Management of occupational health and safety in Papua New Guinea mining industries: With special reference to Ok Tedi

Occupational Health and Safety (OH & S) is a topic of considerable relevance for the Papua New Guinea (PNG) mining industry. The unique environments in which PNG mining operates has confronted the industry with particular dilemmas that have attracted a range of investments to mitigate the problems associated with OH & S. This paper discusses OH & S management in the PNG mining industry with specific case studies of Ok Tedi, Porgera and Lihir gold mines. The content deals with the designing of effective OH & S regulations and policies that can benefit all mining industries through the provision of examples of practical innovative ideas on managing OH & S at three mining companies. Caught in the political obligatory aspects of meeting the ever present government regulations, and competing for best practice are dynamics this paper analyses and in doing so highlights some progress made by Ok Tedi, Porgera and Lihir gold mines. This paper also discusses the OH & S policies and practices in official and unofficial courts representing a series of expanding circles to which the implications and consequences belong. In doing so this paper highlights the forsaken areas for both academic and applied studies from global and local perspectives in the PNG mining Industries. The latter sections articulate the relevance of the information provides by the three case studies in the wider context of OH & S. A final conclusion promotes a perspective that a great deal more investment will be required by all stakeholders