Delivering more than machinery in PNG

In a community where football reigns supreme, the Hastings Deering team were thrilled to deliver more than machinery to the community of Papua New Guinea.

With a brand new 993K being commissioned at Ok Tedi Mining Limited in mid-December and a 6030B due for commissioning mid-January, the Hastings Deering team took the opportunity to give back to the community that support the industry.

Hundreds of rugby league, soccer and basketballs were handed out to the children from the Tabubil Soccer Association, the Tabubil Brothers Rugby League Club and the local schools.

In a nation where communities are widespread, sport plays a key role in bonding the nation’s 800 disparate tribes and has been cited as having the ability to impact positively on all walks of life in PNG.

With approximately 80% of the local community in Tabubil deriving their lively hood from the Ok Tedi Mine, Mark Stone, OTML General Manager, People and Capability, thanked Hastings Deering for doing something with this community in mind.

Hastings Deering Mining Account Manager Todd Wallace, said that in delivering the 14th machine for 2019, it was important to also focus on the local community.

“This year alone, OTML has taken delivery of 14 machines including, wheel loaders, excavators, graders and dozers. We wanted to do something special to thank their team, and the local community for the continued support and relationship that we have developed.”

The growth and continuation of OTML serves an important role in the community through employment, local business, training and economic and social development programs.

“The most exciting part of this delivery, was being able to give back to the community and look beyond the mine operations and machinery.”

“It was pretty cool to be able to stop off at the local swimming hole “115” to throw balls in the water and watch the kids have fun, I was swarmed.”

In talking to the fathers, naturally the conversation turned to rugby league and you can see the passion and enthusiasm this community has for the sport and the pride in the players representing PNG.”

Today Hastings Deering supplies equipment and services across a wide range of industries in PNG, sponsors local teams and participates in the annual OTML touch Rugby Carnival.