One of OTML’s main copper buyers visits mine

JAPAN has been and continues to be the largest market for copper concentrate produced by Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML), says managing director and chief executive officer Kedi Ilimbit.
Ilimbit said this last week when hosting representatives from the Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (MMC), one of its leading customers of copper concentrate from Japan.
“About 60 per cent of OTML’s copper concentrate is purchased by five Japanese smelter companies,” he said.
The team was led by MCC’s raw materials department’s general manager Hiroyuki Tsukamoto, deputy general manager Masahide Iwataki and manager Kotaro Hirokawa.
Accompanying the MMC team were Marubeni Corporation personnel, who represent MMC as their buyer’s agent, with general manager – non-ferrous ores section from the Department of Non-Ferrous Metals and Ore Trading, Yoichiro Suga, from Tokyo, and Port Moresby representative Ryuichi Ueno.
MMC, the largest of the Japanese smelter companies in terms of concentrate demand, currently operates two smelters in Japan at Onahama and Naoshima, plus one in Indonesia where they hold a 60.5 per cent ownership interest in the Gresik smelter.
Ilimbit said MMC’s visit to OTML was significant.
“The delegation’s exploration of OTML’s innovative waste management strategy, specifically riverine disposal, highlights MMC’s commitment to aligning their operations with the principles of Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and shareholder expectations,” he said.
Ilimbit said the team went on an exclusive tour of OTML’s mine and processing operations.
“Furthermore, they gained valuable insights into the Bige dredging operation and Kiunga operations, witnessing firsthand the company’s commitment to sustainable practices,” he said.
“They also learnt of the amazing work carried out by the Ok Tedi Development Foundation in the Mine and Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) communities.”
Tsukamoto said MCC was committed to sustaining business collaboration with OTML beyond 2026.