closely with the Sustainable Development Programme and the Western Province Health Authority to implement the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out plan in the Western Province.

“Ok Tedi remains fully committed to take the lead and join forces with the Government, and other relevant agencies to address this pandemic that is impacting all of us.

Our commitment demonstrates the same duty of care we have for our employees, to be extended to other Papua New Guineans, including our people of Western Province.”

POWER Ok Tedi is the largest power user in the Western Province, producing its power from both hydro and 58 | APAC Outlook issue 49

thermal generation. Power for the Ok Tedi operations is generated by a combination of hydroelectric and thermal power generation units, in order to meet the average and peak demand for some 63 megawatts (MW) and 70 MW respectively.

The hydroelectric generation consists of the main 56 MW power station at Ok Menga and the 2.4 MW station at Yuk Creek. The Tabubil thermal power station includes a combination of diesel-powered reciprocating engines and turbines with a total combined installed capacity of 63 MW to supplement the hydroelectric generation and meet the balance of the power demand.

Smaller thermal generation units are also located at Bige, Kiunga and other outstations.

The relationship has helped HDPNG develop many customised solutions to solve specific issues at the OTML operation, including the building of a small excavator that could be easily broken down into small pieces and long lined by Helicopter into remote areas of the Western Province.

Today HDPNG maintains parts supply and back up support for almost all the earthmoving fleet at OTML. As well as its core business HDPNG contributes to local communities by way of sporting donations and via the Ok Tedi Development Fund. (This year additional funding was provided to build a new classroom valued at PGK ~60,000.00.)

Having trained experts on the ground is crucial in PNG. HDPNG is committed to developing local staff, across its 6 branches, with industry leading training on Cat machines and the technology that supports them.

The future in PNG looks bright and HDPNG is positioned very well to help develop the country and keep its customers moving.

Phone +675 300 8300

Ok TEDI MINING

Haymans Electrical Haymans Electrical & Data Suppliers are part of Metal Manufacturers Limited (MML). Established in 1916, MML has become Australia’s leading network of electrical distributors servicing domestic, construction, manufacturing, government, utilities and resources markets. Today the company employs over 3000 staff across more than 370 locations with an annual revenue stream over $2 billion.

Our Haymans Milton service centre located in Brisbane has been continuously servicing the industrial and mining sector in Papua New Guinea for over 30 years. The foundation of our business is built on strong long term relationships like that of our proud history with Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML). We understand the critical nature of OTML operations and are committed to constantly delivering cost effective globally sourced solutions through our value chain for optimal mine maintenance and project productivity.

WATER Process water is pumped from the Dablan Creek pumping station near Tabubil through a large diameter steel pipeline and a number of pump stations that are used to transfer the water up to the mountain range to the mill. Recycled process water is also used in the processing plant.

SUPPLY AND LOGISTICS Supply and logistics mobilise around 4,000 twenty-foot equivalent containers and 100 megalitres of diesel every year. Freight and concentrate material are transported between Port Moresby, Brisbane and Kiunga by the OTML shipping fleet on the Fly River. These vessels are owned by five different entities. Five of the vessels are managed by P&O Maritime, and a single vessel each contracted from Consort Express Lines, Curtain Brothers and Puma Energy.

60 | APAC Outlook issue 49

Goods are then loaded on Ok Tedi’s constructed and maintained public gravel road between Kiunga and Tabubil and then onto the mine, utilising a fleet of prime movers, tankers and trailers.

OTML is dependent on adequate water levels being maintained in the Fly River to allow shipping movements to transport copper concentrate from Kiunga to the silo vessel and, upon return, provide fuel, supplies and other consumables for the operation.

Airports are located at Tabubil, Kiunga and Bige where OTML has scheduled charter flights to move FIFO employees and contractors to and from work. Ok Tedi currently charters Dash 8 and Twin Otter aircrafts to uplift freight on an as-required-basis, further supporting operations. A helicopter supports exploration activity as well as environmental, community relations and security operations.

Through a decentralised service centre model we bring a localised and customer focused decision making process to everything we do. Haymans Milton customers benefit from locally customised and scalable inventory, channels for custom manufactured products and strong sourcing partnerships including suppliers in the USA and Europe for consolidated ordering to reduce costs. Our experienced team quote and manage projects of all sizes to customers’ requirements and collaborate with a broad preferred supplier network to provide excellent technical support. Close proximity to Brisbane Airport and the Port of Brisbane minimizes lead times and allows for fast turnarounds in breakdown situations.

Haymans & MML uphold safe and inclusive business practices and maintain certification to AS/NZS ISO 9001:2015. Our continuous focus on improvement drives us to create better outcomes for our customers, suppliers and staff.

haymans.mmem.com.au/milton

HAYMANS ELECTRICAL & DATA SUPPLIES Specialist suppliers of electrical, communications, lighting and renewable energy products OUR SERVICES - Global Sourcing - Custom Products - Vendor Managed Inventory - Project Quoting & Delivery - Logistics

- Export - Technical Support - Business System Integration - Online Account Portal

OUR PRODUCTS - Cables – Construction, Mining, MV/HV, Custom Specification - Structured Cabling Systems & Fibre Optic - Cable Support Systems – Custom Steel work & bracketry - Overhead & Underground Systems - Switchboards & Control Panels - Circuit Protection & Isolation - Instrumentation, Control & Automation

- Motors - Hazardous Area - Domestic, Commercial & Industrial Lighting - HVAC, Appliances & Catering Equipment - Solar & Renewables - Tools, Test & Measurement - Safety & PPE - ‘Out of Scope’ Materials

OUR MARKETS Domestic • Construction • Manufacturing • Government & Utilities • Defence • Health • Industrial • Mining • Oil & Gas

Milton, Australia

17 Douglas Street, Milton 4064, Queensland, Australia Phone: +61 7 3369 9933 Local Enquiries: Milton.sales@mmem.com.au Export Enquiries: Milton.export@mmem.com.au https://haymans.mmem.com.au/milton

Ok TEDI MINING

Markham Culverts Ltd HELPING PNG ENGINEERS BUILD A BETTER PNG Markham Culverts Ltd has been in Papua New Guinea since 1972, manufacturing corrugated steel culverts, deck planks and Markham Palisade Fencing as their core products.

We are proud of our position as the best supplier to the civil engineering sector in PNG, always selling products that meet the required standards.

We hold exclusive agencies with some of the world’s most prestigious manufacturers of geosynthetics.

We not only stock a wide range of material ,but have in-house engineering staff and access to world class design capabilities and we provide free engineering advice and support.

‘AIRPORTS ARE LOCATED AT TABUBIL, KIUNGA AND BIGE WHERE OTML HAS SCHEDULED CHARTER FLIGHTS TO MOVE FIFO EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS TO AND FROM WORK’ ASSET MANAGEMENT Ok Tedi operates and maintains a modern mobile equipment mining fleet and ancillary equipment. OTML also operates and maintains fixed/ processing plants and equipment in the processing plant and Kiunga operations, which has been active for more than 30 years. During this time, there have been significant equipment component changes and upgrades done to the existing plants. There is continuous planned maintenance to maximise equipment reliability and to meet production targets.

MINING IN PNG Since 1970, the mining sector has played an influential role in PNG’s economy. Mineral exports are gold, copper, silver, nickel and cobalt.

62 | APAC Outlook issue 49

The industry is facing a number of competing trends as well as a rapidly changing global business environment. Against the backdrop of commodity price fluctuations, miners should be able to balance shareholder dividend expectations while maintaining an investment pipeline in the middle of increasing operating costs.

Safety, environmental and community principles also continue to shape the industry as miners seek to achieve their license to operate and deliver on corporate responsibilities.

In addition to the global mining landscape, mining firms in PNG have to cope with additional complexities, such as balancing the government’s desire for development, the needs of communities and resource owners, as well as environmental sustainability.

Markham Culverts is the licensed owner of several well-known PNG products such as “Bailey Bridge”, Pukpuk Palisade fencing, Dekplank.

We are sole distributors and stockiest of Geofabric Bidim brand and Mirafi PET and othe woven fabrics. We are the only seller of wire products which always meets the standards for use on roads in PNG, we sell Maccaferri the best available.

Over the years , after an exhaustive process of testing our products ,have now become part of the construction manual for agencies such as DOW, Mining Oil & Gas users, Provincial and District road projects, bridges and culverts all to PNG standards.

Proof of our success is the wide ranges of customers who continue to come back to us.

For more: Contact Markham Culverts on: 472 2666 or POM Office on 761 80301 or send an email to: mculverts@markham.com.pg.

www.markham.com.pg

Ok TEDI MINING

MTIS Group After establishing solid foundations in Australia MTIS Group (MTIS) expanded into Papua New Guinea to service their clients increasing demand. With state-of-the-art equipment and thousands of unique products stocked locally, MTIS are the largest and only specialised company in our field offering fluid handling solutions to the oil and gas, mining, petrochemical, infrastructure, manufacturing, and civil sectors through our three major divisions.

‘SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNITY PRINCIPLES ALSO CONTINUE TO SHAPE THE INDUSTRY AS MINERS SEEK TO ACHIEVE THEIR LICENSE TO OPERATE AND DELIVER ON CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES’ Despite the challenges, PNG is located in a highly prospective region and the opportunities for large-scale development are significant. There are several major projects that are readied for development, such as Wafi-Golpu.

Ok TEDI DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION (OTDF) The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) is a subsidiary of OTML and is a non-profit, legal entity established to manage the development benefits and delivery of projects to the 157 villages in the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) area of the Western Province and with consideration for the people of the Telefomin District in the Sanduan Province. Its vision: “To improve selfsustainability and quality of life of Western Province communities.”

Havini Vira has been the CEO of the OTDF since April 2020. Vira 64 | APAC Outlook issue 49

is now in his second stint with the company, having served as Fisheries Biologist and Team Leader of Rural Development from 2004 to 2010.

While in this position, he managed a team of six, was responsible for agriculture, fisheries and forestry research and development work for the benefit of mine affected communities in the CMCA regions around the mine and Fly River.

“I became involved in the mining industry through my work in developing livelihood and food security options for mine affected communities,” he says. “The challenge to create sustainable livelihood options and changing the mindset of these communities beyond mine-life is the key driver for me.”

Today, he leads operations at OTDF and is responsible for ensuring the company remains focused on achieving its mission to improve

Our fluid handling division specialises in the design, manufacture, supply, installation, and maintenance of hydraulic, lubrication, refuelling, filtration and pump systems, and their associated components. Through many successful years of industry service MTIS secured direct trading relationships with some of the largest global manufacturers to provide our clients with short lead times, competitive pricing, and great service.

Our calibrations and supply division specialises in a diverse range of services. This includes, but not limited to, supply and certification for pressure, temperature, mass, dimensional and torque. Furthermore, this service is complimented by servicing, testing, and maintenance on associated components for instrument systems.

Our engineered solutions divisions core focus is delivering turnkey packages across general fabrication, rebuilds and specialist auxiliary scopes of work for onshore and offshore oil and gas. This includes flange management, pressure testing, pigging, flushing, internal cleaning and drying. Having worked on some of the largest LNG projects in Australia, our engineers offer a wealth of experience allowing MTIS to offer tailored asset management programs to our clients. Whether it be solving an existing problem, redesigning, repairing or maintenance programs; our engineering team has the expertise to make it happen.

www.mtisgroup.com

Ok TEDI MINING

Pacific Laboratory Products Pacific Laboratory Products is a wholly owned Australian Company which supplies a broad range of Instrumentation and Consumables to Laboratories throughout Australia.

Established in April 2005.

Our product portfolio encompasses capital equipment and an extensive range of branded and generic consumables Our success in the marketplace has been the ability to provide customers with an in-depth supply of products across a wide range of industries.

Havini Vira, CEO of Ok Tedi Development Foundation self-sustainability and quality of life for Western Province communities.

In addition, Vira is also tasked with ensuring its key partners and stakeholders are informed of its plans and progress with the key stakeholders being its communities.

Having rejoined the organisation and now in his second spell, Vira believes that the mindset has changed. “People have come to realise that the mine isn’t a forever thing and it will be gone one day,” he notes. “It is a lot easier now than it was in the early days to try and get people to farm and look after themselves.

The mindset has changed, and this is 66 | APAC Outlook issue 49

because of the effort that OTDF has done in the community. It’s a slow process but we’re getting there.”

For Vira, he believes that this is an exciting time to be in mining within Papua New Guinea. “There are some major projects coming up with their own unique challenges,” he says.

“One thing common throughout is the community consultation and aspiration factor. The need to balance this with the mining returns and environmental impact is even more critical here where land ownership is woven into the very fabric of our society.”

OTDF is a 100 percent subsidiary of Ok Tedi and is focused on improving the lives of the PNG community.

While OTDF is forever linked to its parent firm, Vira explains that his organisation still runs independently.

“We have our own board and management, but we do have an unbreakable umbilical cord with Ok Tedi so are tied to them,” he says. “We are given license to operate outside of Ok Tedi because we are far more accessible to the community.”

Pacific Laboratory Products’ success is built on an unrelenting pursuit of providing customer service at the highest possible level providing Laboratory solutions for a vast range of markets.

Recently PLP has been very successful in launching the smallest qPCR instrument in the world which is used for COVID-19 testing. The simple lab setup is TGA registered and is being used in many mining companies around the world. The Technique is robust and will provide 99.98% reliable results in under 2 ½ hours. The Genesig Q16 instrument and test kits from Primer design are considered the benchmark in COVID19 testing by the WHO. The technical staff at PLP support laboratory personnel in training, understanding results and trouble shooting. We are committed to long term support in all laboratory solutions Find out more by visiting www. pacificlab.com.ay

OTDF’S WORK IN THE WESTERN PROVINCE The Western Province is the largest province in PNG and covers 20 percent of PNG’s land mass at 97,300 square kilometres, but the population is only 201,351 (2011 Census). This

www.pacificlab.com.au

Mini Lab Setup for testing PLP Sars-Covid19 Virus PAC I F I C LABORATORY PRODUC TS

By Pacific Laboratory Products The set up features the smallest qPCR instrument in the world: Q16 TGA registered and WHO supported, CE-IVD test kits for the Sars-COVID-19 virus.

The ongoing daily Surveillance program guarantees 100% detection of the virus, including the new strain which has emerged from the UK and South Africa.

Quantitative and qualitative results in just 2 hours

PLP offers products for all steps of COVID19 analysis using the quantitative PCR technology aLab consumables and instrumentation

aCOVID Test Kits TGA Registered ARTG 343259 Kit is compatible with ALL open platform qPCR instruments Distributed By

Viral Swabs TGA Registered ARTG 341182

Australia Head Office

PLP

PAC I F I C LABORATORY PRODUC TS

www.pacificlab.com.au

PO BOX 465 Blackburn, VIC 3130

Magnetic Bead Technology Extraction Kit for isolating the virus from the sample swab

Free Call: 1800 723 405 Ph: (03) 9845 0300 Fax: + 61 3 9845 0350 e-mail: sales@pacificlab.com.au /PacificLabP

@PacificLabP

Ok TEDI MINING is because of a traditional ‘hunter and gatherer’ lifestyle across an undulating and dense tropical landscape.

The lifeline of Western Province is the Fly River as the majority of its residents live along or near its banks and tributaries. The river runs across 650 miles long and goes through the province from north to south where it ends at the Gulf of Papua through a mouth which equates to over 90 kilometres wide. The river also defines various districts within the Western Province, which is dependent upon the proximity to and along the Fly River.

The Fly River is the primary route for mining suppliers and distribution of government services via a growing fleet of private and commercial vessels.

NORTH FLY DISTRICT Located in the upper reaches and most remote district within the Western Province as a result of its mountainous ranges and valleys, with the North Fly District the smallest of three districts.

North Fly District’s population is around 62,850 people (2011 Census) and is overseen by the Local-Level Government areas of Kiunga Rural, Kiunga Urban, Ningerum Rural, Olsobip Rural and Star Mountains Rural, as well as the townships of Kiunga, Tabubil, Olsobip and Nigerum.

Middle Fly District The region is characterised by wide flood plains, and a number of tributaries and swamps. The upper stream sections have vegetation such as rainforest, swamp forest

OTDF FOCUS AREAS OTDF seeks to build capacity and self-sufficiency within the local communities to develop long-term sustainable outcomes. OTDF focuses on delivering outcomes in five key sectors through the efficient and effective implementation of high-quality, sustainable projects: • Community and Social Development • Health • Education • Infrastructure • Local and Regional Economic Development OTDF works in partnership with its communities and their formal structures, including Village Planning Committees, CMCA Trust Boards, Women’s Associations, CMCA Advisory Committee and Board Associate Directors. Complementing the CMCA collaborations are the technical, managerial and funding partnerships to support project implementation and augment funding.

KEY PRINCIPLES • Effective management and implementation of regional development programmes.

• Strengthening partnerships and involvement with stakeholders.

• Prudent financial and operational systems management and accountability.

• Open and transparent communications.

PNG Ports Corporation LTD PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNG Ports) is Papua New Guinea’s premier port facilities provider of berthage, wharfage and pilotage services.

It has sole authority over all declared ports in the country and manages 15 of the 23 declared ports in Lae, Port Moresby, Kimbe, Madang, Alotau, Rabaul, Kavieng, Oro Bay, Kieta, Buka, Vanimo, Lorengau, Wewak, Daru and Aitape.

Two of the busiest ports in Lae and Motukea (Port Moresby) are being operated by international terminal operator - International Container Terminal Services Inc. Marine pilotage services provided at the declared ports are done by a team of highly qualified and experienced marine pilots based at all ports.

Boasting a fleet of well-equipped pilot boats stationed right across the network of ports, PNG Ports takes pride as the only capable marine pilotage services provider in the region, and has been safely and efficiently delivering this service for over 50 years.

PNG Ports is also responsible for all maritime regulatory laws through the Harbour Management Services division.

This division overseas the control of any port development, management and operation of ports, and transporting of dangerous goods, among others.

As a key partner in the growth and development of the nation, PNG Ports continues to invest greatly in its services, facilities and people.

Through the ongoing ‘modernisation drive’, PNG Ports is now on par with global industry standards, has opened doors to more regional partnerships, and is set to witness more developmental progress over the next five years.

Visit www.pngports.com.pg to know more.

www.pngports.com.pg

68 | APAC Outlook issue 49

Ok TEDI MINING

and sago while the lower reaches of Middle Fly District are primarily flood plains where extensive areas of swamp grasses grow. Population sits at around 79,349 (2011 Census) and includes the local-level government area of Balimo Urban, Bamu Rural, Gogodala and Nomad. The Middle Fly District is also home to the largest lake in the country, Lake Murray.

SOUTH FLY DISTRICT Located at the bottom of the Fly River and across the Gulf of Papua, including the Fly River delta, the South Fly District is mostly impacted by tidal flows, which supports comprehensive mangroves along the mainland and delta islands at the mouth of the river. The district consists of 31,864 kilometres with population at around 46,407 (2011 Census). The South Fly District includes the Provincial capital of Daru and is governed by four local-level government areas of Daru Urban, Kiwai Rural, Morehead Rural and Oriomo-Bituri Rural.

Under the CMCA arrangement, OTDF manages 158 villages that are allocated development funds 70 | APAC Outlook issue 49

while village planning committees nominate community projects.

“These nominations are reviewed and approved by regional trust boards who meet a minimum of twice a year,” says Vira. “The same process is mirrored with the women’s 10 percent compensation component with regional women’s associations making the decisions. OTDF manages and facilitates the process and procures/delivers all approved projects to the villages.

“There are very few development organisations in this part of PNG,” he adds. “The logistical challenges alone are a constraint to many who are willing to come. The provincial government is stretched with resources given that this is the province with the largest land mass and the lowest density – communities are widely spread. OTDF is able to provide support to communities along the Fly River and also assist government/development partners through our field bases and logistical backbone. Collaboration is therefore key for communities to access services, OTDF is able to support that.”

OK TEDI DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION: MISSION Its mission and purpose are the same: manage the OTDF programmes and funds in order to assist the Western Province communities with financial selfreliance through socio-economic initiatives, improved health and education and enabling infrastructure.

Operating independently of OTML since 2009, the organisation is proud to have 50 full-time staff, 60 part-time staff and committed volunteers throughout Western Province dedicated to ensuring its objectives and goals are aligned with those communities it serves. To date, it has achieved considerable outcomes across its investment portfolio and all five pillars of CMCA community development.

UNIQUE & CREATIVE SOLUTIONS

Simtronix Limited was founded by Kelly Kesawe in 2010, in Tabubil Township in Western Province by providing basic computer and electronics equipment repairs and communications services in the Township of Tabubil and the surrounding area. The company’s aspiration for taking on the challenges led into signing a business vendor contract with Ok Tedi Mining Limited 2011 to provide the ICT services.

This opportunity gave Simtronix the opprotunity to operate as a contract company to Ok Tedi Mining Ltd providing a variety of services under OTML’s approved scope of work from 2012 to date.

ICT is the company’s core business, but also provides other services such as the following; • • • • • • • •

Information Technology Electronics & Communication Labor Hire in Instrumentation and Process Control Electrical Maintenance Services Graphics Design and Sign Writing Shutdown and Break-down Building and Construction Services Plant & Equipment Hire Services

Simtronix Limited aims to stay at the fore front of the industry and has adopted and developed HSE policies and management practices that sees the quality control of every task. Our safety systems are in accordance with prescribed safety standards and they are instilled into our employees ensuring that our work is completed with zero harm as our #1 priority.

We empower our people to: • Intervene when they witness any ‘at-risk’ behaviour • Lead by example • Identify and manage hazards associated with the activities for which they are responsible • Courageously and honestly report all accidents and hazards • Take the time to do things right; do the job safely or not at all – do not cut corners The safety of our workforce is the most important aspect of our business, no exception.

(+675) 649 4117 | info@simtronixlimited.com | www.simtronixlimited.com

Ok TEDI MINING

Vira points to two particularly influential initiatives that have stood out for him over the past few years. “For me, there are two that stand out,” he explains. “One has been the increase in security. In our communities here in Western Province, there have been many ‘hunters and gatherers’ traditionally in the past. It is only in recent times that people have settled down. The concept of farming is quite new and has taken many years with OTDF’s continued support to change people’s mindsets to be more stable and focused on the future. This concept is now starting to gain some traction and for me has been a major positive because it has made our lives easier.”

“The second thing is the long-term investments. In 2012, we made a decision to invest in long-term funds because they were sitting in the bank earning two percent and now, they’re earning a minimum of eight percent return on investment. It’s been really successful, and it is also important for the community because after Ok Tedi goes, they will have funding available for the future.”

72 | APAC Outlook issue 49

Looking to the next few years, OTDF has outlined a clear vision for the future. The organisation is currently building capacity and empowering its CMCA communities and associated entities in order to operate independently beyond mine life. “Currently, OTDF programmes will be transferred to provincial stakeholders/partners as communities become sustainable,” notes Vira. “By 2025, OTDF will essentially be managing the trust and corporate functions – particularly facilitating development funds expenditure from current long-term investments.

“WestAgro is expected to support income generation at the household level. This will be a sustainable venture that is agribusiness focused using the nucleus estate model. We are starting with vanilla in the North Fly in 2021.

IAI is the implementing/managing partner who will also be responsible for extension and support services to smallholders. The provincial government has invested in this venture with our local communities through various entities also putting money

into the business. After 2022, Middle Fly and Suki will have cocoa rolling out. SDP has also commenced work in the South Fly with IAI. Sustainable agribusiness underpinned by nucleus estates, extension services and a strong smallholder programme is expected to become the economic driver in Western Province after Ok Tedi.”

Ok TEDI’S SUSTAINABILITY DRIVE It is estimated that since the beginning of the mine, OTML has contributed around PGK10 billion in assisting the development of economically sustainable local and regional communities within the Western Province. Since 1998, more than PGK3 billion has been invested in decreasing the long-term impact on the river system including the removal of pyrite from the tailings, addition of limestone to waste rock and tailings to maintain alkalinity in the river system and the dredging of sands from the river bed around 100 kilometers downstream of the mine at Bige.

In Safe Hands

A nationally owned Private Medical Services Provider, trusted and proven by the big players in the extractive industry.

We provide: • Health Service Support to the Mining and Petroleum Industry • Primary Health Services through network of clinics across the country • Emergency Medical Services • Domestic and Trans-Boarder Medical Evacuation Services • Search & Rescue

• Tactical Medical Services • Occupational Health Services including Pre-Employment and Annual Medical Checks • Laboratory Services including COVID-19 RT-PCR testing.

• Dental Services • Radiological Services • Medical Staffing Support

We believe Your Health is Your Wealth. Our Motto is International Best Practise with local content.

CONTACT US Dr Billy Joseph Managing Director Sky Health & Medical Services Ground Floor, IPA Haus, Konedobu, Port Moresby L (675)3405011 | M (675)73245712 E billy.joseph@skyhealthmedserv.com Anne Gege Business Development Manager M (675)7524 1834 | L (675) 3405011 E Anne.Gege@Skyhealthmedserv.com

VISIT US SHMS IPA Haus Clinic Ground Floor, IPA Haus, Konedobu, Port Moresby SHMS PNGML & Clinic at 8 mile, Granesville Estates; Bomana, Port Moresby

Ok TEDI MINING

SNF Australia OTML, led by Musje Werror, continue to invest to ensure responsible and sustainable mining and deliver projects to the community through a unique partnership between OTML, the PNG government and people of the Western Province of PNG. These values align with those of SNF, which is why we are proud to continue our long-term partnership with OTML, that delivers sustained success for both parties.

The Ok Tedi mine originally planned to construct both a tailings dam and a waste rock dump to retain much of the mine derived waste during its mine life. However, in 1984, during the construction of the foundation for the tailings dam at Ok Ma, a landslide filled the area. Subsequent state approval was given for an Interim Tailings Storage (ITS) facility which was then developed in a bid to contain tailings at the commencement of operations. Upon the design capacity of the ITS being reached in 1986, further approval by the state was granted for treated tailings to be discharged directly into nearby creeks, eventually flowing into the Ok Tedi and the Fly Rivers.

In 1989, the Northern waste rock dump, that has been developed in the upper reaches of Sulphide Creek, was destroyed by a landslide. Approval was given by the state for OTML to continue using failing waste dumps to the North and South of the pit.

Since then, mine waste was disposed into two tributary systems of the Ok Tedi: Sulphide Creek which joins the Ok Gilor and then the Ok Mabiong before coalescing with the Upper Ok Tedi and Harvey Creek which joins the Ok Mani before it coalesces with the Ok Tedi at Tabubil.

Over the years, the discharge 74 | APAC Outlook issue 49

of waste rock and tailings has significantly increased the sediment load of the river. While much of the waste rock consists of coarse material, around 60 percent of it breaks down during transport into finer material in the sand-silt size range. While the gravels aren’t transported beyond the middle reaches of the Ok Tedi, the finer material passes into the Fly River.

The riverine discharge of tailings and waste rock management continues to be the most significant long-term environmental challenge for OTML. This has had adverse environmental impacts on the Ok Tedi and Fly River systems and associated eco-systems, which has subsequently impacted the livelihood and cultural life of the communities who live along the river corridor.

The OTML Environmental team, which consists of environmental scientists and technicians, is responsible for monitoring the past and present impacts of the mine along the 1,000 kilometres downstream riverine system from the mine to the Fly River Delta. This includes maintaining a hydrological network of monitoring stations along the river system, regular field sampling of water, sediment and food, vegetation surveys, data analysis and reporting.

The Environmental team collaborates

We strive to align with OTML’s “ONE TEAM, WAN PASIN” culture.

Our world-class technical team supported by our PNG partner Mahjac Enterprises, work collaboratively with OTML to provide process and metallurgical optimisation and tailored solutions that deliver productivity and cost improvements.

SNF supply innovative process control technologies and polymer make-up systems. With over 65 Flodose units across Oceania, our Flodose technology continues to provide OTML with accurate, real-time reagent dose control to significantly reduce polymer costs, minimise operator supervision and intervention and improve thickener reliability and stability.

Our world-class technical expertise and technology are backed by the world’s largest polymer manufacturing capacity and proven supply chain. We offer the most extensive and advanced range of flocculants, coagulants, xanthates, rheology modifiers, filter aids, defoamers and scale inhibitors with 23 production facilities across Europe, Australasia and the Americas.

We have a long-term strategy focused on innovation and investment to ensure we address our customer’s ever-changing needs and challenges.

We maintain a high level of R&D expenditure and investment to improve and expand our production facilities, polymer range, technology and service solutions.

www.snf.com.au

The Solution is Clear Solution is Clear Flodose: Optimise Reagent Costs &The Thickener Performance Real-time Matters

Issue Flodose: Optimise Reagent Costs & Thickener Performance Real-time Manual operator intervention was employed at the Bulga CHPP to monitor

Issue and control coagulant dosing. This necessitated high coagulant addition to

reduceoperator the levelintervention of supervision, overflow Manual was maintain employedthickener at the Bulga CHPP clarity and availability. toplant monitor and control coagulant dosing. This necessitated high coagulant addition to reduce the level of supervision, maintain In addition to increasing treatment costs, insufficient chemical dosing thickener overflow clarity and plant availability. control may decrease settling efficiency, overflow clarity and underflow This results intreatment reduced productivity and increased In density. addition to increasing costs, insufficient chemical treatment costs. dosing control may decrease settling efficiency, overflow clarity and underflow density. This results in reduced productivity and Solution increased treatment costs.

SNF worked closely with Bulga operations to develop an Solution automated coagulant control system in the existing Flodose.

SNF worked closely with operationsperiod to develop an Site trials were conducted over Bulga a three-month to assess automated coagulant the capability of Flodose to: control system in the existing Flodose.

• Automate monitoring and control dosing Site trials were conducted overofacoagulant three-month period to assess • Reduce thecoagulant capabilityconsumption of Flodose to: • Automate monitoring andand control of coagulant • Minimise operator supervision intervention and dosing • Reduce coagulant • Decrease downtime due consumption to coagulant related thickener issues. • Minimise operator supervision and intervention and • Decrease downtime due to coagulant related thickener issues.

The evaluations demonstrated SNF Flodose was able to reduce Theconsumption evaluations demonstrated Flodosedowntime was able to reduce coagulant by 33%, whilstSNF reducing and coagulant consumption bythickener 33%, whilst reducing downtime and maintaining overflow clarity and performance with maintaining overflow clarity and thickener performance with no no operator intervention. operator intervention.

Results Results

“Implementation of the coagulation control “Implementation of the coagulation control resulted consistentautomated automated turbidity hashas resulted ininconsistent turbidity The controller has greatly control.control.

The controller has greatly improved improved turbidity control, being able to turbidity control, being able to maintain maintainclarity overflow and minimise overflow andclarity minimise coagulant dose coagulant dose rates. Bulga CHPP has seen rates.

Bulga CHPP has seen a marked reduction a marked reduction in usage, particularly in usage, particularly through the reduction of through the reduction of overdosing events overdosing events and operator interventions.” and operator interventions.”

Michael Saxby, Process Engineer Michael Saxby, Process Engineer

Operational Benefits Benefits Operational

Reduced operator supervision by > 90% Reduced operator supervision by > 90% Improved thickener operational Improved operational reliability reliabilitythickener and stability and stability Improved overflow clarity and underflowoverflow density clarity consistency Improved and underflow

Provideconsistency consistent information to density enhance operational decisions Provide consistent information enhance Provides a timely response to to rapid operational changes in decisions feed characteristics Provides a timely response to rapid changes in feed characteristics SNF (Australia) Pty Ltd ●

SNF (Australia) Pty Ltd

●

Economic Benefits Economic Benefits

Environmental Benefits Environmental Benefits

Coagulant dosage reduced by 33% Improved water recovery Coagulant dosage reduced by 33% Improved water recovery Increased plant throughput Reduced water usage from local Increased plant throughput Reduced water usage from local environment environment Reduced downtime/plant upsets Lower energy consumption Reduced downtime/plant upsets Lower energy consumption Reduced pumping costs Reduced pumping costs

www.snf.com.au

www.snf.com.au

●

snf@snf.com.au

●

●

snf@snf.com.au

1300 763 287

●

1300 763

Ok TEDI MINING

OPERATIONS OVERVIEW

United Fasteners

The operations at OTML consist of the following:

Welcome to United Fasteners, Australia’s largest independent distributor of fastening products and industrial supplies.

• A single large-scale open-cut mine.

• A concentrator consisting of two Semi-Autogenous Grinding and Ball milling lines followed by conventional flotation circuits to produce a copper-gold concentrate.

• A Tailings Pyrite Plant (TPP) to separate iron sulphides from the concentrator tailings.

• A pipeline to transport pyrite concentrate from the TPP to designated burial pits below the water table and within the tailings sand stockpiles at Bige.

• A pipeline to transport the copper gold concentrate to the port of Kiunga.

Over the years we have established ourselves as a market leader and are recognised for exceptional service, timely delivery, competitiveness, and total solutions. For the past 20 years we have been leading specialists servicing the fastener industry. We’re a proud supplier to OTML.

• Filtration plant concentrate stockpile and barge loading facilities at Kiunga.

• 75k+ Product SKUs

• Hydro-electric power plants at Ok Menga and Yuk Creek which supply the majority of power for the mining and processing operations.

• 100% Australian owned

• A thermal power generation facility in Tabubil which supplements the hydropower plant.

• Riverine transportation of the sand tailings and much of the waste rock from the mine into the Ok Tedi River.

• A dredging operation in a section of the Ok Tedi River at Bige to remove the sediments and deposit them in engineered stockpiles.

with the community relations team to provide environmental information for the stakeholder consultation.

The resultant heightening of the riverbed over many years has seen an increase in the duration of overbank floodplain inundation.

This flooding resulted in the conversion of parts of the forested floodplain to grassed floodplain in the lower Ok Tedi and the upper reaches of the Middle Fly River system.

DIEBACK Vegetation dieback is the result of a substantial build-up of sand in the river channels and during high river flows, over bank deposition of sediments and water floods within the forest in the river’s low-lying floodplains.

In addition, communities across the riverbank have had their gardens taken 76 | APAC Outlook issue 49

away because of overbank flooding and access to forest resources due to dieback. The extent of forest dieback and changes to grassland is checked every year and reported to the state in the annual report.

DREDGING To help control flooding and dieback, OTML has dredged around 370 metric-tonnes (Mt) of sand from the river at Bige since 1998. The dredging operation removes around 85 percent of the sand that reaches the Bige site located in the lower Ok Tedi preventing it from travelling further downstream. Around 17 metrictonnes per annum (Mtpa) of sand is removed from the river every year and placed in engineered stockpiles on the East and West Banks of the Ok Tedi River.

• 11 Branches nationwide • 250+ Technical experts Our Products We offer over 75,000 product SKUs, sourced from over 500 trusted suppliers. Our range includes: fasteners & fixings, abrasives, cutting tools, sealants, adhesives, lubricants, hand tools, safety, construction chemicals, materials handling, petrochemical and special manufacture.

Our Services Our people are technical experts and solution focused individuals, driven to fully understand our customer needs and wants. From project design to project implementation, we provide advice and specification support along the way. We also offer inventory management solutions.

www.unitedfasteners.com.au

WE SUPPLY INDUSTRIES ACROSS AUSTRALIA, SOUTH EAST ASIA & THE WESTERN PACIFIC Welcome to United Fasteners, we’re Australia’s largest independent distributor of fastening products and industrial supplies.

75k + PRODUCT SKUS

11

BRANCHES NATIONWIDE

Visit our website: www.unitedfasteners.com.au Or email: headoffice@unitedfasteners.com.au

100%

AUSTRALIAN OWNED

250 +

TECHNICAL EXPERTS

Check out our NEW product guide

FASTENERS & FIXINGS I ABRASIVES I CUTTING I SEALANTS I ADHESIVES I LUBRICANTS I TOOLS I SAFETY I PETROCHEMICAL I SPECIAL MANUFACTURE

Ok TEDI MINING

PACIFIC HYDROCARBON SOLUTIONS Viva Energy is proud to be a provider to Ok Tedi for more than 20 years.

Pacific Hydrocarbon Solutions is a subsidiary company of Viva Energy incorporated in Papua New Guinea.

Pacific Hydrocarbon Solutions consults with customers to help optimise and overcome the various challenges associated with using oil, grease, coolants, detergents and fuel.

Fuel filters blocking in mining equipment and fuel lines was a concern in Ok Tedi’s operations. The solution was a fuel quality improvement project, delivering fuel filters, improved fuel custody processes and upskilling site staff with fuel management training developed by Pacific Hydrocarbon Solutions. Norman Jackson, Ok Tedi Superintendent Fuel Supply said “There has been a positive performance benefit from improvements in fuel custody, fuel quality and the personal development of the team”.

The dredging operation at Bige will continue to the end of mine life and this will assist in minimising future physical impacts. The dredging programme has been successful with the bed level of the Lower Ok Tedi dropping since the commencement of dredging and forest dieback declining.

SULPHIDE SEPARATION OTML is the only large copper mine globally to separate sulphides from the tailings before the tailings discharge. The residue material following metal product removal is re-treated in the separate Tailings Pyrite Plant flotation plant to extract pyrite prior to disposal.

The pyrite slurry is piped to storage pits on the West Bank of the Ok Tedi 78 | APAC Outlook issue 49

River at Bige where it is permanently stored in engineered structures under water with a non-acid forming sediment cover system in order to prevent the oxidation of the sulphides and formation of acid. Once full, the pits are capped with Non-Acid Forming sands dredged from the river as part of the normal sand removal process.

TAILINGS DISPOSAL After sulphide recovery from the tailings, the remaining barren sands are disposed of by pumping the material from the processing plant through a pipeline located within the Moscow Tunnel for discharge into tributaries of the Ok Tedi River and eventually into the Fly River.

Solutions provided range from training, consulting, equipment supply, inspections, audits and infield service. “Pacific Hydrocarbon Solutions always make sure they understand the needs of our business, whether big or small, and then work with us to develop technical solutions that constantly add value to operations” Cameron MacGregor, Manager Supply Ok Tedi.

Examples of how we have assisted customers include: • Hydrocarbon training in safe and clean practices • Grease injector inspections for fixed and mobile plant, optimising grease flow and replacing grease injectors • Managing infrastructure projects such as fuel and lubricant management systems, storage tanks, automatic lubricators, filters and dispensing equipment Pacific Hydrocarbon Solutions can be contacted at solutions@vivaenergy.com.au

solutions@vivaenergy.com.au

Solutions to help Ok Tedi keep moving We are proud to have worked with Ok Tedi for more than 20 years and have extensive experience in supporting customers in PNG with a broad range of hydrocarbon related products, services and projects.

Products such as oil, grease, detergents, coolants and fuel are all critical fluids for any mine site. They need to be managed, stored, dispensed and used carefully to prevent problems that can affect the reliability, availability and efficiency of equipment and an entire operation.

Pacific Hydrocarbon Solutions not only helps solve these problems for customers, we also train and mentor staff to build capability within the site to help ensure standards are maintained and to deal with future problems.

Solutions are designed collaboratively with a site to meet their requirements.

Examples include: • •

• •

Training in safe and clean hydrocarbon handling Managing infrastructure projects such as fuel and lubricant management systems, storage tanks, filters and dispensing equipment Mill open gear and excavator grease inspections and maintenance Oil and fluid analysis equipment, training and interpretation

Contact our team to learn more at solutions@vivaenergy.com.au

Ok TEDI MINING

W&W Construction W & W Construction Ltd started as a Land Owner Company benefitting from the spin off business created

by OTML’s Copper Production in Tabubil, Western Province, Papua New Guinea. We are one of first local contractors registered in the area in 1992 to partner with Ok Tedi Mining Limited.

Today W&W Construction Limited takes on the role as one of the main contractor for small, medium and major industrial and commercial projects in Papua New Guinea.

We have successfully completed projects with Major Corporations such as Exxon Mobil, Atlas Steel & Aus Aid. In 2020 we have added the Bank of South Pacific Ltd to our list of corporate clientele with projects under their Home Ownership Scheme.

Our Project Management and Execution Philosophy are:

The tailings are mobilised as a result of the fast-flowing streams and held in suspension until the river profile begins to flatten out at Bige, upstream of the junction within the Fly River.

As the stream velocity slows over a dredged slot in the riverbed, most of the tailings, particularly the coarser particles settle out into the slot. A dredge then pumps the sediments ashore for hydraulic placement into long-term engineered storage stockpiles located on the east and west banks of the Ok Tedi River at Bige.

The reduction in the quantity of pyrite materials flowing down the river has substantially reduced the acid rock drainage risk throughout the river system.

ACID ROCK DRAINING MITIGATION Ok Tedi mine is the only large copper mine in the world to separate sulphides from the tailings before the tailings discharge. The risk of acid rock drainage identified before 2008 because of high sulphur levels and 80 | APAC Outlook issue 49

insufficient neutralising capacity in the sediments is now managed with the implementation of the Mine Waste Tailings Project (MWTP).

Since 2008, pyrite and other sulphide minerals are removed from tailings and acid-neutralising limestone added to the mill feed at the primary crusher. The finely ground limestone responds quicker in order to neutralise acidity and is transported with the tailings down the river system. Further, limestone is added to the waste rock dumps to provide neutralising capacity.

COMMUNITY MINE CONTINUATION AGREEMENT An integrated compensation and development package are provided to the communities for their economic and social benefit. This is both a moral and legal obligation that OTML must meet, as enforced by legislation passed by the National Government of Papua New Guinea in November 2001.

The Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) defines the

• Create detailed schedule and resource plan to meet client’s project objectives.

• Communicate clearly with all project stakeholders • Track project progress and fine – tune deviations • Supervise closely on quality of work done • Complete and commission the project on time.

We take pride in our delivery so our clients can always be assured that only the most experienced and qualified people are serving them, all the time.

Our company is driven by Qualified Technical Experts in the field of Civil, Building & Electrical Engineering.

Collectively they accumulate more than 40 years of work experience in the Industry.

Our Main Objective as a Land Owner company is to sustain the business and the interest of the Landowners (Shareholders) we have been supporting in the last 28 years through our partnership with OTML after Mine Closure.

We have set up an agricultural business and also an extended arm of our civil & electrical operations to other parts of the country. This is our “Life after the Mine” vision.

W & W CONSTRUCTIONS LIMITED P.O. Box 25, Tabubil, Western Province, Papua New Guinea T: +675 (0) 649 9493 F: +675 (0) 649 9571 E: wilson.wakpi@wwcons.com.pg | hradmin@wwcons.com.pg

Ok TEDI MINING

Westpac Westpac PNG has been supporting people and communities surrounding the mining township of Tabubil in Western Province to gain better access to financial services as part of its community service.

The bank through its Tabubil Branch has partnered with Ok Tedi Mining Limited’s (OTML) Community Relationship Department in the roll out of the National Identity project to more than 35,000 people in the mining impacted communities in Tabubil and Kiunga.

Westpac PNG Managing Director Brett Hooker says, the NID cards are a mandatory requirement by the government that all citizens must have in order to have access to important services offered by the government and corporate entities including banks.

“The NID and Birth Certificate is a basic requirement for account opening processes and this partnership will assist locals to have access to these key documents. This initiative will enable a smooth, on boarding process for customers who wish to open a savings account with Westpac or another bank.”

The Westpac Tabubil Branch was established in the 1980s in Kiunga on the ground floor of a Steamships property before relocating to Tabubil when the mining township was developed.

cash compensation, investment and development payments that OTML makes to the 158 communities impacted by the mining operations in return for the license to continue operating the mine until 2025. The communities are grouped into nine regions of over 147,000 people. The nine CMCA regions extend from the mine to the South Fly. These are: Mine Villages, Highway, North Ok Tedi, Lower Ok Tedi, Middle Fly, Suki Fly Gogo, Manawete, Kiwaba and Dudi.

A total of 36 elected community members consist of the CMCA Working Group and attend the delegates meeting along with the government representatives, OTML, churches, women and youth organisations and NGOs. Each region is represented by four community members, including at least one woman. The mine continuation 82 | APAC Outlook issue 49

funding is seen by the CMCA Working Group members as a lever for change leading to a self-supporting sustainable future without OTML.

CMCA AND MINE VILLAGES UPDATES The Community Relations Department (CRD) conducts biennial and annual population and family listing updates for the nine CMCA Trust regions including the six mine villages. The cash payments to the beneficiaries are calculated based on the population of respective regions and directly disbursed to family accounts via the online banking system.

The branch has been supporting communities with financial literacy programs as part of financial inclusion prior to the pandemic reaching Western province.

“There has been an increase in new to bank on boarding after the NID project was initiated.”

“Our customers now have a Westpac HandyCard and are able to access funds through our automated teller machines, Westpac POS and at our Instore Merchant facility at Star Mountain, Mr Hooker said.

Westpac has always maintained a portfolio of accounts for mining communities, employees of OTML, government and business houses and stands committed to maintain community relationships through OTML with the communities.

PEOPLE AND CAPABILITY Mark Stone is the General Manager of People and Capability at Ok Tedi. With a strong family connection to mining,

www.westpac.com.pg

Ok TEDI MINING

there wasn’t a question over which direction his career would take. “I’ve been in the mining industry since I left school and my family have always been involved in mining,” he explains.

“My father was involved since he was a kid, his father was too and so was my brother, so it was those family roots that got me started.

“I started work in Newcastle which is an Australian coal mining centre. I then worked in several places across Australia, but I have always had an ambition to work overseas so I spent a good deal of time across the Americas and also a bit of time in Africa as well. But that’s what I love doing. Mining has a very special feel and culture to it and people are always wonderful wherever you go in this industry. Mining is in my blood.”

And the pull of exciting new projects is hard to resist for Stone.

Reflecting on how his journey took him to Papua New Guinea and Ok Tedi in the first place, he jokes he was relaxing in Panama, where he was then based, when the call came. “I was actually living on the other side of the world,” he recalls. “I had finished a project in South America, and I was 84 | APAC Outlook issue 49

contacted to ask if I was interested in applying for the position at Ok Tedi.

Back in my early days working at BHP, I came up to PNG a long time ago, so I had a little bit of an insight into the company which stood me in good stead.”

To Stone, from the outside looking in, he could see the true potential of what the country could be. “PNG has great opportunities and capabilities, and there are fantastic people here,” he affirms. “Fortunately, my interview

went well, and they felt I was a good fit and here I am, three years later.”

And it was in those three years that the world changed dramatically from the one when Stone began working at Ok Tedi in August 2018. He admits that, as a result of the pandemic, the space is both exciting and challenging in equal measure. “It’s challenging because the whole world economy is obviously turning and in some respects that is quite positive because it has pushed the metal prices up but

Official Distributor

OPTIBELT RED POWER 3: MAINTENANCE-FREE V-BELTS THAT CLOSE THE DOOR ON RE-TENSIONING

W: www.appliedau.com.au E: au-export@appliedau.com P: +61-7-3853-1900

Optibelt is making waves with its Red Power 3 v-belt Low stretch and maintenance free, Optibelt’s Red Power 3 brings a host of benefits over standard v-belt drives.

Crucially, Red Power 3 is designed so that once correctly tensioned the first time, they don’t require re-tensioning again, a valuable saver of time and money. A major mining client called on Optibelt to fit Red Power 3 belts to an agitator drive on the flotation circuit at a large copper-gold mine in Australia. The client was so impressed with the performance that it updated its bill of materials to include Red Power 3 as its required v-belt for agitators on its flotation circuit.

Red Power 3 is perfectly suited to these agitators because they can transmit the required power and will also not need to be re-tensioned for the life of the drive. No other wrapped v-belt on the market has the capability of one-shot tension and installation and become a ‘fit-and-forget’ drive.

Red Power 3 belts use a high-modulus polyester tension cord that does not continually stretch over time, which is what gives it its ability to hold tension. In this capacity, it even goes beyond similarly strong aramid tension cord v-belts, including Optibelt’s own aramid tension cord Blue Power v-belts, which, while capable of higher overall power ratings than Red Power 3, was not the beneficial belt for the flotation cell drives in this instance.

Other aramid (Kevlar®) cord v-belts will work in this drive but will not have the advantages of the Red Power 3.

In agitator applications, the Red Power 3’s power rating was capable of transmitting the required power while the Blue Power led to overdesign and was subsequently not as efficient for this application as it created higher shaft loads on the bearings. Use of Red Power 3 v-belts can increase the mean time between repair on belt-driven applications considerably, compounding cost savings and reduced downtime for the operator. Red Power 3 v-belts offer S=C Plus ‘Set Constant’ length tolerances — ±2mm for belts under 5000mm and ±6mm for belts under 10,000mm — resulting in the tightest tolerance v-belt on the market.

For point of comparison, a typical DIN/ ISO maximum permitted length is 1% the nominal length. Blue Power and other aramid cord v-belts do not have the same narrow length tolerance as Red Power 3 and are not match free.

They are required to be used in sets and this can have a negative effect on the levels of inventory required. It also provides another challenge for fitters insuring they have v-belts from the same match set prior to installation.

Red Power 3 is a proven performer in a long line of engineering excellence from Optibelt and the rest of the company are proud of the benefits it is delivering to clients.

Ok TEDI MINING

ABOUT MARK STONE Mark holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Human Resources from the University of Newcastle, Australia. He is also a professional member of the Australian Human Resources Institute.

Mark has over 30 years of international experience in senior human resources roles in the mining industry, from the perspective of site based and corporate positions. His responsibilities have included all aspects of human resources in Australia, Africa and North and South America.

He is very passionate about unlocking the potential of employees through engagement and teamwork.

it’s all very unreliable because you don’t know when that could change again,” explains Stone. “The difficulty is ensuring we’re competitive no matter the price environment. My role is to ensure the people are behind that challenge and are making a difference.

“At Ok Tedi, we’ve set ourselves a vision of where we’d like to be over the next three to five years and people are a big part of that. This is what I do, what I love and what I get excited about.”

Ok Tedi places considerable emphasis on being regarded as the only PNG-owned mining company, something that Stone believes is hugely important because it is about working for the country in which it operates. “We’re not the only PNG mining company but we’re the only PNG-owned one and that is special,” he believes. “Giving back to PNG drives the way we operate the 86 | APAC Outlook issue 49

company because we have a very clear vision that our job is to create dividends for the benefit of PNG. For me, that’s a huge source of pride.”

As a result of Ok Tedi’s arduous location, things can go wrong.

However, it is the workforce’s unity and dedication that shines through, according to Stone. “Our culture is spectacular,” he beams. “It’s a challenging location and we have all sorts of things that could go wrong, such as earthquakes. We are very dependent on the river for our product to go out and supplies to come in. The river is very dependent on rainfall and we have dry spells where that stops happening. There are plenty of challenges in front of us, the big one being COVID-19, but there is something about the workforce because when they focus on a challenge, everyone works together and that is special.”

Indeed, COVID-19 has disrupted

Mark Stone, General Manager of People and Capability at Ok Tedi

THE RELIABILITY PARTNER TO OK TEDI E: au-export@appliedau.com P: +61-7-3853-1900

Reduce downtime without large capital investments Predict, plan and optimize horizontal grinding mill performance Monitoring and reliability services that help reduce unplanned stops For many producers in hard rock mining, the horizontal grinding mill is the most critical asset, and unplanned outages have a major impact on uptime and the cost of operations.

Increase availability for the mill by reducing the risk of failures and unplanned stops to improve KPIs – extending the mean time between failures is a sure way to reduce the cost per ton.

Now, through SKF’s new pay-for-performance business model, you can achieve this on the operating budget rather than the capital investment budget.

NEED TO TO RE-TENSION YOUR O NO NEED NO TO NEED RE-TENSION RE-TENSION YOUR YOUR FLOATATION CELLS FOR 24 MONTHS OATATION CELLS FOR 24FOR MONTHS FLOATATION CELLS 24 MONTHS

E sales@optibelt.com.au | P 03 8791 2700 | www.optibelt.com s@optibelt.com.au E sales@optibelt.com.au | P 03 8791| 2700 P 03 8791 | www.optibelt.com 2700 | www.optibelt.com

© OPTIBELT GMBH, GERMANY

W: www.appliedau.com.au

Ok TEDI MINING

APAC Outlook: What, for you, differentiates Ok Tedi Mining from other companies operating within the same industries as yourselves?

Mark Stone, General Manager of People and Capability at Ok Tedi: “OTML is 100 percent PNG owned, so all the dividends distributed go to the benefit of the population of the country through the shares owned by the state and to the mine landowners through their share ownership.

This is a unique situation and a source of pride for all employees.

“We are also a single operation mining company, so the continuity and efficiency of that operation is critical to the company’s wellbeing. We do not depend on other operations to bolster production if there is an interruption.

“The most important feature is the resilience of the Ok Tedi workforce. Through our creed of ‘One Team, Wan Pasin’ we continue to demonstrate our ability to face and overcome the many challenges that come our way.”

88 | APAC Outlook issue 49

companies in all industries across the world. Ok Tedi understood the magnitude of the pandemic from the onset and quickly established an incident management planning team to mitigate against the virus. Initially, this worked well, however, in August 2020, the company was dealt a blow.

“We had to shut down our operations for six weeks,” says Stone. “We had our first positive case and very quickly this spread to being around 180 cases company-wide. This led to us making permanent changes upon restarting operations.”

And those permanent changes involved changing the roster to provide a longer rotation so that personnel travel in and out of site fewer times per year. “As COVID is going to be with us for a while, we formed a Business Continuity department and their role is to continuously monitor the global, national and local situation and check whether the measures we have in

AMC Consultants Strategic mining advice creates long-term value Since 1997, global mining consultancy AMC Consultants has supported Ok Tedi with everything from resource evaluation, geotechnical engineering, pit design, to strategic planning, and optimization. AMC has been a cornerstone for Scoping and Feasibility Studies that have added 100’s of millions of dollars of value. AMC’s advice has helped Ok Tedi optimize the mine, extend the mine life, and make economic and strategic assessments to help keep it mining.

At this pivotal time for Ok Tedi, management is not leaving anything to chance. By engaging AMC, Ok Tedi is crafting the next chapter of this mine.

At present, AMC is working with Ok Tedi on satellite deposits, helping target helicopter-supported drilling programs to explore new orebodies and determine possible mining options and their potential value.

www.amcconsultants.com

THE RELIABILITY PARTNER TO OK TEDI W: www.appliedau.com.au

MINING

E: au-export@appliedau.com P: +61-7-3853-1900

APPLIED is the Asset Reliability Improvement partner to OK TEDI and other mines in the region. We deliver contract supplies, on-site consultations, technical product support and training.

THE RELIABILITY PARTNER TO OK TEDI

We are a global multiple brand distributor which allows us to support cross-platform improvement projects in areas such as:

W: appliedau.com.au

E: au-export@appliedau.com P: +61-7-3853-1900

Online condition monitoring and dashboarding Maintenance-free V-belt drive systems Fixed and Mobile plant bearing assemblies Automated Lubrication systems APPLIED is the Asset Reliability Improvement partner to OK TEDI and other Depth Media and Rare Earth Magnetic filtration systems mines in the region. We deliver contract supplies, on-site consultations, Fluid Power systems technical product support and training.

Conveyor, Mill and Pump drive assemblies We are a global multiple brand distributor which allows us to support Gasket and Sealing solutions cross-platform improvement projects in areas such as: Heavy Duty Ceramic Wearing Compounds • Online condition monitoring and dashboarding Warehousing Solutions and Active Rust Prevention Systems • Maintenance-free V-belt drive systems • Fixed and Mobile plant bearing assemblies We Are All Things Industrial®...

We Are Applied • Automated Lubrication systems • Depth Media and Rare Earth Magnetic filtration systems • Fluid Power systems • Conveyor, Mill and Pump drive assemblies • Gasket and Sealing solutions • Heavy Duty Ceramic Wearing Compounds • Warehousing Solutions and Active Rust Prevention Systems

We Are All Things Industrial®... We Are Applied

“

In an unpredictable industry like mining, having a solid advisor such as AMC Consultants has been a significant asset to us at OK Tedi. AMC’s long history with our operation, deep knowledge and understanding of our challenges and opportunities, and breadth and depth of capabilities have consistently helped us achieve and even exceed our goals. We would not hesitate to recommend AMC to other operators looking for a trustworthy advisor for the life of their mine. For us, every dollar spent with AMC has more than paid for itself.

— Musje Werror, OK Tedi CEO

“

• • • • • • • • • •

www.amcconsultants.com

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 89

Ok TEDI MINING

Beyond the Numbers Beyond the Numbers (BtN) is a professional provider of leadership development and training services to the mining and resources industries.

BtN understands that not all companies have the same needs when developing leaders. That is why we don’t offer off-the-shelf programs. Instead, we customise our training around the requirements of your organisation to optimise the learning experience.

BtN is made up of professionals who bring extensive international experience, skills, training, and enthusiasm to everything they do.

BtN is partnering with OTML to provide: • Leadership Development & Training • Supervisor Training • Team Building

www.beyondthenumbers.com.au

place are the right ones and make recommendations,” explains Stone.

“This served us well until the end of 2020. However, in January and February, we did start to see a rise in positive cases so we tightened up our measures again.”

And now?

“We’ve survived very well,” he notes. “We had that six-week shutdown but the metal prices helped us out at the end of the year, so we were down on production but financially as a business, we achieved what we set out to do.”

Stone is quick to praise the reaction of his team in the face of an unprecedented situation. He acknowledges that while following measures has had its trials and tribulations, his team has worked well together. “We use this term ‘one team, one culture’ and when we face these challenges, we face them together,” he says. “People obviously didn’t want to be tied 90 | APAC Outlook issue 49

down and be restricted with face masks, but they got on with it and understood the importance of do it.

“This even extended to placing a ban on some traditions. There is a custom in Western Province where we operate that at the end of a handshake, you click your fingers with the other person as you separate your hands. We had to stop that because it’s another opportunity for transmission. I love that myself so I hate the fact that we can’t do it, but we have no choice. We, like everyone else in the world, are suffering from COVID-19 fatigue and want our vaccines in order to return to a more normal life but in the meantime we continue to follow the guidance.”

However, despite COVID’s unwelcome disruption, working in PNG offers a host of benefits.

Stone is full of praise for the lifestyle that working at Ok Tedi brings.

“In PNG, there is a solid mining industry and there are only a few

CCR Hose & Fittings CCR Hose and Fittings assist mining companies with reducing maintenance costs and assist in implementing the most up to date preventive maintenance methodology to the mining industry.

CCR provides customised solutions to all your hydraulic hose and fittings requirements, providing mine sites with full support, OEM replacements, preventive maintenance programs, hose manufacturing workshops, quality products, full-time onsite preventive maintenance hose technicians and state of the art RFID technology with hose tracking and monitoring software.

This has proven to reduce machine downtime by 50% due to hydraulic hose failure.

sales@ccrhf.com.au www.ccrhf.com.au

MINING

Beyond the Numbers is proud to partner with Ok Tedi Mining Limited Transforming the future by developing leaders today - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT - SUPERVISOR TRAINING - TEAM BUILDING Phone +61 466 540041 www.beyondthenumbers.com.au

Working with quality partners is critical to success. Gates and CCR Hose and Fittings have joined forces to provide customers with an innovative solution to maintain heavy mining equipment hydraulic hose assemblies on site.

CCR Hose and Fittings a leader in the mining industry and has been supplying quality hose and services to domestic and international mining operations. CCR’s aim is to maximise asset value, lower production costs through CCR’s cutting edge RFID hose tracking technology, preventive maintenance programs and offer onsite training for your team’s long term success. CCR are delivering up-to 96% planned maintenance on mine sites that they service. CCR are assisting with long term job prospects and investing into the training, development and upskilling of the local community of Papua New Guinea.

www.ccrhf.com.au | sales@ccrhf.com.au

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 91

Ok TEDI MINING

Fimali Ltd. Fimali Ltd is a PNG company suppling globally engineered & manufactured industrial & process equipment.

Our services range from Industrial Sales & Supply of Equipment and Associated Spares through to Field & Workshop Service Activities such as Project Supervision, Product Installation & Commissioning, Equipment Repair and Complete Aftermarket Rebuilds of OEM equipment.

Fimali Engineers have for over 20 years provided lasting solutions across a range of Engineered products for fluids ranging from high temperature/pressure acidic slurries and petroleum products to water, sewage and air - that include most types of rotating, valving and product transfer equipment as well as instrumentation and systems control.

Fimali Workshop and Technical personnel are well trained and have the expertise to assist in most aspects of your maintenance requirements.

www.fimali.com.pg

APAC Outlook: Can you talk us through your COVID-19 approach from a people’s point of view? big players, us being one of them.

Being a PNG-owned company, this gives us a bit of a boost and people see the advantages in working with a company that is owned by the country. We make sure our remuneration packages are attractive so that people feel like they are being properly rewarded. The lifestyle here is good so people are able to live and work in comfortable conditions.

We focus on our culture and the development of people. Today, I’m confident that we’re the mining industry employer of choice.”

But despite salary and reputation being key reasons for recruitment, training and development is another important pillar of keeping employees effective and motivated. Ultimately, Stone believes that training is at 92 | APAC Outlook issue 49

Mark Stone, General Manager of People and Capability at Ok Tedi: “It’s a huge challenge and it’s not very often that you have a need to battle against a global pandemic. We developed and defined incident management plans which meant our team came together and did lots of planning which was centred around creating safety bubbles. We have three key operational sites, and this meant we had to control who was coming in and out.

“We implemented testing on site where workers had to return a negative result in order to come in and this was very successful. All the hygiene factors were implemented, and this served us well until August where we had our first positive case within the organisation. Based on the wellbeing of our people, we shut our operations down. This one case led to around 180 cases, but we got on top of it and six weeks later, we got ourselves back into operation.”

the heart of success and personal growth, stressing that great strides have been made to improve and aid development in recent years.

“It’s key to attraction and retention, as well as to people development,”

he says. “We have a training centre that we’ve revitalised in recent years.

It’s now called the “Dr Jacob Weiss Training Centre.” Dr Weiss was one of our late directors and is a very renowned person within the country,

MINING

Fimali Ltd is a PNG company suppling globally engineered & manufactured industrial & process equipment.

Providing lasting solutions across a range of products including most types of rotating equipment, valving and product transfer as well as instrumentation and systems control.

Our four main areas of expertise: Rotating Equipment Pumps, Motors, Compressors, Turbines, Mechanical Seals, Gearboxes – Supply & Install

Our services range from Industrial Sales & Supply of Equipment and Spares through to Field Service, Project Supervision & Commissioning Works and Complete Aftermarket Rebuilds of OEM equipment.

Valving Control, Severe Service, Isolation, Safety Relief, High/Low Temp, Actuated, Stock Valves, Hydraulic Hoses Instrumentation Pressure/Temperature/Flow/pH – Gauges/Switches/ Transmitters, Pneumatics, Signal conversion/isolation, Laboratory, Calibration

Fimali Workshop and Technical personnel are well trained and have the expertise to assist in most aspects of your maintenance requirements.

Water supply, treatment and wastewater sanitation systems.

sales@fimali.com.pg | (675) 422 3658 | www.fimali.com.pg

GMJ is an Australian manufacturer with over 35 years experience in the design and manufacturing of both uninsulated and insulated mobile elevated work platforms. GMJ is also the distributor for Prinoth all-terrain tracked vehicles.

Featuring: • Ultra-low ground pressure with zero turn radius for maximum mobility, allowing access to hard-to-reach areas over difficult terrain • Variety of payload capacities with an engineered truck-style chassis for easy plant installation and interfacing • All-weather operation, designed to operate in the harshest conditions

“Prinoth Panther T8 / GMJ LL18.650 MEWP”

GMJ Equipment Pty Ltd 32-34 Quality Drive, Dandenong South, Vic 3175 Australia office@gmj.com.au | (+613) 9706 4550 | www.gmj.com.au

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 93

Ok TEDI MINING

GPA GPA is currently providing project engineering support at Ok Tedi, contributing to the extension of the life-of-mine.

Projects supported include cyclone upgrade/replacements, replacing mill feed chutes, upgrading cyclone feed pumps, refurbishing the lime dust extraction system and upgrading plant water supply pumps.

GPA’s role has been to quantify project justifications, prepare feasibility reports, cost estimates, schedules, risk registers and options studies. GPA has also supported projects in the engineering and construction stages, with on-site supervision and coordination, and has completed a 3rd party review of the Crusher Replacement Project.

gpaeng.com.au

so we thought it fitting to name it after him. Through that centre, we offer a wide range of traineeships for young people as well as on-going training for the workforce. The training centre not only addresses skill gaps in the workforce but provide services to operations as part of the training process.”

Upon the appointment of Musje Werror as Managing Director and CEO, Stone, like all members of leadership, sat down with Werror to discuss their vision for Ok Tedi.

This led to the formation of Ok Tedi’s vision for the next few years. By the end of 2023, all of the company’s management positions will be filled by national employees; while by the end of 2025, all its executive positions will be filled by national employees.

At the centre of making this ambition a reality is training and development, which demonstrates the importance of the programmes the company offers.

94 | APAC Outlook issue 49

“Our leadership development programme is also vital,” adds Stone. “In 2019, we launched our first programme which was aimed at our frontline supervisors to equip them with the skills they need to lead their teams. And we’re just launching our second leadership programme, which is targeted at the more senior staff which can help them at their current role as well as preparing them to move up to the next level.”

With a considerable amount of change in the last few years, Ok Tedi doesn’t rest on its laurels and isn’t content to stand still. Reflecting on a particularly influential initiative in the recent past, Stone believes there is one that sticks out the most from a business perspective.

“In 2015, we were a very high cost operation and as a result of a dry weather event, operations shut down for around six months,” he explains.

“There was a new Managing Director at the time, so it was a fresh start and

Hevilift HEVILIFT is a leader in aviation services across the region. We provide safe and reliable air transport for personnel and equipment.

Hevilift is a 100% PNG company, with resource ownership. We are proud to be a stakeholder with OTML. Our advanced fleet is operated by a safety driven team who are highly experienced. They are backed by management professionals, maintenance and support personnel, with an extensive combined knowledge of aviation.

We are committed to corporate best practice and have company wide systems in place to: • ensure good governance, including CSR • underline fair and ethical operation • minimise our environmental impact • promote diversity and inclusion across our teams.

www.hevilift.com

MINING

Consult Engineer Deliver

Ideas Realised

Specialist Consulting and Engineering for Mining and Minerals Processing • Brownfield Specialists • Process Optimisation and Control • Materials Handling, Pyrometallurgy, Hydrometallurgy, Tailings and Water • Structural, Civil and Non Process Infrastructure Providing engineering design from concept and feasibility, through to execution for over 30 years.

Oil and Gas | Renewables | Power Generation and Distribution | Fuels

Servicing Australia and the Pacific Region

gpaeng.com.au

+61 8299 8300 | enquiries@gpaeng.com.au

YOUR JOURNEY. OUR MISSION.

www.hevilift.com APAC Outlook issue 49 | 95

Ok TEDI MINING

JLE Congratulations to OTML on your successes. JLE have had the privilege of working with OTML on the Crusher project, the Mine Workshop and continue to provide service personnel.

JLE have core expertise in Electrical Construction, Mechanical fabrication, specialist trades, Project Engineering, Health & Safety, QA/QC, Construction management and Mechanical/SMP supervision services.

JLE’s Electrical and Mechanical teams look forward to delivering value to your next project.

www.jle.co.nz

an opportunity to have a reset. We are now one of the lowest cost producers in the industry globally. This whole discipline around managing business, cost and driving improvement is a key part of who we now are. In terms of specific things, we’ve invested a lot of money over the past few years in renewing much of the infrastructure and equipment. The mine has been in operation for 36 years so some of the infrastructure is beginning to show its age and requires upgrading. An example is the new in-pit crusher.

“This was a major improvement because the previous crusher was in a pretty poor state and was also sitting on top of some high-grade ore. By building a new crusher in another location, we now not only have a modern reliable piece of plant, but also have access to that highgrade material that will make a huge difference to the business over the coming years.”

However, for Stone and his role, 96 | APAC Outlook issue 49

he affirms that the focus on people, culture and values within the company has been transformational.

“The company’s culture and approach to work is a major contributor to the company’s success,” explains Stone.

“We put together a team that we call the Pasin Ok Tedi Team, which was drawn from some of the ‘movers and shakers’ within the organisation. Their role is to help communicate to the workforce what it means to live our values through our daily decisions and actions and to provide feedback to the executive team on opportunities to continue to improve our culture.

This has had a huge impact on all of us feeling and operating as one team aligned towards a common set of goals. Unlocking the potential of people to work together toward a common goal is a huge piece of the puzzle.”

With the future in mind, Stone outlines four key pillars that he is focused on over the next few years.

Niugini Electrical Niugini Electrical has always honored the trust and condence of OMTL towards our company by always providing the best human resource we have available.

Since day one of the contract, our qualied and experienced High Voltage Terminators have been heavily involved in the Electrical and Instrumentation construction phase of the Crusher Replacement Project (CRP) while our additional personnel are assisting in othe on-going projects on OTML construction site.

T 472 4787 E sales@niuelec.com.pg E service@niuelec.com.pg

MINING

CONGRATULATIONS

Ok Tedi Mining Ltd JLE Electrical and Mechanical Contractors specialise in Industrial Process, Mining and Petrochemical sectors.

We offer Electrical Project & Services, and Mechanical fabrication & Maintenance capabilities with our professional team of local and international trades and management personnel.

We have proven expertise to safely deliver your construction projects and provide maintenance services to PNG, Australian and New Zealand Quality Assurance Standards throughout PNG and around the Pacific.

JLE offer highly trained professional staff; providing technical solutions and innovation for development & sustainability.

JLE PNG SINCE 2012

Mine Workshop - Structural, mechanical and electrical Mine Crusher Plant - Mechanical and electrical Fuel Storage facilities - Country wide electrical upgrades LNG drilling rigs - Structural, mechanical and electrical New Mine Oxygen Plant - Electrical construction Gold Mine Cyanide tanks and piping - Fabrication New fuel storage facility Civil - mechanical and electrical Gold Mine - Condensate Storage tank construction Refinery Shutdown - Heater piping changeout Gold Mine shutdowns - Mechanical and electrical resources

askjle@jle.co.nz AUS: 0061 7305 38508 NZ: 0064 9579 5220

Electrical & Solar Professionals

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS AND WHOLESALERS

Generator Sales & Service Switchboard Design & Manufacturing

CONTACT US

Solar Street Lights & Appliances

FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL AND SOLAR NEEDS Phone: 472 4787 | Digicel: 7999 2600

Email: sales@niuelec.com.pg | service@niuelec.com.pg

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 97

Ok TEDI MINING These are: maintaining and building on the culture, a focus on national leadership, increasing gender diversity into the workforce and upgrading old systems.

“We have invested time in developing our people strategy because ultimately, people are at the heart of what we do,” explains Stone. “Firstly, we have to ensure that people remain focused on contributing to the Ok Tedi vision and buy into the culture. Secondly, it’s about developing national leaders to take up leadership roles. Being clear, we’re not kicking out expats but it’s about having nationals in leadership positions and having expats provide guidance and mentorship.”

However, Stone acknowledges there is still work to be done to improve gender diversity within his organisation. “At the moment, only around 11 percent of our workforce is female,” he says. “However, by the end of 2023, we want to double

98 | APAC Outlook issue 49

that. If the gender mix of the country is roughly 50/50, we should be doing better than our current mix.

This is a generational change and doesn’t happen overnight. With the assistance of our very active Ok Tedi Women’s Network (OWN) and by being very intentional about achieving it, we can make a difference in gender diversity.”

Finally, Ok Tedi is modernising its processes and undergoing a digital transformation. “We’ve been here a long time and some of our processes are a bit old-fashioned,” admits Stone.

“We’re upgrading all our systems and are just about to launch a new cloud-based HR platform which will streamline tasks, provide greater visibility and reduce the risk of losing previously paper-based information.”

Optimised Workforce OTML engaged Optimised Workforce, now Knowledge Vector, to develop training materials to upskill personnel who will be responsible for the new equipment installed during the CRP. Working alongside the CRP Operational Readiness Team, Optimised Workforce revealed the skills and knowledge requirements for maintaining and operating the new equipment, creating a workable training strategy and implementation plan.

Methodology was selected based on analysis of learner groups, technical data and job tasks, addressing key priorities to produce 10 different highquality packages including learning materials, trainer resources, training manuals and assessments.

INSIDE MARK STONE’S ROLE OTML attracts, develops and retains a highly engaged and skilled national workforce with a small number of

www.knowledgevector.com.au

MINING

Knowledge is power, knowledge shared is power multiplied

TECHNICAL WRITING AND IN-HOUSE COMMUNICATION Authoring, editing and illustrating services to ensure your operational documents have the tone and detail to work successfully in your business. We cover the full range of quality management system documents, including policies, procedures, work instructions and forms.

TRAINING DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT Specialising in technical content, we deliver end-to-end training solutions that improve bottom-line results. We work with your technical experts to create and implement training that is the best fit for your workforce.

T (+61) 438 971 079 | contact@knowledgevector.com.au www.knowledgevector.com.au

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 99

Ok TEDI MINING

Petro Industrial PETRO Industrial is a leading fullservice provider of Engineered Hydrocarbon storage tanks and dispensing solutions.

With a multitude of successful projects behind us, PETRO’s capabilities range from off the shelf solutions to tank farms and customized projects, we are the industry leader with clients across Australia, Middle East, Asia markets, and APAC. We can manage your project solely during the design, development, manufacturing, delivery and commissioning stages of the project cycle. This allows us to provide cost-effective turnkey solutions, fully customized to your specifications.

By professionals, for professionals

www.petroind.com

expatriates in key roles for a total of around 1,800 employees, operating through a mostly Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) operation. OTML strives to create a healthy and safe working environment, free from hostility, offensiveness, bullying, intimidation and harassment, racial vilification and any form of unlawful discrimination.

Ok Tedi achieves success through open and honest communications

FOUR KEY PILLARS FOR THE FUTURE 1. Maintaining and building on the culture 2. National Leadership 3. Increasing gender diversity 4. Upgrading old systems

100 | APAC Outlook issue 49

with employees about job goals and performance, the delivery of targeted skill development programmes, productive annual performance reviews and feedback as well as competitive individual and team-based performance-based remuneration and benefits.

Ok Tedi is a FIFO operation working 12-hour shifts, four weeks on by four weeks off, although the expatriate rotation is longer at the moment based on COVID-19 quarantine requirements. Some managers, superintendents and employees from the local area rent accommodation and live on site in Tabubil and Kiunga.

OTML respects the rights of workers to be represented by a union. The organisation has had a productive working relationship with union executive members and engage in regular consultation and communication to assist in the quick resolution of grievances and ensure workforce alignment.

Placements PNG Placements (PNG) Ltd is proud to share a long and rich history with Ok Tedi Mining Ltd. Placements very first contract award was by Bechtel MKI in 1987 for the supply of personnel for the construction of the Ok Tedi Mine in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea.

Due to a long history of operational performance our working relationship with OTML is one we still enjoy today through provision of recruitment, labour hire and logistical support in partnership with our local Joint Venture partners Hore Binkia Engineering Ltd.

info@placementspng.com.pg

MINING

THE LEADER IN

BULK FUEL

STORAGE & DISPENSING

SOLUTIONS www.petroind.com | +61 (0) 7 3204 9558

Placements (PNG) Ltd is a specialist agency offering temporary and permanent recruitment services to a select base of large domestic and international clients in the construction, mining, oil and gas sectors. Our clients depend on us for unrivalled quality professional services, tailored solutions to suit the diversity of their needs and successful long term experience with the Placements group having over thirty (30) years operating experience in Papua New Guinea, Australia, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Singapore, Hong Kong, Mozambique and the Middle East. Our support of projects in remote locations is a strength that our network of company and Joint Venture offices is proud of. Our Joint Venture partner in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea, Hore Binkia Engineering Limited (HBEL), commenced operation in 2005 and specializes in the provision of civil works, building and construction, trucking, plant and equipment hire, technical labour hire, security services, electrical works and refrigeration services.

Level 4 Cuthbertson House Cuthbertson Street Port Moresby NCD PAPUA NEW GUINEA

E: info@placementspng.com.pg T: 0011675 321 3600 F: 0011675 321 3788

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 101

Ok TEDI MINING

Process Plants International Process Plants International (PPi) is a company founded in 2010 by leading industry specialists from the fields of Chemical, Process and Maintenance Engineering.

The objective was to close a wide gap in the industry by offering a specialist single source service provider to global resource commodity organisations.

PPi is a single source service provider to companies operating, or intending to operate, technologically advanced processing plants. Our clients have engaged us in countries across the world; Australia, Russia, Laos, Madagascar, PNG, New Zealand, Turkey, USA, Finland and New Caledonia.

PPI Directors have had a long relationship with the Ok Tedi mine over 25 years. We are proud to be associated once again with the management and leadership team in support of the Crusher Relocation Project.

processplants.com.au

OTML has a proud record of nurturing and developing Papua New Guineans to progress their careers within the mining industry. This has enabled the localisation of many positions which are historically held by expats.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT WITHIN OK TEDI OTML recognises the need for the workforce to be flexible and have the capacity to change and apply new technology to maintain competitiveness. Ok Tedi provides an in-depth suite of training and development programmes commencing with site and departmental inductions through to externally delivered mining leadership courses. OTML aims to ensure that all employees are skilled and competent in the execution of their responsibilities and are offered the opportunity for personal growth consistent with business needs.

102 | APAC Outlook issue 49

Star Mountains Training Institute: OTML operates the Star Mountains Training Institute as a Registered Training Organisation in Tabubil through the Dr. Jacob Weiss Training Centre and is committed to the development of its most important resource – its employees. Since 1982, over 10,000 employees have completed education and training in some form. Programmes offered include Preferred Area Development, Graduate Development Scheme, Apprenticeships, employee on-thejob training both in-country and overseas.

Graduate Development Scheme: OTML sponsors a Graduate Development Scheme, in which new university graduates are chosen and offered positions in their respective study disciplines that features mentoring, on the job experience, further training and career possibilities. They undergo a two-year

Puma Energy Puma Energy is PNG’s largest downstream and midstream petroleum company.

We harness the nation’s crude oil to refine and supply products to energise PNG. We supply some of the largest manufacturing and mining companies, distributing products from our network of 102 filling stations, refuelling aircrafts at 11 airports, providing LPG for businesses and households all over the country and bunker fuel for shipping.

Over 95% of our staff are PNG citizens and we partner with more than 400 local small and medium businesses helping develop the MSME sector.

www.pumaenergy.com.pg

MINING

processplants.com.au

PPi operates in the maintenance of mining equipment throughout the upstream mining production process.

PPi has in-house capability for general maintenance, refurbishment and provision of OEM and non-OEM spare parts.

PPi works with clients on reliability improvement projects to maximise value from assets and minimise unplanned downtime and repair times.

PPi can maintain clients’ equipment either on site, with personnel embedded within a client organisation, or remotely at our workshop in Queensland.

DESIGN | CONSTRUCT | COMMISSION | MAINTAIN

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 103

Ok TEDI MINING

Rexel For over 30 years, Rexel has proudly supported Ok Tedi in the supply of electrical consumables.

This longstanding partnership is a testament to Ok Tedi’s staff and vision, with Rexel providing strong support to site crews backed by sustainable and innovative products and solutions.

Rexel congratulates the excellent work completed to date by the Ok Tedi Development Foundation, which is aligned with Rexel’s core values and goals to strengthen its sustainable development commitments globally.

‘THESE CENTRES PROVIDE ACCESS TO SECONDARY STUDIES FOR HUNDREDS OF OUT OF SCHOOL YOUTH AND ADULTS, ALLOWING THEM TO UPGRADE THEIR QUALIFICATIONS TO MEET TERTIARY INSTITUTION ENROLMENT REQUIREMENTS’ training programme following which they are offered full-time roles depending on their performance and position availability.

Apprenticeship Trade Programme: OTML offers an apprenticeship trade programme to meet its needs and contribute to the national pool of tradespeople. OTML encourages its business partners to also develop apprentices. OTML’s apprenticeship programme has been awarded strong endorsements and recommendations through the Papua New Guinea National Apprentice and Trade Testing Board with whom the company works closely to ensure the quality of its apprenticeship programme.

Scholarships: There has been a considerable investment made through scholarships for mine community students to undertake secondary, post-secondary and tertiary courses in PNG and overseas in order to support priority skills needs within the Western Province.

104 | APAC Outlook issue 49

OTDF manages nine Flexible Open Distance Education centres operating in the Western Province.

These centres provide access to secondary studies for hundreds of out of school youth and adults, allowing them to upgrade their qualifications to meet tertiary institution enrolment requirements.

Education infrastructure is vital for delivering education outcomes. The OTML Tax Credit Scheme has recently developed building improvements for the Montfort Primary School, as well as the construction of Oksapmin High School for students in the North Fly and Telefomin Districts. In 2017, the Tabubil International School was reopened with support from OTML, the community and an innovative community business initiative, in order to offer alternative higher quality schooling for children from the local communities.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS The OTML Community Relations team is responsible for the planning, implementation and communication

Rexel looks forward to continuing its longstanding partnership and proactive service to Ok Tedi well into the future.

Starwest Starwest Constructions is a diversified mining and civil construction company with expertise in operating and maintaining a varied fleet of construction plant and equipment.

Starwest built and maintains the 150 km road from the river port of Kiunga to the administrative township of Tabubil and on to the Mine Site at Mt Fubilan. The road was built through rugged and remote terrain and has played a key part in bringing development to the Western Province which was previously one of the least developed provinces in PNG. Starwest is proud to have worked with Ok Tedi Mining for more than 30 years.

T +675 649 6600 E main@starwest.com.pg www.curtainbros.com.pg

MINING

Leading the way in electrical product distribution supporting our customers with sustainable and innovative services and solutions

Service and Brands you can Trust

Before Starwest has built, owns and operates a river port at Duobi, which is currently servicing National suppliers who ply the 1,200 kilometre route from the Nation’s capital, Port Moresby.

The port currently is not as high volume as the Ok Tedi port a few kilometres upstream at Kiunga, but Duobi has additional roll-onroll-off capability which is not available in Kiunga and is strategically positioned for expansion, particularly to service future oil & gas exploration and development opportunities in the region, including the Exxon Mobil backed P’nyang gas project.

After APAC Outlook issue 49 | 105

Ok TEDI MINING

Tri Star Safe – Faster – Smarter When Ok Tedi needed help, Tri Star Design & Manufacturing was there.

Since 1991 we have been designing, manufacturing, and engineering a wide array of specialty tooling to eliminate safety hazards, improve uptime, and increase production. Tri Star Design & Manufacturing - finding solutions to your most interesting problems.

We have specialty solutions for all your needs: • • • • • • • •

Mobile equipment Primary and secondary crushing Conveying Floats and barges Reverse engineering Process control and sampling Process pumping and piping Rebuilds

Visit us at: www.tristardesign.com of OTML community relations programmes, such as environmental impact mitigation, compensation payments, local employment and benefit sharing opportunities, infrastructure development and services for the Western Province.

The OTML Community Relations team manages the dissemination of information to the communities and undertake formal and informal consultation. Every year, the Community Relations team completes a number of annual formal community visits to each of the 158 villages in the nine CMCA regions, which covers an area of more than 98,000 kilometres.

Over 20,000 people attend these meetings every year. Meetings are held with both men and women as well as with women separately to discuss issues specific to women and children. Formal meetings are also held with local, ward, provincial and national government authorities. In 106 | APAC Outlook issue 49

these forums, the communities and their leaders have the right to raise issues with OTML and the state that impact upon their livelihoods.

OTML uses the meetings to provide feedback on issues previously raised and provide information updates on mining operations, environmental impacts, agreed compensation, statutory compensation, statutory compliance understanding and the awareness of applicable laws relating to lease management and social responsibility programmes managed through OTDF. Western Province entities maintain a 33 percent interest in OTML, with a representation on the Ok Tedi Board of Directors. Ok Tedi engages with its stakeholders and maintain regular open and transparent dialogue with the mine associated communities and government. This dialogue is based on Free and Prior Informed Consent principles to which OTML subscribes.

Unique Hardware Tabubil The following related businesses are under the umbrella of the A & J City Ltd: UNIQUE HARDWARE-TABUBIL & KIUNGA (NO. 6-131252) Retail sales of household appliances, articles & equipment Retail sales of hardware & construction materials BALIMO SUPERMARKET (6-208488) Wholesale of other household goods Retail sale of food, beverages and tobacco in specialized Stores Retail sales of textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods Retail sales of household appliances, articles and equipment Other retail sales in specialized stores A & J RESTAURANT (at Gazebo Club Tabubil) Restaurants, bars and canteens operations

MINING

Tri Star Design & Manufacturing 4833 E SOUTHERN AVE, MESA AZ 85206 USA 1-480-345-1699 sales@tristardesign.com www.tristardesign.com

SAFER

FASTER

SMARTER

The Right Tooling for the Job

Building Quality Business and Culture Together

A & J CITY LIMITED TRADING AS UNIQUE HARDWARE TABUBIL

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 107

Ok TEDI MINING ‘OK TEDI ENGAGES WITH ITS STAKEHOLDERS AND MAINTAINS REGULAR OPEN AND TRANSPARENT DIALOGUE WITH THE MINE ASSOCIATED COMMUNITIES AND GOVERNMENT’ Ok Tedi’s community development programmes have focused on developing partnerships with local communities, governments and businesses in a bid to help harness sustainable social and economic development in the Western Province and the Telefomin District. This approach ensures the community development programmes complement government initiatives and those of aid agencies and NonGovernment Organisations working within the region.

The delivery and management of major community development programmes are primarily delivered through the Ok Tedi Development Foundation.

Indeed, OTML community development projects target women and children. Ok Tedi, through OTDF, has introduced various women’s programmes which recognise the significant social shift caused by development and the necessity for women to play a more active role in their communities. A key area of this is women’s leadership skills. These workshops aim to strengthen the existing village women’s groups so that they can tie into the PNG National Council of Women network. The focus of these workshops is on equipping women with the skills to assist them to become involved in the decisionmaking process.

Women leaders play an influential role in all mine community 108 | APAC Outlook issue 49

consultation processes and leaders’ meetings and are represented on the OTDF Board. A minimum of 10 percent of the CMCA Compensation package has been allocated for

women and children and regional women’s associations have been set to make use of the funds for women and children projects.

MINING

Trusted Worldwide to Deliver Global Workforce Solutions Core Services

Talent Acquisition

Global Employment & Mobility

Managed Solutions

Consulting

40+ years’ experience Over 60 locations | $1b revenue

Learn more about our workforce solutions at:

airswift.com/png

CONTACT US t: +675 320 3095 e: infoPNG@airswift.com Level 5, Cuthbertson House, Port Moresby, PO Box 571 Konedobu, National Capital District

We are customer driven and our mission is to provide quality engineered systems and related products in an ever changing world for the benefit of those who participate in our success...OUR CLIENTS. Gold Room Equipment & Bullion Moulds Crucibles, Refractories & Furnace Kits Furnace Filters - Gold Recovery Aluminised Furnaceman’s Protective Clothing Chemical Splash Protective Clothing Mideco Bag Filters, Wet Scrubbers & Electrostatic Precipitators Industrial Liquid & Gas Filtration Sintered; Stack Emission Gas Sample Filters PO Box 20, Townsville 4810, Queensland Australia Phone: (07) 4728 2818 | Email: info@candce.com.au www.candce.com.au

®

Outlook Creative Services

Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke

NATIONAL STRENGTH LOCAL SERVICE

range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

Custom Fluidpower is Australia’s largest independent fluid power solutions provider supplying quality hydraulic, pneumatic, filtration, and lubrication products and services.

custom.com.au

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 109

Ok TEDI MINING

WOMEN’S REPRESENTATION In 2007, during the mine benefits stream negotiations for communities impacted by the OTML operations, each CMCA region was represented by one woman. The women were able to negotiate for 10 percent of the funds from the mine operations to be dedicated to the women and children programme. This was a significant achievement for women in PNG and reinforced women’s rights to representation at the highest levels of decision making on mine benefits for local communities.

The Memorandum of Agreement following the review specifically provided for recognition of women representatives on Village Planning Committee, the CMCA Association and the Board of the Ok Tedi Development Foundation.

In 2012, when the Mine Continuation Agreements came up for a five-year review, around 30 women leaders participated in the negotiation 110 | APAC Outlook issue 49

MINING

A symbol of Quality

Tailor-made Sideloader Solutions Built Tough for PNG! You get maximum reliability with a Hammar sideloader!

For sales enquiries, contact: Hammar Australia +61 417 980 140 grahame@hammar.com.au

For service enquiries, contact: Monier +675 300 3272 rrhvworkshop@rounarepairs.com.pg

•

Manufacturers of specialised road transport equipment.

•

Certified quality assurance to ISO 9001.

Haulmark Trailers (Australia) - proudly supporting Ok Tedi Mining Phone (Brisbane): +61 (07) 3277 3666 Email sales@haulmark.com.au www.haulmark.com.au

SETTING THE STANDARD IN SAFETY, RELIABILITY AND PERFORMANCE

10-IN PCON PIPELINE KAVIENG PUMP STATION OK TEDI MINING LTD

Heli Niugini Limited is a Papua New Guinea owned company principally operating in Papua New Guinea as well as the South Pacific Region and has a sister company in Indonesia. Heli Niugini is the first choice for reliable helicopter requirements with a fleet specifically chosen to suit your unique working environment.

We operate several different types of rotary aircraft. Category specific operations include both Single Engine and Twin Engine - Visual Flight Rule (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rule (IFR).

Services include passenger, freight and precision heavy lifting.

Aircraft types include among others MI8’s, BK117, B407, B407 HP, B205, B206L OPERATIONS MADANG Joyce Valakvi - Operations Office: +675 7203 4185 | +675 7202 4210 PNG Mobile: +675 7386 7222 Email: hnl.ops@heliniugini.com

OPERATIONS POM Paul Thomas - General Manager Operations Office: +675 7004 5151 | +675 7004 5152 PNG Mobile: +675 7100 6549 Email: gmops@heliniugini.com

Reliable partners since 1991. mogas.com APAC Outlook issue 49 | 111

Ok TEDI MINING

process. Each region was represented by three women negotiators with six from Mine Village CMCA. During the negotiations, the women increased the trust funding set-aside for women and children from 10 percent to 18 percent, dependent on the region.

Support for the increase came from the male leaders as they recognised that the women leaders were facilitating programmes that benefit the whole village and the families.

OK TEDI WOMEN’S NETWORK Further, the Ok Tedi Women’s Network (OWN) was established to represent females in the Ok Tedi workforce and address issues including the identification of structural barriers to career progression, professional development needs, personal safety and health matters for its female personnel.

OWN provides a platform for women to have a voice and a support 112 | APAC Outlook issue 49

mechanism in which they can learn from other women who could have experienced similar issues.

The key objectives of OWN are: • Creating a forum for exchanging ideas.

• Addressing safety and security matters of concern to female employees of OTML and resident spouses.

• Identify development pathways for female employees and impediments to progression.

• Encourage mentorship and training for female employees.

• Promote ways to improve the success of OTML in attracting and retaining female employees.

INCLUSION STRATEGIES The Pasin Ok Tedi programme is an initiative of the OTML Executive Management Team and focuses on building an inclusive ‘One Team, Wan Pasin.’

The Pasin Ok Tedi Team consists of influential and renowned representatives from across the business who work with the Executive Leadership, Business Improvement and Safety Teams to transform the workplace culture of its business enabling Ok Tedi to uphold its values and achieve its vision.

The Pasin Ok Tedi Team’s goals are: • To support Line Managers and everyone to develop a culture, where employees.

• Feel the sense of belonging and ownership.

• Give their best every day and continuously seek to improve.

• Are kept informed and involved.

• Enjoy the achievement of living up to their responsibilities.

• Realise their worth to the business.

• Help make Ok Tedi a leader of the pack.

• Help make Ok Tedi the employer of choice.

MINING

• Company logo

NINGERUM TRANSPORT LIMITED NINGERUM TRANSPORT LIMITED

Locally owned and serving Western Province People since 1969

P O Box 20, Kiunga, Western Province Papua New Guinea

E-mail address: manager@ningerum.com.pg

KIUNGA GUEST HOUSE

Accommodation & Vehicle Hire

Accommodation and Vehicle Hire

Contact Details : Tel No. +6756491188 / +67573010580 Email: bookings@gh.ningerum.com.pg

+6756491188 +67573010580 bookings@gh.ningerum.com.pg

Construction and Hardware

Contact Details: Tel. No. +6756491318 / +67579848088 Email: manager@dyn.ningerum.com.pg

Construction and Hardware

• Additional advert text - Locally owned and serving Western Province

People since 1969

+6756491318 +67571444020 manager@dyn.ningerum.com.pg

P O Box 20, Kiunga, Western Province, Papua New Guinea manager@ningerum.com.pg

WHAT WE DO: • Advanced strategic mine planning • Specialising in large scale, complex challenges • Modelling of individual assets, asset groups, whole businesses and commodity business units • Multiple strategic objectives (environmental, social, complex technical, government, advanced financial techniques) • Complex objective functions

Proud to support our local community

WHAT WE DELIVER: • Maximum value • Quantified measures of business risk to better inform strategic decision-making • Strategic terrain mapping • Outputs that incorporate macroeconomic uncertainty • Distillation of technical outputs for effective communication

www.quantifiedstrategies.com.au

Starmart Supermarket is a proud sponsor of the local Tabubil Community More than 5 million kina donated to education since 2016

Community partners with Ok Tedi Mining

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 113

Ok TEDI MINING

LOOKING AHEAD

The people of the Star Mountains and the Fly River have traditionally learned their culture, language, knowledge and skills as part of village life. Now, since the mine has opened the area to outside influences, education is widely accepted by the Western Province communities as a way to improve their livelihood and contribute to the long-term economic and social development within the Western Province.

Ok Tedi has long supported local schools through the Tax Credit 114 | APAC Outlook issue 49

Scheme and has built and upgraded many new school classrooms across the Province. The transfer of the Community Education Service function to the Ok Tedi Development Foundation from Ok Tedi has consolidated community development initiatives for all mine associated communities. The OTDF has improved coordination of education and educational services with a number of partners including the Provincial Education Department and other development partners.

Indeed, COVID-19 continues to impact on operations and in March 2021, Ok Tedi suspended its operations for a second time.

As a result of a surge of cases at the mine site and in Papua New Guinea, OTML suspended operations for 14 days from Friday, 19th March. The suspension coincided with the PNG Government’s National Isolation Strategy that was introduced on Monday, 22nd March. The decision was made in accordance with OTML’s commitment to take all reasonably practical measures to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of all its employees, families, contractors and host communities and to ensure the resumption of operations in a safe, economical and timely manner for the benefit of all stakeholders.

During the temporary suspension of operations, the company introduced a mass testing programme within its operations in a bid to further mitigate

SERVICING ALL YOUR INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL AIR COMPRESSOR NEEDS Delivering robust, reliable, and energy efficient compressed air solutions, Sullair is a global leader in oil-free and oil-injected air compressors and accessories.

OTML0221

MINING

Transpacific Trading Limited WE LISTEN NOT ONLY TO UNDERSTAND BUT TO SERVE YOU BETTER!

Established since year 2000 in Papua New Guinea Supplying & Servicing Mining, Road Constructions, Marine and Logging Companies IMPORTER • STOCKIST 1. Mining Equipment and Parts 2. All types of Engine Filters 3. Bulldozers, Excavator & Dump Truck Parts 4. Engine Lubricant oil and Batteries 5. Supply General items and tools

T 1300 COMPRESSOR sullair.com.au

the transmission of COVID-19 and ensure it resumed safe operations. As of the end of March 2021, over 10,000 test samples were collected from its employees, contractors, business partners and families. These were then sent to Australia for testing and regular updates were provided to the National Control Centre in Port Moresby.

Dr. Charlie Turharus, OTML Health Manager, said that the mass testing programme helped his medical team which consists of doctors and healthcare professionals from the Tabubil Hospital to significantly test and isolate COVID-19 cases.

“Fortunately, almost all the cases we have recorded are asymptomatic or only showing mild to moderate symptoms,” said Dr. Turharus.

OTML’s mass testing programme has covered almost all the mine’s work areas including Kiunga and Bige where the firm operates its wharf and dredging operations respectively.

SINGAPORE OFFICE: T - Pioneer Auto Pte Ltd 344/344A King George’s Avenue Singapore (208576) Tel (65) 62963322 tpioneerauto@gmail.com

TRANSPACIFIC TRADING LIMITED

Lot 1 Sec 430 Cameron Rd Gordons Tropicana Warehouse Unit 7 Boroko NCD Papua New Guinea Tel (+675) 325-6829, 325-2121, 325-1131 | transpac.png@gmail.com

contain the spread of the virus and resume safe operation,” added Dr. Turharus.

Given the current state of the world, predicting exactly what the future will hold is harder than ever before. But, Managing Director and CEO, Werror, believes that Ok Tedi is well-placed to continue to thrive with the future in mind.

“Ok Tedi has a soul, and the workforce works with great pride knowing their efforts contribute to the development of PNG. We aim to become a role model in the mining industry in PNG.”

Employees working in Port Moresby and at its regional exploration sites are also being tested. “Our priority is the safety, health and wellbeing of all our personnel, and we will ensure that this mass testing programme is implemented successfully so that we

Ok TEDI MINING LIMITED Phone: +675 649 3000 www.oktedi.com

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 115

TATA HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

116 | APAC Outlook issue 49

MANUFACTURING

Indian Industry Leaders A key player within the Indian machinery manufacturing industry, we spoke to Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery about the sector in the wake of COVID-19, and what it takes to stay ahead Writer: Marcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Joshua Mann

I

ndia is synonymous with large-scale industry.

The vibrant country provides substantial and various resources across the world, from refined petroleum, cars, machinery parts and metals, to chemicals, cotton and rice. Within the manufacturing sector, construction equipment production is one of India’s key provisions.

Despite the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for construction equipment has been gradually recovering over the past six months. The industry witnessed a 20 percent year-over-year (YoY) volume growth in the second quarter of 2020, followed by double digit growth in October and November of the same year.

And presently, with the implementation of COVID-19 vaccines across India, business and customer confidence has improved in all sectors allowing for a faster overall revival of the industry.

“In the present, the outlook for the construction equipment industry remains positive on the back of robust infrastructure investment by the Indian government,” begins Sandeep Singh, Managing Director of Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery Company Private Limited.

“Highway construction and awards for the period of April to December of FY21 have increased by 12 percent and 110 percent respectively. In December of 2020 alone, 1560 kilometres of highways were constructed; an increase of approximately 60 percent YoY. These are exciting times, and it makes me happy to be a part of the growth of our country.”

A joint venture between Tata Motors Limited and Hitachi Construction Machinery Company Limited, Tata Hitachi provides world class construction equipment to address India’s infrastructure and mining requirements.

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 117

Full solutions provider.

1 Wiring Harness

6 Technology & Industrial Solutions

2 Modules & Polymer Products

7 Logistics Solutions

3 Vision Systems

8 Aerospace

4 Lighting & Electronics

9 Health & Medical

5 Precision Metals & Modules

10 Services

www.motherson.com

Serving our customers globally.

Motherson Group The Motherson Group is a diversified global manufacturing specialist and one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive suppliers for the OEMs. Motherson supports its customers from more than 270 facilities across 41 countries, with a team of over 135,000 dedicated professionals. Thanks to the trust of its customers, the group recorded revenues of USD 10 billion during 2019-20.

Motherson operates as a full system solutions provider for its customers. The product portfolio includes electrical distribution systems, fully assembled vehicle interior and exterior modules, automotive rear vision systems, moulded plastic parts and assemblies, injection moulding tools, moulded and extruded rubber components, lighting systems, electronics, precision metals and modules, Industrial IT solutions and services and new innovative technologies such as wireless power etc. The group has expanded its presence to support customers in new segments including health and medical, aerospace and logistics.

The diversified range of technologies and capabilities allows Motherson to support a wide spectrum of sectors, with automotive as the main industry served.

Proud to be part of our customers’ success With its diversified product portfolio and location spread, Motherson ensures alignment with customer needs and requirements at all times. We are always ready to support our customer with truly comprehensive solutions from development to delivery. Motherson is proud to be part of the world’s leading OEMs and their journey.

Relationship with Tata Hitachi “Motherson is proud to be a trusted partner of Tata Hitachi. Our group companies Motherson Sumi System Ltd. (MSSL) and Motherson Bergstrom HVAC Solutions Ltd. (MBSL) are supplying high-quality electrical distribution systems and climate control systems to Tata Hitachi in India. We will always ensure that we continue developing capabilities to support Tata Hitachi for all its current and future requirements.”

TATA HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY maintenance contracts, extended warranty, maximise the returns of the customer’s investment by optimising equipment utilisation. It also helps strengthen our relationship through the customer life cycle experience.”

To stay at the forefront of Indian machinery manufacturing, Tata Hitachi focuses on three key aspects of business development and operational improvement.

Innovation is seen by the company as a critical element of its success, and something it strives to maximise across the board. In its competitive market, Tata Hitachi’s teams keep working on the development of new and improved products and processes.

This is exemplified by several of the company’s developments, such as a special quarry version of a construction range of excavators,

IN THE FACE OF COMPETITION In a competitive industry, and with increasing market pressure caused by those such as Chinese equipment manufacturers, Tata Hitachi ensures that fair, transparent and customerorientated policies are at the core of its business.

“Tata Hitachi concentrates on the importance of offering quality product solutions to customers and ensuring they are well looked after,” Singh informs us.

“For the company, customers are always at the forefront of decision-making.”

Tata Hitachi’s business developments embody these customer-centric values at the heart of company operations.

The company is looking to add new products to its portfolio of offers and is currently working on the development of adding new variants in the mini and mid-size excavator sphere and a new 5T wheel loader.

120 | APAC Outlook issue 49

The company focuses on developing global products to suit Indian working conditions, and the organisation’s product line-up includes a wide range of excavators from two to 800 tonne excavators, 35 to 290 tonne rigid dump trucks, as well as wheel loaders and backhoe loaders. Tata Hitachi’s two plants at Dharwad, Karnataka and Kharagpur, West Bengal, epitomise world class manufacturing and state-of-the-art technology.

“At Tata Hitachi, we prioritise our outreach to customers through a strong distribution network that aids in the servicing and selling of products,” Singh assures us. “Our vast network includes a marketing head office, regional offices, branch offices, four regional parts warehouses and dealerships spread across the length and breadth of the country. Our dealers are our extended arms – the face of customer connection.

“Our comprehensive range of support solutions such as full maintenance contracts, annual

the super long front and rail pulling attachment, SHINRAI experience zones at dealerships designed to improve customer experience, and mobile workshops to provide on-site repair services to our customers working in remote locations. On top of this, there are re-manufactured components as cost effective solutions to company customers, and a mobile app (e -DOST) for online call management and service monitoring.

In line with this maximisation of innovative development, Tata Hitachi has followed a multipronged approach to the increased digitalisation and automation.

MANUFACTURING

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 121

TATA HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

RSB Transmissions RSB is a global engineering industrial institution, founded in 1975 by two enterprising brothers from Jamshedpur, Mr. RK Behera and Mr. SK Behera, with a passion and dedication to do something different: to traverse a path hitherto untraveled.

Growing up in the midst of the innovation and success of Tata Hitachi, the brothers were deeply influenced and inspired by the entrepreneurship of the company and its core employee, community and environmentally centric values.

Tata Hitachi’s values have inspired the brothers and echo in all they have accomplished. RSB’s enduring relationship with Tata Hitachi dates back to 80’s when UH 083/181 was launched in India.

Today, in the span approximately four decades, RSB has carved out a niche in the global market. The firm is proudly spread over seven locations in India with a total of 13 plants, as well as a plant in both the US (Homer, Alaska) and Mexico (Silao).

RSB currently operates in two verticals, namely automotive and CMI (construction, mining and infrastructure) equipment and aggregates.

“With the help from Hitachi Construction Machinery, Japan, we introduced IoT in our hydraulic excavators with the launch of our GI series of machines in 2012,” Singh explains.

“Consite is a consolidated solution service that links customers to their machines on the construction site. We present the machine’s key operational data through this system. The initial adoption was slower than our expectations, however with focussed efforts we were able to demonstrate the value addition this feature could provide to our customer’s operations.

122 | APAC Outlook issue 49

“Based on this feedback and experience we introduced inSite, a GPS and GPRS based remote machine monitoring application for our EX-series of excavators and wheeled products. inSite is locally developed and provides details such as machine condition, operational hours, location, geo fencing and more.”

With the world increasingly addressing the issues regarding environmental protection and preservation, Tata Hitachi places a lot of focus in its sustainability operations.

In the automotive vertical, RSB is a leading global manufacturer of various parts and systems for medium and heavy commercial vehicles, passenger cars, tractors and light commercial vehicles. In the CMI segment, it is a leading manufacturer of heavy fabrications and aggregates.

When RSB looks back to its history with Tata Hitachi, it stands as both a momentous journey and a great relationship built on togetherness and customer satisfaction. With this relationship enduring into the future, Tata Hitachi’s values will continue to echo in every precinct of RSB.

www.rsbglobal.com

www.rsbglobal.com

A legacy of over forty five years build on the ethos of quality, technology and trust.

RSB TRANSMISSIONS(I)LTD

TATA HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

“Tata Hitachi has identified some core target areas to work upon under the Global Sustainable Development Goals indicated by United Nations General Assembly,” Singh tells us proudly. “We are working on reducing CO2 emissions and carbon footprint by improving our operational efficiencies, utilising solar power and improving our product lifecycle.

“The whole organisation is working to reduce paper and increase automation under the “paperless office” initiative. We are also improving our products to optimise

and reduce the fuel consumption in a bid to reduce emissions further. There have been tree plantation drives undertaken by us for last many years to increase forest cover around our factories.”

Both company plants at Kharagpur and Dharwad are zero discharge plants. Additionally, Tata Hitachi has put considerable efforts towards rainwater storage and ground water regeneration. The new admin blocks in both of the plants are officially certified as eco-friendly green buildings.

PEOPLE-CENTRED OPERATION Tata Hitachi emphasises employee and individual development. Planned job rotations, involvement in CFTs, exposure to the best practices, senior leadership mentoring and regular training help build knowledge and skills, are a few elements of employee-centric focus the company prioritises.

124 | APAC Outlook issue 49

SANDHAR “Our association with Tata Hitachi is over 2 decades now, where we have been supplying Operators Cabins for Excavators and Backhoe loader machines. The journey has been really cordial, we value our relationship and are glad to have them as our customers.

We are very confident that the business will flourish to new heights in the years to come.”

Jayant Davar Co-Chairman & Managing Director SANDHAR GROUP “We, at SANDHAR , feel privileged to serve TATA HITACHI and are grateful for the trust they have placed in us.

Our Continued commitment lies in complete satisfaction of each product we sell to them.

Thank you TATA HITACHI for letting us being part of your success story!!

Gurvinder J. Singh COO – Cabins & Fabrication Division

www.sandhargroup.com

MANUFACTURING

Welcome to Airways Logistics Pvt. Ltd. We would like to take this opportunity to introduce Air Ways Logistics Pvt Ltd, a premier organization in the field of logistics transportation.

Over two decades of transportation experience has resulted in the development of a highly professionalized team. Our vast and varied experience in the field of transportation has lead to the evolution of a system and procedures which ensure that your consignments are moved efficiently with proper documentation, in the shortest possible time.

Our Sector Focus: • • • • • • • • •

Aerospace Automotive Industrial Excavator ODC Consignment Air Freight Road Cargo Warehousing Air /Road Ambulance

1st Floor, Aakash D- Choudhary, Dimna Road, Mango, Jamshedpur-831012

info@airwayslogisticspvtltd.com

www.airwayslogisticspvtltd.com

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 125

TATA HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

becoming one. Once I finished my engineering training and study, my interest was piqued by what customers actually wanted from the products they bought - what it was that swung their purchase decision. This laid the foundation of my customer centric approach in marketing, something which I have carried forward across industries.

Sandeep Singh

APAC Outlook: How did you come to find yourself in the manufacturing industry?

SANDEEP SINGH: “The world of automobiles, machines, and devices aroused my curiosity as a child. I used to wonder how cars operated and how each part of a car complements the other to function in complete rhythm. What intrigued me most was how these machines moved.

I thought that the creators of these machines were magicians with innovative powers - my belief grew with age.

Even today, I believe that engineers are prime innovators; those who amaze and captivate us with their creations. It was this belief that led me to chart my course as an Engineer. And I set my heart on

KGP administration building

126 | APAC Outlook issue 49

With an experience of over three decades in sales, marketing, and customer support and general management, I have worked in industries across automobiles, tractors and construction equipment sectors in India and abroad. I am an engineering graduate from the National Institute of Technology Surat and began my career with the Mahindra group – where I worked in the tractor and automotive divisions.

Following this, I had a five-year stint in the construction equipment industry with JCB India, where I was the Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

A large part of my career was spent at Toyota – 22 years over three stints. My last assignment was as the Deputy Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the India operations. Post this, I moved – as a part of an International Assignment - to Toyota Motor Asia Pacific Head Quarters and was based at Bangkok, Thailand where I was responsible for leading the strategy planning function.

In 2015, I joined as the Managing Director of Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery Company Private Limited. I am also the Executive Officer – Hitachi Construction Machinery, Japan.”

MANUFACTURING

Tata Hitachi employees are encouraged to take higher responsibilities and challenging assignments at a very young age with “Freedom-to-Fail” to build their confidence. Succession planning remains one of the key parameters on which the leaders are evaluated.

“Building capability of the employees is the first step towards empowering employees. When employees are capable, senior leaders can trust the employees to take the right decisions,” Singh tells us.

“It is also very important that employees can be trusted so as not to resort to wrong means to achieve the results. This is made possible by continuous reinforcement of ethical standards, adherence to Tata Hitachi’s Code of Conduct and company

values instilled in the employees by the senior leadership. An open-door policy makes senior leaders highly approachable and available for support all the time.

“Tata Hitachi has a strong KPI culture and senior leaders are challenged all the time. Without building a competent and trustworthy team and proper delegation, it would not have been possible to achieve results.”

In the future, Tata Hitachi will be looking to ramp up production to ensure that it is able to provide its customers with the right machines at the right time. The company will work closely with its partners to improve their capacities on top of this.

“Ensuring availability of material is going to be the first priority for us.

We are also working on some new

products to ensure that we have a solution for the varied needs of our customers,” Singh confirms. “Another area which will continue to be in focus is localisation of components and indigenisation of some products that we are currently importing.

“We would like to source locally as much as possible to optimise costs and to protect our business from uncertainties of FOREX fluctuations.

This also dovetails very well with the “Atmanirbhar” initiative of the Indian government.”

With increased mechanisation being a priority, Tata Hitachi is seeing a great requirement for various types of attachments to complement its base machines. The company is planning to introduce an array of attachments to ensure that it is able to provide its customers with a onestop-shop kind for solutions.

TATA HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY Tel: 080 66953301 info@tatahitachi.co.in www.tatahitachi.co.in

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 127

NRY ARCHITECTS

Building 2021 Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Malaysian construction industry continues to weather the storm. We spoke to NRY Architects about the firm’s various projects and the latest innovations in the industry Writer: Marcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Ryan Gray

128 | APAC Outlook issue 49

CONSTRUCTION

T

he construction industry is the backbone and spearhead of the Malaysian economy.

The sector’s heyday occurred during the 1990s economic boom that saw the construction of MYR billions of mega-development projects, such as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) terminal building, and Petronas Twin Towers/Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC).

This industry momentum has spurred forward into the 21st century with the construction of many infrastructure and megaprojects such as new double-track railroads, storm water-smart transport tunnels, and the Second Penang Bridge. The construction industry was doing fairly well despite the setbacks in the last few years mainly contributed by political uncertainties, amongst other factors which have generally impacted the Malaysian economy.

However, the general economic slowdown did not stop investors and

the general public from investing in construction industries and the property market. In the face of the pandemic, Malaysian construction is one of the key economic sectors that are severely impacted.

“As the COVID-19 outbreak unfolded it was a huge blow to all industries,” begins Alis Marlinna, COO of NRY Architects. “The construction industry is among those badly affected as construction activities were stopped during the Movement Control Order (MCO) in the first and second quarter of 2020.

The most significant impacts were caused mainly by the restrictions imposed under the MCO, which had consequently led to delays in project delivery, general slowdown of site works due to financial and logistic issues, labour constraints and interrupted supply chain, amongst other factors.

“Despite the slowdown due to pandemic, we remain steadfast and

are optimistic of our construction industry’s resilience and growth, in tandem with the general economic condition that has been gradually recovering, thanks to the current nationwide vaccine rollout.”

NRY Architects is one firm that has endured and evolved over this challenging period. Beginning as a modest architectural consultancy practice in 1992, NRY Architects focused on institutional buildings, mass housing and straightforward commercial developments. The firm’s earliest large ventures include Maxis Tower, a 49-storey office tower erected next to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur. On top of this, NRY Architects was tasked with government contracts such as the design and delivery of the fast industrialised building system (IBS) construction method for almost 10,000 units of public teachers’ quarters across Malaysia in the early 2000s. It was these two major

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 129

NRY ARCHITECTS projects that elevated NRY Architects’ position in Malaysia’s architectural sphere and helped the firm rise to the level it is today.

“29 years later, NRY Architects is now one of the biggest architectural firms in Malaysia,” Alis Marlinna tells us proudly. “Our main headquarters in Kuala Lumpur are currently empowered by 120 staff members, including a number of our ground

staff in various construction sites.

Our clientele list is exemplified by our diverse portfolio, ranging from government agencies, property developers, corporate clients, tourism and hospitality, infrastructure and private clients.

“Over the past few years, besides focusing on various local projects, we have been working on establishing our overseas expansion, where we

have been engaged and provided architectural design services and proposals for a number of projects in the region and beyond. With this planned expansion in mind, we have formed a subsidiary company called NRY International to undertake future overseas projects.”

NRY Architects’ wealth of experience is just one factor that sets it apart from its competitors in the industry.

PROJECT SNAPSHOT Four Seasons Place, Kuala Lumpur Aside from being the fourth tallest building in Malaysia, and among the world’s tallest hotel buildings, this project is located in the prime location of the KLCC precinct in Kuala Lumpur. The project has won several awards including the Best Ultra Luxury Condo/Apartment Development Award, and the Best Hotel Development Award

by PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Malaysia) in 2019.

130 | APAC Outlook issue 49

CONSTRUCTION

Outlook Creative Services

Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and

Think Penetron, Think Ahead.

marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

OFFICE +603-8957 8999 F +603-8959 1661 E enquiry@penetron.com.my E mkwu@penetron.com.my www.penetronmalaysia.com

PROJECT GLANCE Puteri Cove Residences and Quayside, Johor It is the first integrated mixed development project with a marina promenade in the vicinity of Puteri Harbour, Johor, neighbouring Singapore. The three-tower block development is a comprehensive lifestyle and commercial destination with a distinctive architectural outlook. The project has won several awards including the Mixed-use Architecture Malaysia Award, the Best Residential Landscape Architecture Malaysia, the Apartment Malaysia Award, the Mixed-use Development Malaysia Award, the Best Residential High-rise Development Malaysia by Asia Pacific Property Awards in 2017, and the Best Residential Architectural Design and Luxury Condo Development by South East Asia (Malaysia) Property Awards in 2016.

Across its design and construction projects spanning Malaysia and beyond, the firm’s diverse portfolio includes mixed-use, commercial, residential, institutional, transportation, hotel and resort, healthcare and master planning projects.

“Due to our vast experience, our clients usually approach us not just for architectural consultancy services, but other value-added services like advice on how to fully optimise their land, property or investment through feasibility and market studies, market trends and products,” Alis Marlinna tells us. “We also provide other services such as project management, urban planning and interior design.”

The pandemic has given rise to the rapid necessity of digital services across the globe and in all sectors. For the construction sphere, technology and innovation have surged forward to bring various software, such as building information modelling (BIM), to the fore.

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 131

NRY ARCHITECTS

PROJECT GLANCE Oasia Suites, Kuala Lumpur A unique retrofit and adaptive reuse project located near the iconic Kuala Lumpur Tower.

The former office tower was converted into full-fledged residential suites and hotel, with an additional annexe block to accommodate the higher room occupancy and other requirements.

Despite the implementation of BIM existing at a relatively early level across Malaysia, the needs and demands of customers and clients have helped the industry recognise that BIM is here to stay, an innovative and necessary development in this rapidly advancing world.

“We took the initiative to be BIMready by spending the past few years setting up, investing and training our staff,” Alis Marlinna informs us. “Now we are among a few architectural practices in the country that have been recognised as an approved BIM services provider in Malaysia by the Construction Industry Development Board of Malaysia (CIDB).

“On top of that, our works and practice have been accoladed with multiple awards from the industry, that include the BCI Asia Awards - Top 132 | APAC Outlook issue 49

Ten Architects in Malaysia, for several years, Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) Awards, and others. Over the years we have collaborated with a few world-renowned architects namely, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, Arquitectonica, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, SOM and Pickard Chilton to name a few. These collaborations have provided us with invaluable knowledge and experience, especially in dealing with complex projects, various stakeholders and industry specialists.”

NRY Architects has a host of upcoming projects spanning multiple regions of Asia. The Sihanoukville International Airport (Cambodia) project was awarded to the firm after it won a design competition organised by the client during 2018.

Fully designed by the NRY Architects

team, the project is conceptualised, developed and documented using BIM. The airport is of a modern terminal design with the essence of Cambodian cultural elements that will be the main airport to this coastal city.

NRY Architects is also proud to be a part of the Malaysian Government’s national building initiatives, particularly in improving public transportation and providing affordable housing. This is demonstrated by the company’s involvement in the design and construction of new LRT and railway stations as well as a number of affordable housing projects across Malaysia. On top of this, NRY Architects is currently focusing on several large scale private projects, master plan and mixed-use developments.

CONSTRUCTION

PROJECT GLANCE Resort Proposal in Lombok, Indonesia A shariah-compliant resort on the holiday island of Lombok in Indonesia. Featuring the Lombok Sasak vernacular and tropical architecture, the resort proposal comprises luxurious villas and an upscale hotel fronting the pristine beach and coastal blue sea.

As digitalisation sits at the heart of industry development, NRY Architects is moving towards a cloud-based work environment in which its design and operation are all conducted online and stored virtually, for full connectivity and flexibility.

Muhammad Hazim Azami, BIM Coordinator at NRY Architects, sheds some light on the subject.

“This has allowed for greater collaboration between our local and international partners on every project,” he states. “We have also invested in the latest architectural software and applications, such as Autodesk AEC and BIM 360 for an efficient and smooth workflow with high-quality output/results in every design and construction stage.

“More rendering software now is readily available compared to before.

For instance, we are currently using a cloud-base rendering software that has an extensive library and plugins which can produce quality renderings in a short amount of time.

This has helped a lot in working more efficiently to produce design reports and presentation materials for our clients.

As an integral part of our design process, we also provide our clients with Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) experience which enables them to virtually explore the spaces and understand our designs better. We believe that two-way communication with the clients is critical in understanding their needs and for us to achieve them.

“Besides that, we also aim toward paperless transaction in our operations, for instance, e-time sheet and other related human resource and operation matters.”

When it comes to business operations, NRY Architects’ supply chain partners are an integral part to the functioning of the firm. The clear communication and knowledge of where and what is being sourced

PROJECT GLANCE Taman Perindustrian Puchong Light Rail Transit (LRT) Station The elevated station of Taman Perindustrian Puchong LRT Station is sited next to a bustling highway. It is located in the industrial neighbourhood of Taman Perindustrian Puchong, the immediate area in which the station is served and where the station name was coined.

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 133

NRY ARCHITECTS

PROJECT GLANCE Resort Proposal in the East Coast state of Malaysia A traditional Malay-inspired resort with exclusive detached villas sprawling near a riverbank, a stone’s away from the white sandy beach and a neighbouring fishermen’s village.

is invaluable to the operations of the firm; this efficiency reduces the probability of costly errors that could arise down the line.

“Good supply chain management enables a project timeline, deadlines and other milestones to be met easily whilst keeping everyone involved informed of any changes and developments throughout the process,” Alis Marlinna explains. “It also ensures effective collaboration and communication between stakeholders to avoid significant delays in a project.

“At NRY Architects, we believe that the supply chain is not only limited to workflow or working relationship between different contractors, subcontractor and suppliers during 134 | APAC Outlook issue 49

the construction stage. It also involves everyone in the supply chain working closely and collaboratively, so that the collective efforts effectively deliver the client’s requirements and avoid unnecessary and abortive work.

“Therefore, the relationship between architects and other parties, including clients, consultants, suppliers, contractors and end-users is imperative in creating a better-built environment. The process begins by understanding the client needs and continuous engagement with all parties, where each party plays different roles and but shared a common vision of creating a better building for the owner or end-users.

One party cannot stand-alone and operate solely without the synergy of all involving parties in each construction project.”

This same importance is placed on individual employees within the firm.

NRY Architects places considerable emphasis on career development and upgrading the skills of its staff.

The firm encourages its staff to continuously develop and learn; an aspect of in-house operation that is usually achieved by providing company training and sponsorship

PROJECT GLANCE Royal Elm Park Master Plan, Reading, United Kingdom An urban regeneration programme for Madejski Stadium and its vicinity area in Reading, that comprises a mixed-use development with residential, commercial and leisure offerings.

The proposal was done in collaboration with a British firm, Barton Willmore and obtained planning permission in April 2017.

CONSTRUCTION

for seminars and courses that would greatly help the employees in their individual careers as well as personal development.

“Our organisation also has policies that reward merit-based work and dedication, this is done through regular performance appraisal to determine annual increments, bonuses and career advancement,” Alis Marlinna tells us. “To some who are more academically inclined, we encourage them to participate in academic programmes organised

by universities and institutions by sharing their knowledge with students, contributing to research and development.”

Carrying these key values into the future, NRY Architects’ priority is to continue to endure the economic uncertainty and emerge in a stronger position than before. With this in mind, NRY Architects is expanding its BIM-related services as well as increasing expansion beyond Malaysian shores. To bind these elements together, the firm is going

to also focus on building its corporate and brand identity through which to engage new clients and reinforce and expand its influence in a competitive market.

NRY ARCHITECTS Tel: +603-4043 1348 enquiry@nrasb.com.my www.nry.com.my

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 135

PICSA GROUP

BUILDING

Papua New Guinea

C

onstruction in Papua New Guinea is on the rise.

Located in the eastern part of the world’s second largest island, Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a land rich with natural resources.

This diverse landscape has an active geological history that provides plentiful raw materials, aiding the country’s dominant mineral exports.

PNG’s construction sector is intrinsically linked to the islands’ extractive industries, which accounted for approximately 28 percent of GDP in 2019 and as such represents a significant contribution to the country’s economy.

The construction sector itself enjoyed a peak in 2012, when construction activity accounted for 0.9 percent of real GDP growth – a boom that was heavily influenced by the country’s flagship liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.

136 | APAC Outlook issue 49

The PICSA Group has been a concrete fixture in Papua New Guinea’s construction sector for over 50 years. Executive Director Partha Sarathy talks expansion, diversification, and supporting the local community Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Ryan Gray

The sector has historically faced significant challenges, including project delays resulting from a heavy reliance on imported materials and foreign exchange (forex) shortages.

Construction activity in PNG has also been hampered by the limited availability of land for development and insufficient human capital.

For Partha Sarathy, Executive Director at the PICSA Group, navigating challenges and overcoming hurdles are all part of the job.

“It’s the challenge that brings the best in people,” Sarathy comments, in reference to the difficult trading environment that the sector faces within the complicated context of PNG’s economy.

“PNG’s economy is highly resource dependent, which makes it more cyclical than other comparable nations. The last major resource projects here were in 2015, which

CONSTRUCTION can make the trading environment challenging,” he informs us.

Sarathy entered PNG’s construction sector after he was headhunted into the position of Executive Director at the PICSA Group, following his role as CFO of a large public utility also based in PNG. “Senior management responsibilities are sector neutral and is more about strategy and getting the most out of people,” he comments.

PICSA’s PNG production facilities extend across the breadth of the island, with further expansion on the agenda.

“Geographically, we have operations in all the major centres in PNG, Port Moresby, Lae and Rabaul, with plans to open new locations,” Sarathy explains.

Their diverse network of locations is matched by the extensive portfolio of products and services that the Group offer, thereby distinguishing their reputation within the sector.

“PICSA Group has a unique position in the building products industry in PNG. We are highly diversified in terms of both geography and products.”

Across their extensive product range - which includes steel fabrication, concrete manufacture, roll-forming and pipe manufacture - quality is key. This is where supply chain management comes to the fore.

“The focus of the Group has always been on supplying quality products, but that can’t be achieved unless we source from reliable suppliers with whom we have long term links,” Sarathy comments.

Longevity is a key factor in establishing supplier relations and partnerships, as evidenced by the Group’s ongoing partnership with Bluescope Steel – an established provider of innovative steel products based in Australia.

“PICSA Group is the single largest customer of Bluescope Steel in PNG and our relationship with Bluescope

extends over 50 years. We are also their only direct customer here,” he informs us.

PICSA’s supply chain is both local and international, and unsurprisingly, materials and machinery account for the Group’s main spend. Crucially, it is through these trusted partnerships that PICSA is able to guarantee quality.

“The steel and other products that we source are A/NZ standards compliant, so our customers can deal

AT A GLANCE: THE PICSA GROUP The PICSA Group is over 50 years old. A multinational company present in Australia, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Africa and other parts of the globe, PICSA is involved with the manufacture, trading and distribution of goods across continents. Plumbers and Builders Supplies is one of the leading suppliers of building materials in Papua New Guinea, has an offering of over 3,000 high quality, branded affordable products off the shelf with ample stocks for bulk supplies.

with us with confidence.”

The sector will continue to progress as PNG’s transport infrastructure develops - a key driver for continued construction activity - which runs parallel to the nationwide focus on increasing the supply of affordable housing.

Indeed, this is incorporated into PICSA’s goals as a specialist in construction, literally providing a roof over the heads of the island’s inhabitants through joint initiatives with the government.

“Across the country, we are supporting many members of Parliament, in supplying roofing and rainwater goods which improves the quality of life for their rural constituents,” he informs us.

The Group actively engage in projects that support local communities. Indeed, some 80 percent of PNG’s population live in rural areas with no access to modern amenities.

“Providing a quality roof to people who have none, is something we are proud of,” Sarathy comments.

PICSA have also contributed to this effort with their ‘L&A Housing Project’, which entails the provision of roofing, guttering, and flashings for eleven units of three-storey buildings, supplied by Barlow Industries – PICSA’s flagship production facility.

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 137

PICSA GROUP At a tangent to this are the upscale, sizeable construction projects that the Group facilitate across the urban areas of PNG. For instance, PICSA supplied the steel and concrete for the construction of the 5* Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, which hosted the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation)

conference in 2018.

They have also supplied and installed stainless steel works at PNG Jackson’s International Airport.

Other significant projects that are currently in process include the expansion of food product distributors Goodman Fielder International’s premises

BRANDS WITHIN THE PICSA GROUP: READY MIXED CONCRETE PNG – supplying a wide range of ready mixed concrete, aggregates and plant hire.

BARLOW INDUSTRIES LTD – specialising in merchant steel and rolled steel products for a range of industries and uses.

ELECTRICAL WHOLESALERS – supplier of electrical fittings for industry/ general trades plus a wholesale retail outlet.

MESH & BAR INDUSTRIES – manufacturers, suppliers and provides of steel reinforcing mesh.

PLUMBERS & BUILDERS SUPPLIES - major stockists of all types of plumbing and building supplies.

PIPE MAKERS - provide piping solutions for plumbing and electrical applications.

NSC FREIGHTERS – steel fabrication of vehicle trailers/truck bodies and general engineering services.

NIUGINI STEEL CORPORATION – specialises in steel fabrication to specification, as well as stocking and supply of merchant steel.

TILE CENTRE PORT MORESBY – leader in PNG for imported and ceramic tiles. Carried exclusively by the Tile Centre.

138 | APAC Outlook issue 49

“We are working closely with Goodman Fielders in Lae for their K500 million expansion by supplying all the concrete requirements as well as structural steel for many of the buildings for the project,” Sarathy tells us.

“We are also working with Fletcher Morobe Construction for their new multi-storey head office building for Teachers Savings and Loan Society (TISA), which is the largest credit union in the Pacific,” he adds.

It is these major projects that have given the Group continued security amidst the economic disruption of the pandemic.

“Of particular comfort are the repeat orders we are getting for large projects from major construction businesses in PNG. That said, we are doing something right and that gives us a plat form to grow on,” Sarathy comments.

CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY Although a multinational company, PICSA’s long-established presence on the island is a source of great pride.

“Our connections to PNG date back more than 50 years, pre independence, which makes us one of the oldest business houses here,” Sarathy explains.

The welfare of the indigenous inhabitants of PNG is a priority for PICSA, and the organisation continues to support the local community in a myriad of ways – none more so than by providing valued employment opportunities.

As Sarathy informs us, approximately 98 percent of PICSA’s 1,500 strong workforce originate from the island.

“Our support to the community takes many forms,” Sarathy comments.

“There is a significant focus in the Group to train and promote our national colleagues, which we think is part of our social licence obligation,” he adds.

CONSTRUCTION

PROUD LONG TERM SUPPLIERS TO THE PICSA GROUP IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Denis Murdoch Director ELEMENT EXPORTS Email: murdoch.denis@gmail.com Mob: 0438244187

“...WE ARE EXPANDING PVC PIPE MANUFACTURE, WITH NEW EXTRUSION PLANTS BEING INSTALLED IN POM AND LAE. THIS IS EXPECTED TO BE FOLLOWED BY NEW PE PIPE MANUFACTURING PLANT IN POM” Alongside employment opportunities, PICSA invest in the training and development of their staff and champion a sustainable means of recruitment.

“There is a strong focus on promoting staff from within, which rewards performance.”

“Training, particularly for national staff, is a key focus and they are encouraged and supported to undertake professional level qualifications. This policy has served us well during the pandemic as we have a local staff pool to turn to,” he continues.

“The Group operates a decentralised structure, which empowers people to bring the best

out of them but also makes sure we can attune our products to local needs,” Sarathy elaborates.

Looking ahead, Sarathy has his sights set on PNG’s central Highlands as a targeted area for the Group’s expansion.

“We are looking at new locations for expansion of our operations.

Additionally, we are expanding PVC pipe manufacture, with new extrusion plants being installed in POM and Lae. This is expected to be followed by new PE pipe manufacturing plant in POM.” These opportunities for growth are an exciting prospect.

Although the construction segment has experienced unprecedented

disruption caused by the pandemic, the PNG 2020 national budget forecasted that the construction sector’s contribution to nominal GDP would increase from PGK5.4 billion ($1.6 billion) in 2019 to PGK5.9 billion ($1.7 billion) in 2020. For 2021, this is estimated at approximately PGK6.4 billion ($1.9 billion).

Nevertheless, these figures reflect the general optimism that surrounds the sector – a sentiment that is channelled by Sarathy himself.

“Despite the macro economic challenges, we think 2021 will be a record year for us in terms of sales,” he concludes optimistically.

PICSA GROUP Tel: 323 3573 info@picsa.com www.picsa.com.pg

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 139

GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY GROUP

T

he Asian technology sphere is a booming market.

Even without the rapid growth in the incorporation of digital products and services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, technological implementation and innovation has become a substantial space in pan-Asian industry.

In Myanmar, inter-connectivity, digital services and telecommunications are quickly growing to envelop the everyday lives and work of the people in large urban centres. In total, approximately 30 percent of the population in Myanmar had access to the internet in 2019; a huge rise from the one percent in 2011. Yet despite this, challenges arise when companies aim to maximise digital connection nationally.

“The country’s internet and telecommunication laws have always been very outdated, and so that makes it difficult for local private companies to operate,” says U Thein Than Toe, CEO of Global Technology Group.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact it has caused on everyone’s lives, the internet is essential for the individual household.

Mobile penetration rates have soared, however household broadband penetration is low due to the sudden explosive rise in internet usage.

From a national perspective, we need to encourage and empower our companies to fulfil customer requirements en-mass.”

Global Technology Group was

Answering Digital Demand With Myanmar’s population becoming increasingly digitalised, we speak to Global Technology Group about the company at the centre of digital connection and communication provision Writer: Marcus Kääpä Project Manager: Vivek Valmiki

140 | APAC Outlook issue 49

founded by three friends as a small training school in 2002. At the beginning the company provided networking services for organisations and businesses but has evolved a great deal since. At present, Global Technology Group has over 700 employees, a telecommunication license and provides IT services and solutions for various companies and national governmental organisations. Global Technology

TECHNOLOGY

GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY GROUP

APAC OUTLOOK:

How did you come to enter the technology industry?

U THEIN THAN TOE: “Choices are limited in Myanmar.

Often life is fast paced and ever changing, and so working in a reliable career is important.

Thankfully in 1997, when I was 16, my parents noticed that I excelled in the areas that made for a promising engineer and so allowed me to choose this path.

I started learning about IT, and in university I met the partners that I would go on with to form Global Technology Group. At the beginning we didn’t have a plan, but instead just kept learning.

After working for some private companies separately, during which I worked for a machinery company as a Programmer, we came together in 2002 deciding to take the leap and plan to start up an IT company. At the time we knew that the internet was not accessible for everyone and there was no training school for IT. We mostly taught ourselves and finally decided to create the company in 2002.”

142 | APAC Outlook issue 49

Group helps inter-connection between international global players across multiple industries, and provides TMT (technology, media and telecommunications) services among others such as financial services, trading, and consultation.

“We provide fibre connectivity for the individual, household, companies and organisations across the country through wireless broadband using 4G technology,” Toe informs us.

The Group stands out from its industry competition due to multiple elements of company operation. First and foremost, Global Technology Group ensures that all solutions provided to its customers are tailored to their specific needs; fitting solutions that are provided by means of creating new products and services with regard to pricing and adaptability. As pioneers in the IT and communications industry of Myanmar, Global Technology Group’s innovative nature allows it to access, learn and

offer the best and latest high-quality services to its various customers.

Despite the negative impacts on many industries in the past year caused by COVID-19, Global Technology Group continues to expand its network coverage to cities across Myanmar. Where the company held a presence in six cities at the beginning of 2021 it is now expanding to 22 in total.

“This year we are working on our Express Wi-Fi project; a free Wi-Fi internet service that we are partnering with Facebook Connectivity,” Toe tells us proudly. “Facebook Connectivity have the same objective of providing internet connectivity to as many people as possible and providing this Wi-Fi freely. It is a very big project for this year.

“By utilising technology in collaboration with Facebook Connectivity we can manage the maintenance of more Wi-Fi zones across Myanmar. It is a very promising

TECHNOLOGY

EMPLOYEE CENTRIC OPERATIONS Global Technology Group was founded by three individuals and its recognition of individual effort and achievement is reflected in its business operation.

The company shares, celebrates and encourages individual effort throughout the business. Through the company’s collaborative digital workplace these efforts and achievements are shared and celebrated by all members of the firm and are acknowledged as having contributed to the success of Global Technology Group. This platform is also used to share the knowledge and information regarding various projects providing an open and very flexible approach to project development that all company members can access.

For Global Technology Group, every employee contribution is taken into account and acknowledged, allowing the continuation of individual thoughts and input. The Group also encourages its employees’ personal learning and career development, as well as team learning and group collaboration to further maximise the skills of all those involved.

growth strategy through which the availability of digital connection shall be maximised for all to use.”

Global Technology Group exists as a networking company. Adhering to this, it plans to not only expand its services across multiple cities, but also develop its digital services to best suit its customers’ needs and requirements. This year Global Technology Group is investing in cloud-based technology, partnering with companies such as Californian software firm VMware to build its services to benefit its ever-growing customer base.

“We are also currently investing in an online education platform through which people can register, login and learn a variety of subject matter. To this end we partnered with many teachers in the creation of its content, to later provide full educational services online,” Toe informs us.

Global Technology Group manages to operate on this national level

through multiple elements without which the company would find themselves limited in potential. For example, supply chain partners are critical to the success of the Group.

To provide the best service with the cheapest prices, the company requires positive, efficient and reliable supply chain partnerships in order to meet the demands of innovative new products and services, and the supply chain changes that follow as a result.

“Having brilliant supply chain partners saves us costs and solves many problems that would otherwise arise. They are vital to our business,” Toe affirms. “Building relationships with local and international suppliers guarantees better cooperation and therefore smoother operation.”

As for the rest of 2021 and beyond, Global Technology Group is aiming to become the top IT and communications provider in Myanmar.

“We are changing our organisation as not just an internet connectivity

provider but also various other digital services,” Toe tells us. “This year, we will focus more on our alternative digital services and the Express Wi-Fi project as we want to deliver more productive services at a cheaper price.

“Global Technology Group is also going to continue developing its people centric culture, to keep embodying the employee-centred focus that has become so apparent during the challenging period that COVID-19 has brought.”

With the mass rollouts of vaccines globally, companies across the industries are left with a rapidly increased digital world in which they must adapt and maintain a presence within. At the centre of this sits digital communication services. With Global Technology Group at the heart of Myanmar’s digital future, and with a continually growing customer base, the future looks promising for the company.

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 143

TERUMO ASIA HOLDINGS

144 | APAC Outlook issue 49

HEALTHCARE

Making Medtech The healthcare sector has been centre stage throughout this challenging pandemic period. We spoke to Terumo about its legacy, current operations, and future plans in the medtech sphere Writer: Marcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Callam Waller

I

f anything has been proven over the course of the past year, it is that the healthcare industry is vital to the continuation of our businesses, industries, and of course, individual lives.

The presence and impact of COVID19 has shaped our globe; the unique challenge that we have all faced has brought people together through a period of collective trauma. This has forced the quickened pace of adaptation, from the smallest to the largest scale changes in society. From simple practices such as a greater awareness of social proximity, to large-scale industry changes like that of high-street retail turning to e-commerce en-masse, the pandemic has changed our lives, and it will be felt for generations to come.

And with the virus having taken the stage of international news throughout 2020 and into this year, combatting such a challenge has been placed at the forefront of everybody’s lives. Across Asia, the continent that

was first to be hit by the pandemic, countries have enacted serious measures to limit the spread of the virus, spearheaded by the healthcare sector.

In Singapore, the healthcare sector boasts a well-designed and tiered infrastructure within a sophisticated and developed market. This was not always the case, as Probir Das, Chairman and Managing Director at Terumo Asia Holdings, explains.

“Singapore went from being an underdeveloped to a developed nation in a single lifetime,” he tells us.

“The country sees a lot of new technology adoption, aided by physician training and an excellent regulatory system.

As an outcome, you see that Singapore’s healthcare system ranks among the best in the world in terms of infant mortality rate, longevity, disability-adjusted years, and more.

What is more remarkable is that it achieved these fantastic outcomes at leveraged cost.”

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 145

TERUMO ASIA HOLDINGS

Indorama Ventures (IVL) Indorama Ventures (IVL) and Terumo have worked in partnership since 2015. Terumo’s mission, “Contributing to Society through Healthcare,” and IVL’s vision, “To be a world-class chemical company making great products for society,” demonstrate our shared goals.

We recognize the need to ensure that our products conform to Terumo’s high standards for manufacturing devices for healthcare.

In 2021, Terumo is celebrating its 100th anniversary. We are proud of our relationship with a company with a long history and rich heritage, and remain committed to achieving improvements in our quality and service.

Why did you enter the healthcare industry?

“I have been in the medical technology sector for over three decades. It started with my role as a sales rep at Johnson and Johnson back in India in the early 90s.

I was just out of college, with a degree in Human Physiology and a desire to make a living; the job allowed me to remain close to what I studied and be paid for it. However, quickly in this job made me realise two things: firstly, the impact that the healthcare industry has on society. Secondly, the impact medical devices have on healthcare. After this I realised that in spite of being the smallest sector of the healthcare spectrum, medtech makes a disproportionately huge impact on the outcome of healthcare through continuous innovation. This early realisation compels me to this day to belong to medtech.

For the last 20 years, I have worked for BD and Terumo, both companies being 100-year-plus enterprises, and very driven by the societal impact they create through innovation.

Today, through advanced imaging and clinical diagnostics, interventional and minimally invasive surgical procedures, hi-tech robotics, and several other modalities, medtech continues to change lives. It is miracle technology, and it allows us to do good.

I have always found it purposeful to leave a place better than what I inherited; my industry allows me to live that purpose; that is why I continue to serve here and shall continue to do so. I believe not just me, but most of my industry colleagues are motivated by this purpose.”

– Probir Das, Chairman and Managing Director, Terumo Asia Holdings

146 | APAC Outlook issue 49

www.indoramaventures.com

But Singapore’s importance in the medtech industry goes beyond this. For many global medtech corporations such as Terumo (the parent company that Terumo Asia Holdings is a subsidiary of), Singapore’s excellent connectivity and infrastructure, industry friendly policies, and access to a global high quality talent pool, makes it an AsiaPacific regional hub.

“The medtech innovation scene in Singapore is very exciting and productive,” Probir says. “The Government’s actions, combined with availability of excellent institutes and talent, is creating the confluence that is seeing a medtech start-up boom here.”

Terumo is a global leader in medical technology and has been committed to “Contributing to Society through Healthcare” for 100 years. Held in Japan and operating globally, Terumo employs more than 25,000 associates

HEALTHCARE

worldwide to provide innovative medical solutions in more than 160 countries and regions.

The company started a century ago as a Japanese thermometer manufacturer and has been supporting healthcare ever since.

Now, its extensive business portfolio ranges from vascular intervention and cardio-surgical solutions, blood transfusion and cell therapy technology, to medical products essential for daily clinical practice such as infusion systems, diabetes care, and peritoneal dialysis treatments. Terumo strives to continue to be of absolute value to patients, medical professionals, and society at large.

Several factors make Terumo stand out from its competition in the healthcare sector.

“We were set up 100 years ago by a group of scientists and physicians with a purpose of creating innovative

“OUR MEDTECH INDUSTRY, THROUGH ITS RATHER SILENT YET RAPIDLY APPLIED INNOVATION, HAS PROLONGED AND IMPROVED HUMAN LIFE SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE PAST HALF CENTURY” - PROBIR DAS technology that improved societal outcomes – a rather unique founding story,” Probir tells us proudly.

“Most corporations set themselves up with a purpose of business; revenue, profit, fame, but we were founded to advance healthcare innovation. To date, I see that this passion of innovation and superior engineering, drives Terumo.”

In line with this, Terumo is almost unmatched in its purpose-centred values.

“Whether it was an instance decades ago regarding advanced manufacturing processes in the US where employees were trained further instead of laid off, or a more recent example where products were recalled for no reason other than company engineers feeling that they could do better (and proved this), Terumo is driven by a sense of pride and purpose that goes above and beyond the conventional ‘business sense’,” Probir assures us.

And with their core values at the centre of their operation, Terumo has a unique portfolio in its long history of service. From relatively traditional products like syringes and needles, to futuristic technologies like personal predictive analytics that enable healthcare organisations to decrease cost and improve clinical decisions APAC Outlook issue 49 | 147

TERUMO ASIA HOLDINGS

SUPPLY CHAIN With numerous customers spread over 20 countries, Terumo Asia Pacific sources thousands of products from its three business divisions, approximately 25 product categories from over 30 global manufacturing plants. Understandably, the company’s supply chain is incredibly complex.

Several of Terumo’s products are considered critical or lifesaving, and hence extremely time sensitive.

Under the current pandemic situation, the critical needs and demands of Terumo’s customers for key products have required the company to suddenly scale up, as well shorten its supply cycles to save time.

In this complex supply chain, Terumo has a very high dependence on its trusted partners, both component suppliers, and manufacturing partners, as well as distributors and logistic partners, as Probir explains.

“As a Japanese origin company, we place a lot of value on long-term relationships and trust,” he says. “Many of our partners are working with us for several decades altogether.

“Complex healthcare and medtech is not a single player game; it requires a very cohesive teamwork across a partner ecosystem. The supplier and partner relationships are critical for our quality, reputation and service.”

148 | APAC Outlook issue 49

at the point of care. Combined with unique education services that see the company train thousands of healthcare professionals every year, Terumo’s professional and quality products and offerings cover a vast array of healthcare services.

“We are rapidly strengthening an effective and synergistic regional headquarter,” Probir adds. “This sees us scale up our regional functional capabilities, enabling data centric decisions, and cross leveraging our different entities. We are now driven

by Regional cross-BU, cross-Entity ‘togetherness’ and ‘collaboration’, though remaining simultaneously mindful of the rich diversity of the culture and operational realities

HEALTHCARE

“GIVEN THE MASSIVE DISRUPTION AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COVID-19 HAS CREATED IN OUR MARKETS, WE ARE DRIVING PRIORITIES SUCH AS PROACTIVELY CONTRIBUTING TO INFECTION PREVENTION AND TREATMENT...” across our markets.

“Given the massive disruption and uncertainties that COVID-19 has created in our markets, we are driving priorities such as proactively contributing to infection prevention and treatment, aggressively launching several digital marketing and medical education initiatives, and ensuring that our associates and their families

are kept safe and supported through this difficult period.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated an emergency response from several government health systems to quickly scale up their capabilities in high-quality injection, infusion, plasma therapy, and other aspects such as emergency bypass for critical life support. As Terumo is

a high-quality global player in these domains, it has an obligation to support these scale-up initiatives.

“Due to this, we have had to quickly expand our production capacities, which given the complex global nature of their supply chain, was extremely difficult,” Probir informs us. “In addition, we have been able to equip several hospitals with such mission critical tools as UV Light Germ Zapping Robots, thus enabling them to disinfect large areas swiftly while allocating human resources to more pressing priorities.

“I feel proud that we have been able to fulfil our responsibility towards our corporate mission of contributing to society through healthcare.”

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 149

TERUMO ASIA HOLDINGS

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY Contributing to society is enshrined in Terumo’s 100-yearold mission.

The company drives numerous corporate citizenship programmes that are tailored for the unique needs in its various markets. Given the gaps both in education funding for economically underprivileged boys and girls in India, and the shortage of medical technologists to cater to its ever-growing needs, the company runs a Terumo India Perfusion Scholarship Programme that helps creates medtech careers for bright but marginalised youth.

In addition, in India the company works with reputed NGO organisations to run rural congenital heart disease screening camps, and support repair surgeries of children who cannot afford the procedures.

In Australia, the company recently supported community effort to advance relief and restoration from the disastrous bushfire. Across the region Terumo associates work relentlessly to donate blood via its many blood donation camps, and work with several organisations to promote blood donation education and drives within communities.

150 | APAC Outlook issue 49

In the current pandemic situation, Terumo’s teams are relentlessly working through various CSR programmes to provide relief and support to effected communities.

Recently Terumo donated $2.4 million in cash and products to support COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts, with contributions including $1 million to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO. Recently Terumo’s teams participated in Singapore’s One Million Trees Movement, in solidarity to restore nature in the city the Terumo Asia Pacific.

HEALTHCARE

2021 AND BEYOND Terumo’s line of work involves massive efforts in the training of physicians and supporting their surgical procedures with technical services.

In the pre-COVID world most of this was done face to face. With COVID related restrictions and constraints, Terumo has not only rolled out such things as webinar-based education programmes, but also very unique firsts such as remote glasses enabling long distance case support.

Being a highly care centric company, Terumo has taken several swift steps to support flexible work from home arrangements, often supporting equipping company associates’ home offices and ensuring that our office places were virtually contamination risk-free.

Into the future, Terumo’s priority is to ensure that all its associates are kept safe from the continuing COVID19 pandemic.

“Most of our people are frontline healthcare workers who support doctors and nurses in hospital settings, work in maintaining supply chains, or run manufacturing operations in factories, without the luxury or safety of work from home,” Probir explains.

“We are taking several steps towards this, including supporting their vaccination in markets where privatised vaccination is allowed and will permit them to be quickly secured.”

Terumo is also scaling up its digital medical education and physician interaction capabilities to ensure that, even during the pandemic, customers

can be fully supported. Through its work with them, the company will continue with its dual strategic imperatives of globalisation and portfolio transformation.

“We shall also continue to fortify and strengthen our systems, processes and team skills to manage the dual responsibilities of short-term razorsharp balance sheet management and mid to long term strategy execution,” Probir assures us.

TERUMO ASIA HOLDINGS Tel: +65-6-295-1792 www.terumo.com

APAC Outlook issue 49 | 151

EVENTS

InsureTech Connect Asia June 16-17 | Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre | https://asia.insuretechconnect.com

Singapore - leading the charge of insurance innovation in APAC TH E COVID-19 outbreak has changed the way we live and work, and many businesses have been forced to pivot to virtual modes and processes. This has prompted many insurers to explore new technologies and partner with insurtechs to accelerate their digital roadmaps, bringing to consumers a digitalised journey. The insurance industry is rapidly speeding up its digital transformation agendas and Singapore is becoming the epicentre of insurance innovation.

The world we live in has evolved.

There has been tremendous growth in the insurtech space. In 2020, insurtech investments grew phenomenally with major fundraising rounds from digital insurance companies and brokers all riding on the trend of being a digital-focused brand to create better customer experiences throughout the purchase to claim journey. Insurtech investments in Singapore quadrupled 152 | APAC Outlook issue 49

from $35 million to $128 million, and Singapore is becoming the leading regional hub due to the government’s support and strong collaboration between institutions, private sectors, and industry organisations. There is rapid development in new insurance products across the distribution channels supported by Singapore’s pool of internet ecosystems, expertise, and talent.

Singapore is considered to be one of the best countries in the world to launch and grow tech start-ups, welcoming many innovative insurtechs and fostering collaboration with the insurance industry. Besides being home to many leading insurtechs, committed investors and major insurance and broking companies, Singapore is also home to InsureTech Connect Asia - the first physical and digital insurtech event in APAC since the pandemic.

Happening 16 – 17 June 2021 at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, InsureTech Connect Asia will bring together the most senior and diverse gathering of insurance industry executives, investors, and start-ups from across the Asia Pacific Region. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect and explore partnerships, gain visibility into companies across the full range of stages and strategies, meet with thought leaders who shape the insurance industry, and get insights across all major categories, including P&C, Life, Health, Small Business, and Specialty.

ITC Asia 2021 is leading the way in creating an event experience that is safe and accessible. Being together is an important part of the ITC experience, but being together safely is the number one priority. ITC Asia is working closely with the respective government bodies to ensure a comprehensive and safe event. With not just safety but inclusivity in mind, ITC Asia has also been designed to allow for both in-person and online attendee participation for those who will not be able to attend in Singapore.

Singapore-based attendees can meet with their peers face-to-face, while digital attendees will get access to onsite live stream sessions and on-demand content. Networking opportunities will be available to both physical and digital attendees to foster meaningful connections and explore strategic relationships.

ITC Asia is part of InsureTech Connect, the world’s largest insurtech community across the globe. ITC is also the leading source of insurtech webinars, knowledge, and meetings.

Register for ITC Asia 2021: https://asia.insuretechconnect.com

THE FINAL WORD To round off each issue, we ask our contributing business leaders for their views on the same question

WHAT OR WHO HAS BEEN A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR YOU DURING YOUR CAREER?

Musje Werror CEO and General Manager, Ok Tedi “My family have played a big part. Having arrived in the country as political refugees in 1971, my family and I have been in Papua New Guinea for 50 years this year. My parents struggled to ensure we were given a decent education because we came with nothing and through their help and support, I’ve managed to make it this far and that’s down to them.”

154 | APAC Outlook issue 49

Havini Vira CEO, Ok Tedi Development Foundation “Facilitating or creating opportunities to improve the livelihood of households and communities has been a passion for me. I started with aquaculture and food security – using science and farming as feasible interventions for rural households.

“I have moved into a wider field of community development, but the goal remains the same. I believe God placed us on the planet to help our fellow human beings – we all have a purpose and until we know our personal mission on earth, we will remain unsatisfied.”

Mark Stone General Manager of People and Capability, Ok Tedi “Early in my career, I worked with someone in health and safety who had the ability to align people towards a vision. This was in South America and we were working

in a mine way up in the Andes in Peru.

His vision was for us to achieve a safety rating of five stars. He managed to not just get the whole workforce, but all the families, teachers and government behind this vision that he had to achieve that safety rating. I remember the day that we got audited and were awarded those five stars, the whole town erupted.

“You could hear the trucks blowing their horns in the background, hats thrown in the air. I thought ‘wow, if you can achieve that with a bunch of people and have them drive that change, achieve it and celebrate it then that’s the key.’ You can buy all the equipment you want but it’s having that alignment of people to make it happen that makes the difference. That’s my passion. It’s how do you get that alignment to unlock that potential. It’s what I am always strive for.”

Are you a CEO/Director with a company story to tell? Contact APAC Outlook now!

A comprehensive report into PNG’s 100 percent owned mining company...

Ok TEDI MINING

MINING

See page

26 THE

HEART

Ok TEDI MINING

OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

A Robust Partnership with Ok Tedi

E

piroc is a leading manufacture of surface and underground mining equipment, manufactured in Sweden, the United States, Japan and China. Its products are small and large drilling rigs, water well and coal seam gas drills, production drills for quarry and development industries, while also specialising in underground mining equipment, jumbo production and development drills. Epiroc’s products are sold worldwide to the large and small mining and mineral extraction industries.

We take an in-depth look into the Ok Tedi mine, its operations within Papua New Guinea and speak with executives to delve deeper into the organisation Writer: Sean Galea-Pace | Project Manager: Josh Mann

A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT INTO PNG’S 100 PERCENT OWNED MINING COMPANY

We’re a company with a soul.”

That’s the view of Musje Werror, Managing Director and CEO of Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML).

It’s fair to say that OTML is a mining firm proud of its culture. The company prides itself on being a 100 percent

Papua New Guinea (PNG) owned organisation and operating with a large national workforce. In fact, according to Werror, the staff are committed to make OTML become a successful company since the profits generated stays within the country.

“When we became a 100 percent

PNG-owned company, there were doubts that we could operate as a strong and vibrant business and so far we have done that.,” he explains. “I believe Ok Tedi in many ways is a role model for this country.”

Today, Werror sits at the helm of the mine’s operations. However, his

journey to the top of the organisation is an interesting one. Werror has worked his way up through the ranks since joining the company’s Graduate Development programme in 1988.

“I always had an interest in mining and accepted the offer to join Ok Tedi after completing my degree,”

2 | APAC Outlook issue 49

“WE HAVE A SMALL STRATEGIC PLANNING TEAM WHO HAVE DONE AN OUTSTANDING JOB TO IDENTIFY THESE HIGH VALUE PROJECTS FOR THE BUSINESS... WE HAVE ALL BUT EXHAUSTED THE VALUE IN THE CURRENT PIT AND WILL FOCUS OUR ATTENTION ON EXPLORATION area. By his own admission, there isn’t TO EXTEND MINE LIFE BEYOND 2029”

Papua New Guinea. Ore mined from the open pit mine at an annual rate of 24 million tonnes feeds a processing facility which consists of a gyratory primary crusher, two parallel grinding modules, flotation and gravity separation and sulphur removal.

“In 2016, a major strategic review of the business was conducted to optimise the main Fubilan pit and maximise the value of the business while maintaining our environmental obligations to the Government and communities. The review identified the Crusher Replacement Project (CRP) as a major value adding proposition,” explains Werror.

“The project was completed and commissioned in December 2020.

It had cost PGK800 million and was completed on time and on budget without a lost time injury. The completion of the project will allow access to high grade ore material below where the old crusher was located by 2023.”

he recounts. “I started off in the production laboratory before moving into the health and safety department where I became the first trained occupational hygienist in PNG.” Subsequently, Werror then became Superintendent of Health and Safety before he moved into the operations

an area within Ok Tedi that he hasn’t The scale of the project was substantial pioneering earthworks to worked in or doesn’t know about. “My significant given the challenges be undertaken before construction time in health andand safety allowed me of procuring freighting the could begin,” says Werror. “It is indeed equipment into a a credit to the CRP team for safely to have access toand allmaterials the operating remote location and establishing executing the project on time and areas on site.

Itmade helped to develop a team up of 98me percent within budget.” contractors and consultants to For Werror, he believes in the value a greater understanding of how the execute the project. At the time of of having long-term strategic goals. installation, thehe gyratory crusher “We have a small strategic planning business worked,” explains. was regarded as one of the largest machines of its type to be manufactured globally. Over 13,000 cubicAPAC metres ofOutlook concrete andissue more than 2,500 tonnes of fabricated steel was required to construct the new facility. “The site itself required

team who have done an outstanding job to identify these high value projects for the business,” he says. | have 49“We 3 all but exhausted the value in the current pit and will focus our attention on exploration to extend mine life beyond 2029. Hopefully, we

David Green is the Product Manager of PNG and Pacific Regions at Epiroc. He believes that his company is well-placed to meet today’s challenges within the mining industry. “It’s very exciting because the mining industry is moving very fast because of the extraction of raw minerals to meet the global demand,” says Green. “Australia is a very fortunate country in the world to have such vast resources available with proximity to our trading partners.

We’re very well positioned to meet these demands and challenges with technology playing a larger part of the mining process.”

Epiroc has established a key, strategic partnership with Ok Tedi. The mining firm approached Epiroc to quote for the supply of diesel-powered blast hole drills to avoid production losses because of droughts that occur in the vast country. Epiroc was successful in receiving purchase orders for three pit viper drills in 2005 which grew to seven drills, three of which have been made redundant because of sterling service over many years. As well as Pit Viper Drills, Ok Tedi made a further purchase of three D-65 hammer drill as part of the mining process.

Green is well aware of the key benefits of the partnership with Ok Tedi. “Our strong relationship with Ok Tedi is driven through its commitment to the

customer, while Ok Tedi has invested into Epiroc for Mining Equipment, which is its commitment to invest back into the company.

“Relationships are a vital and key part of building a life of mine relationship and I have had the privilege to meet many special miners with lasting friendships.

Loyalty and honesty are both important needs in attending to its customers’ demands in operating such a massive mine in a remote location.”

Wade Prebble is the Customer Support Manager at Epiroc. When looking to establish a key, strategic partnership, he looks for openness and collaboration.

“Continuous communication is very important in this industry, especially when we’re talking about high usage and priority fleets,” says Prebble. “When the relationship is strong and open, we can expect that the most productive and positive outcomes are achieved which ensures the best possible experience for all involved.”

Prebble reflects on the company’s collaboration with Ok Tedi and looks back fondly. “I think that our partnership with Ok Tedi as an ongoing project is something that I am very proud of,” he says. “It’s no secret that the environment up there is really tough and it is extremely satisfying to be able to be a part of a team that is committed to making sure that we all do our very best to maintain strong forward momentum.”

Looking ahead to the future, Prebble is optimistic about the next few years. “Continuing our commitment to supporting our customers within the region to ensure that their experience is the best possible and that their expectations are always exceeded,” he explains. “Autonomous technology has begun its rise in focus within the East Coast of Australia and Papua New Guinea so watch this space as it’s going to move fast!”

epiroc.com/en-au

10 | APAC Outlook issue 49

18 | APAC Outlook issue 47

2 | APAC Outlook issue 47

TIMES COMPASSION IN CHALLENGING SHOWING STRENGTH AND

APAC Outlook issue 47 | 19

harvesting by 2022.

50,000 cubic metres of water provide approximately additional open quarry pits, which will constructing ponds and utilising water reservoir volume by CMIC is also increasing its surface awareness. To achieve this goal, water loss and water-saving consumption, the control of the optimisation of water reduction of water withdrawal, The main success factors are the

combined corps d’esprit, showing the demonstrating a strong and proudly risen to the occasion, corners of the organisation have APAC Outlook issue 47 Lynam adds. “And our staff in all period with the COVID-19 pandemic,” a very traumatic and anxiety-laden “We have, together, come through employee is accountable for. biguous clarity on what any leader or by all staff, and then assuring unamtional objectives are understood well of assuring that directional and funcpany striving to realise the importance much a two-way dialogue, the comThe communication stream is very feedback is taken and acted upon. town halls and check-ins, regular face to face interactions via monthly communications using digital tools to

CO-CREATED VALUE” AND SHARING OF THE MUTUAL PARTNERING 3 | UPTAKE IN A SPIRIT OF

and relationships with suppliers and of building long lasting partnerships “SCCC supports the philosophy levels are high. not least during times when disruption logistics excellence over the long term, best practices in supply chain and delivering building materials requires nature of manufacturing and concerned, he says that the very Indeed where suppliers are arrives in the months and years ahead. critical as further expansion at SCCC relationships will become even more on Lynam, who explains how such supply chain, a fact which is not lost stakeholders up and down the numerous partnerships with Every day the firm relies on indomitable pulse of the INSEE heart.”

mindsets – this supports mutual brand in turn normally tend to share our employees and their sub-suppliers health and wellbeing of their own Suppliers who value safety and the sustainability and the longer term. who place value on governance, who have similar mindsets and “We want to work with suppliers ency and equitable relationships. notion of a ‘fair deal’ and offer transparservice lifecycles. We believe in the ownership basis over full product and “We prefer to work on a total cost of co-created value. mutual partnering and sharing of the and product uptake in a spirit of and we offer long term services are in the business for the long term logistics providers,” he adds. “We

Ok Tedi Mining has told its story.

Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Joshua Mann

by the COVID-19 pandemic compassion for its local communities despite the challenges presented Company Limited (SCCC or INSEE) continues to show strength and Having last year marked 50 years in operation, Siam City Cement Public

Community

economic fallout.” and are now responding to the eyes firmly fixed on the situation crisis mode, we’re still keeping our we’re just about out of what we call staff and customers, and while was to protect the health of our response teams. The first priority management and emergency was to set up our crisis the first concern for us a crisis is going to get, so One never knows how bad

SERVICES AND PRODUCT WE OFFER LONG TERM gained throughout its past.

FOR THE LONG TERM AND “WE ARE IN THE BUSINESS to benefit from a degree of hindsight

has brought about through the obvious challenges that COVID-19 positive tone despite the clear and pandemic, Siam City Cement is able to his native Ireland, he sets a very given the global reach of the room in Bangkok following a visit appear somewhat unprecedented production. And although this year’s events Speaking from a quarantinedcement hotel measured as litres per tonne of Aidan Lynam. to navigate this crisis. to reduce water can consumption, has established specific targets Limited (SCCC) and its Group CEO, must continue to operate as best it committed to saving water and sustain communities.

CMIC is Siam City Cement Public Company a resolute one – that society can and requires enough reserves to extraordinary year in the life of The dry season is long Indeed, for SCCC, the message is and a global pandemic, it has been of an 50th birthday. this vital resource is critical. water, the proper management in existence in 2019 to running into recently celebrated the company’s season brings large amount of country, where the monsoon of 2020, this having just From celebrating a half century course

www.siamcitycement.com wecare@siamcitycement.com Tel: +662 797 7000 COMPANY LIMITED (SCCC) SIAM CITY CEMENT PUBLIC

service and product quality”. and in delivering superior customer participant in the Asian growth story, a respected and highly valued “We continue to prioritise being both organic and otherwise.” for future growth in the Asian markets, workforce, extremely well positioned with a productive leadership and balance sheet which renders us, along ambitious approach, assuring a strong SCCC is taking a prudent and yet coming period through 2021 and 2022, Currently, with visibility low for the for improved internal efficiencies. welded to the never-ending quest the customer firmly at the centre, go-to-market approaches which place “We are focusing on competitive competitive. emerging fitter, more agile and more initial crisis, we have our targets set on well managed the immediate and The Group CEO concludes: “Having and service to its customers. innovation and enhanced offerings internal procedures and processes to on what they can control – from SCCC leadership is focusing staff couple of years, meaning that the fallout that will follow over the next extent of disruption and economic Uncertainty still remains as to the pandemic. shock caused by the COVID-19 as possible from the current economic priority remains to emerge as strongly In the more immediate term, the of SCCC’s strategy for the future. and other stakeholders forms the crux objectives to customers, employees Indeed, delivering long-term and reputation building.”

ASteward ofOur thebi-monthly magazine APAC Outlook is essential reading for Now, why not tell yours?

Though Cambodia is a tropical

CAMBODIA WATER IN PRESERVING

IN FOCUS

facilities. From regular formal internal of all its employees and visitors to its accountable to assure the wellbeing ward, with SCCC’s leadership made number one priority moving forabout health and safety being the He also reinforces the message the company.” to self-develop and to prosper with to continuously improve and to grow, developing and empowering our staff important to us. At SCCC we believe in between management and staff are efforts – daily, simple interactions and ‘on the spot’ in appreciating good “Recognition can be very simple

business executives wanting to keep up with the latest in global news and trends affecting Asia Pacific businesses across all industries.

SIAM CITY CEMENT PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED (SCCC)

CONSTRUCTION

Reaching an audience of over 220,000 readers, your company can take advantage of exposure in APAC Outlook with a FREE article and FREE digital brochure, as well as access to further digital and print-based marketing tools that could transform your business.

To share in this unrivalled opportunity, contact one of our project managers today!

SIAM CITY CEMENT PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED (SCCC)

CONSTRUCTION

TATA HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

w w w. a p a c o u t l o o k m a g . c o m

Issue 49

www.apacoutlookmag.com/work-with-us

Complementing the production of APAC Outlook, Africa Outlook, EME Outlook and North America Outlook magazines, Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising these same

Outlook Creative Services

specialist production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

For more information on how we can work with you in providing a plethora of completely flexible and customisable production services, please visit: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

DESIGN:

E D I TO R I A L :

Stephen Giles +44 (0) 1603 363 634 steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com

Sean Galea-Pace +44 (0) 1603 363 654 sean.galea-pace@outlookpublishing.com

Devon Collins +44 (0) 1603 363 656 devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com

Marcus Kääpä +44 (0) 1603 363 653 marcus.kaapa@outlookpublishing.com