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The Minister for Mineral & Energy
PO Box 352
Konedobu
Papua New Guinea
3 March 1989
Dear Sir
Re: Pollution Control - Ok Tedi Mine
I feel I must express my deep concern with the predicted level of pollution of the Fly River from disposal of tailings and waste rock from the OK Tedi copper mine.
The State is required by 30 March to establish river pollution control measures for waste disposal from the 0K Tedi Mine. The Government must act responsibly to protect our valuable natural environment, commercial and subsistence fisheries and the social welfare of our people. I attached a position paper supported by my department and the Water Resources Board that resource in the Fly river and marine waters of the Gulf of Papua.
Recently the mine has converted to full scale copper production (70,000 tonnes/day of tailing) and consequently doubled the tonnage of tailings from the gold phase. Simultaneously the level of copper in -the tailing and waste rock will significantly increase. Copper and sediments are very dangerous to fish life.
My primary concern is that the Ok Tedi copper mine is now projected to discharge huge amounts of wastes to the Fly River and any waste dam or treatment system the State may require under the current agreements would not be in place till 1992. Scientific data has predicted that during this next 3 years a 70% loss of fishery at Kuambi (sic) and a 30% loss of fishery at OGWA (lower Fly River) may occur. The damage to the important fisheries, breeding and nursery areas of the Fly River delta and Gulf is unknown though some damage is expected. The barramundi, prawn and lobster fisheries could be seriously affected.
I find this level of damage to an important and very large river totally unacceptable. The mine should not be allowed to cause this level of pollution. The State must uphold the Fourth National Goal of the Constitution and apply immediate controls on the project.
There seems little point in setting an acceptable pollution level in the river to become effective after 3 years when major environmental damage will be allowed to occur in that period.
I again stress my concern and recommend government to act swiftly on this matter. I suggest a meeting of concerned Ministries be convened as soon as possible to establish an appropriate course of action.
Yours faithfully,
Jim Yer Waim
Minister for Environment and Conservation
cc: The Prime Minister
cc: Minister of Fisheries and Marine Res.
cc: Minister of Provincial Affairs
cc: Minister of Finance and Planning
cc: Minister of Health
cc: Premier of Western Province
cc: Premier of Gulf Province
The Minister for Mineral & Energy
PO Box 352
Konedobu
Papua New Guinea
3 March 1989
Dear Sir
Re: Pollution Control - Ok Tedi Mine
I feel I must express my deep concern with the predicted level of pollution of the Fly River from disposal of tailings and waste rock from the OK Tedi copper mine.
The State is required by 30 March to establish river pollution control measures for waste disposal from the 0K Tedi Mine. The Government must act responsibly to protect our valuable natural environment, commercial and subsistence fisheries and the social welfare of our people. I attached a position paper supported by my department and the Water Resources Board that resource in the Fly river and marine waters of the Gulf of Papua.
Recently the mine has converted to full scale copper production (70,000 tonnes/day of tailing) and consequently doubled the tonnage of tailings from the gold phase. Simultaneously the level of copper in -the tailing and waste rock will significantly increase. Copper and sediments are very dangerous to fish life.
My primary concern is that the Ok Tedi copper mine is now projected to discharge huge amounts of wastes to the Fly River and any waste dam or treatment system the State may require under the current agreements would not be in place till 1992. Scientific data has predicted that during this next 3 years a 70% loss of fishery at Kuambi (sic) and a 30% loss of fishery at OGWA (lower Fly River) may occur. The damage to the important fisheries, breeding and nursery areas of the Fly River delta and Gulf is unknown though some damage is expected. The barramundi, prawn and lobster fisheries could be seriously affected.
I find this level of damage to an important and very large river totally unacceptable. The mine should not be allowed to cause this level of pollution. The State must uphold the Fourth National Goal of the Constitution and apply immediate controls on the project.
There seems little point in setting an acceptable pollution level in the river to become effective after 3 years when major environmental damage will be allowed to occur in that period.
I again stress my concern and recommend government to act swiftly on this matter. I suggest a meeting of concerned Ministries be convened as soon as possible to establish an appropriate course of action.
Yours faithfully,
Jim Yer Waim
Minister for Environment and Conservation
cc: The Prime Minister
cc: Minister of Fisheries and Marine Res.
cc: Minister of Provincial Affairs
cc: Minister of Finance and Planning
cc: Minister of Health
cc: Premier of Western Province
cc: Premier of Gulf Province
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