Copper-gold miner Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) has officially commissioned its new Mine Operations Workshop, a modern facility purpose-built to support the maintenance of the company’s recently introduced fleet of XDE260 diesel-electric drive mining trucks from China’s XCMG which have a 230 t payload. The XDE260 trucks at OTML are using a Cummins 2,500 hp QSK60 engine. This is teamed with a Wabtec electric drive system including 5GEB25 wheel motors.
The workshop named ‘Workshop 50’ in recognition of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary, represents a major step forward in strengthening Ok Tedi’s mining operations, offering increased capacity and tailored facilities to service the larger and more advanced truck fleet.
Ok Tedi anticipates having a fleet of 15 of the electric drive trucks in operation by the end of the year. The company is currently operating XDE260 10 electric drive trucks, with an additional five being assembled. These trucks, purchased from XCMG, are used in mining operations to haul ore and wastes from the mine to the crusher and waste dumps respectively.
Designed and equipped to meet the unique maintenance needs of the XCMG electric drive trucks, the workshop will improve operational efficiency and reduce downtime.
Ok Tedi Mine Manager Mobile Maintenance Tommy Mambu thanked Ok Tedi Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit and the Ok Tedi Board saying the investment reflects Ok Tedi’s continuous commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
“The new Mine Operations Workshop gives us the capacity and capability to properly maintain our electric [drive] truck fleet, ensuring safe, reliable and efficient operations. It is another important milestone as we modernise our mining fleet and invest in the long-term future of our operations,” Mambu said.
The construction and commissioning were completed within budget, with additional works including the installation of a 50 t crane and lube facility delivered through project contingencies and cost optimisations.
Thorough commissioning checks were successfully carried out prior to the official handover. While the project faced challenges such as adverse weather and budget pressures from changes to the scoped requirements, the team applied adaptive planning and close coordination to mitigate delays and ensure safe delivery.
Ok Tedi General Manager Operations Ben Burger highlighted the strategic significance of the new facility. “The new workshop will primarily benefit the Mine Maintenance Department, but its impact will extend across the broader Ok Tedi business by enabling more reliable fleet performance,” Burger said.
This milestone aligns with the Ok Tedi’s 2050 Growth Strategy with a specific focus on transformational growth, paving the way for a stronger, more sustainable future for the company and its shareholders.
