Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today commended Western Governor Hon. Taboi Awi Yoto and the people of Western Province for their unity and commitment in successfully completing and signing the 12th Ok Tedi Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) Review.
Prime Minister Marape, who witnessed the signing, said the event marked an important milestone in sustaining Papua New Guinea’s resource sector by ensuring that communities affected by mining operations are meaningfully engaged, consulted, and empowered.
“I want to commend Governor Yoto and the leaders of the CMCA and non-CMCA communities for pulling everyone together,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This shows true leadership and cooperation among our people who are the rightful custodians of the land where the Ok Tedi Mine operates.”
He highlighted that the CMCA communities—those directly affected by the Ok Tedi mine— provide the crucial “social licence” that allows mining operations to continue responsibly in the region, even after the 2001 exit of BHP.
“These people are the heart of the project. They give the licence for the mine to continue to operate despite environmental sensitivities,” he said. “Without their consent and participation, we could not move forward.”
Prime Minister Marape clarified that the 12th CMCA Review Agreement is not a rigid or final document, but a living framework that will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs and aspirations of the people. “This agreement is not set in stone—it is not the 10 Commandments,” he said. “Every year, we will revisit and realign it to ensure it continues to improve the lives of our people. When we move from the 12th to the 13th Review, we must ensure that tangible benefits flow directly to the people of Western Province.”
He noted that under the 12th Review, the benefits to landowners and affected communities have more than doubled compared to previous arrangements.
“We have delivered over a 100 per cent increase in the value of benefits going back to our people,” the Prime Minister stated. “But with this increase comes greater responsibility. I appeal to our people to use these funds wisely—to invest in improving your lives, building better homes, supporting your children’s education, and developing your communities.”
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting Western Province and other resource-rich regions through fair benefit-sharing, sustainable development, and transparent management of mining revenues.
“Our goal is simple—to make sure that the wealth from the ground transforms into real improvements on the ground,” he said. “Western Province must not only be known for its resources, but for its thriving, healthy, and empowered communities.”