The management of the Ok Tedi Mine in Papua New Guinea has revealed that all laid-off employees are to be repatriated to their home provinces, until the mine is re-opened.
The company said in a memo that it has begun the repatriation of its employees and families out of Tabubil as a measure to reduce the demand on food and power consumption.
The memo stated that the exercise started two weeks ago and by the end of this month, the company will have moved all families from the site, as the mine would be closed until 2016.
Ok Tedi mine, Papua New Guinea Photo: Dev Policy
More than 200 police personnel are to assist in the eviction exercise, and to protect company properties.
The company also stated that the employees were paid retainer payments to assist them during the duration of the lay-off until they are recalled early next year.
The Ok Tedi mine management further stated that all schools in Tabubil will be closed, except to genuine residents of the mine village communities.
The resumption of full operations at the mine is expected early in 2016.