Frieda River Limited’s Country Manager Dr Joel Hamago during the Vanimo Road Corridor Engagement in action at the Green River station in August of 2025.
The Sepik Development Project (SDP) continues to record strong progress in stakeholder engagement while expanding employment opportunities for Papua New Guineans, with a clear focus on benefiting communities in the Sepik region.
Project representatives, from the community affairs whose dedicated role is to meet with and listen to local communities, recently visited near mine communities including those in the Upper Sepik where they held constructive engagement sessions about project plans and new opportunities.
The consultative engagement is part of an ongoing schedule of positive engagement with landowners, local communities, government agencies and other key stakeholders, reflecting the Project’s commitment to transparency, partnership and responsible resource development.
Country Manager Dr Joel Hamago said the strength of stakeholder relationships established to date demonstrates the Project’s long-term commitment to Papua New Guinea.
“We are encouraged by the collaborative approach we are seeing on the ground, and we remain committed to open dialogue and mutual respect as the Project progresses,” Dr Hamago said.
“Meaningful engagement with our host communities based on transparency and accurate information, is central to how we operate.”
Dr Hamago called on opponents of the Project to adopt the same commitment to accuracy and honesty in their actions.
“It is disappointing to see a recent media publication where Project Sepik continue to misrepresent the outcome of the SDP’s recent engagement with Sepik Communities via the OECD’s AusNCP referral process, where an independent examiner confirmed our compliance with OECD guidelines in relation to stakeholder engagement on this project.”
Dr Hamago said community engagement activities would continue.
“While we have had an overwhelmingly positive response from communities, who value the level of engagement and the future opportunities from the Development, we understand that many people still have concerns and questions, which is why we will continue listen as we consult with them.”
As activities continue to advance, the Sepik Development Project has opened a number of new employment opportunities across various roles, which are currently advertised on the Project’s official LinkedIn page.
In line with the Project’s localisation strategy, priority will be given to suitably qualified applicants from the Sepik region, ensuring local communities are directly involved in and benefit from Project development.
“Our employment strategy is deliberately focused on local participation,” Dr Hamago said.
“Wherever possible, we want people from the Sepik to take up these roles, gain valuable skills and become part of the Project’s journey from the early stages.”
The Sepik Development Project strongly supports the Papua New Guinea Government’s drive to increase local and national content within major resource developments. Through targeted recruitment, training and skills development, the Project aims to create sustainable employment outcomes and contribute to long-term national capacity building.
“This Project is about more than just mining. It is also an infrastructure project with rippling opportunities,” Dr Hamago said.
“It is about building capability, supporting PNG talent and ensuring that Papua New Guineans are well positioned to participate meaningfully in major developments, both now and into the future.”
Interested applicants are encouraged to view current vacancies and application details via the Frieda River Limited LinkedIn page. Applicants should carefully review role requirements and ensure their qualifications and experience align with the advertised positions.
The Frieda River Project will continue to provide regular updates on stakeholder engagement, employment opportunities and Project milestones.
English 
Chinese