Frieda River Limited is pleased to confirm the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) has granted six environmental permits for the Frieda River Project, following a rigorous and comprehensive assessment process.
The approvals mark a significant milestone for the Project and follows a comprehensive program of environmental studies, the development of environmental management programs, and a detailed consultation process with communities and government.
Frieda River Project Director Phil McCormack said the decision by CEPA reflects the strength of Frieda River’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
“The work to secure these permits has involved extensive expertise across mining and engineering, as well as thorough consultation with landowners and surrounding communities,” said Mr McCormack.
“We thank CEPA for the time and attention dedicated to the rigorous review process, which included the authority conducting its own consultation with surrounding communities and engaging their own independent experts to undertake peer reviews of our Environmental Impact Statement.”
The permits are for the Frieda River Copper-Gold Project, Sepik Power Grid Project, Frieda River Hydroelectric Project, Sepik Infrastructure Project Road, Green River Airport and Vanimo Ocean Port.
All permits are subject to strict environmental conditions, including continuous water quality monitoring to ensure the Sepik River and its tributaries remain healthy and vibrant so it can continue to play its economic and cultural role in the lives of Sepik communities. Frieda River Limited reiterates its unwavering commitment to compliance with these conditions.
A Transformational, Responsible Investment for PNG
The Frieda River Project, also known as the Sepik Development Project, represents one of the most significant investments in Papua New Guinea. The Project will unlock long-term economic value, deliver sustainable infrastructure and empower local communities through genuine partnerships with landowners.
Mr McCormack said a foundational aspect of the project is environmental protection and sustainability.
“The Project is designed to the highest environmental standards, incorporating advanced tailings and waste management techniques to the minimise impact to surrounding communities and the Sepik River,” said Mr McCormack.
“Frieda River Limited has invested more than a decade in undertaking comprehensive environmental, socio-economic and cultural heritage studies, supported by extensive stakeholder engagement. The Project includes a 600 MW installed capacity hydroelectric dam, which will power the mine and provide clean, renewable energy to the Sepik region, making Frieda River one of the lowest-emission mining projects globally.”
“We continue to invest collaboratively in the communities surrounding the Project and we are proud of the strong, respectful relationships we have with East Sepik and West Sepik provincial administrations, and host landowners, including through the regular Community Leaders Forum, which brings together the seven landowning communities of the Frieda River Copper-Gold Project.”
Looking Ahead
While these permits represent a significant milestone, they are just one step in a rigorous planning and approvals process. Frieda River Limited looks forward to continuing proactive and transparent engagement with government, landholders and all stakeholders to ensure the Project is environmentally sound, technically appropriate, socially responsible and financially profitable that it delivers lasting benefits for Sepik communities and Papua New Guinea.
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