Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has launched its 50th Independence Anniversary celebration to mark the country’s Golden Jubilee. The Hamamas Week will feature a week-long cultural celebration from September 10th -16th 2025 in Tabubil. The celebration is hosted annually by Ok Tedi to celebrate the country’s independence and recognize its contribution to Papua New Guinea. This year’s Hamamas Week, which marks the country’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, is a reflection of the pride and joy Ok Tedi as a nationally owned company feels towards PNG’s journey. It’s a week-long celebration of progress, culture, and unity, bringing together the workforce, business partners, and the community to recognize the achievements of the past and look forward to the promise of the future. Ok Tedi Acting Managing Director and General Manager Strategy Business Development and Optimization, Alan Bong, officially launched the Hamamas Week, acknowledging contributions from the Executive Leadership Team, the Events Committee, business partners, the workforce and the community. “What you saw is just a glimpse of what will take place from the 10th to the 16th of September.” “Through our forefathers we achieved our independence 50 years ago, it is the start of self-governance and nation building.” “We as Papua New Guineans must be happy to see how far our nation has come. We are not the same, fifty years ago. There has been progress.” “I encourage you to participate as a proud Papua New Guinean. With Ok Tedi’s pathway, under the leadership of our Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit, the Executive Leadership Team will fully support this week-long celebration of our country’s independence anniversary.” Meanwhile, Ok Tedi Events Committee Chairman, Akolo Kotange, also thanked the workforce and the community for making time available to celebrate the launching. “This Hamamas Week celebration is to showcase and celebrate the progress made as a developing nation for the past fifty years.” Kotange appealed to the workforce and the community to celebrate with mindfulness and make this week-long celebration a safe and successful one. The launching began with a float parade from the business partners, school marching and dances from the Momase Region, Southern Region and the Faiwol Min group. Guest performance from Papua New Guinean music legends Basil Greg MBE and Robert Oeka were the highlights of the official launching of the Hamamas Week. “Ok Tedi is not just a company; it is a cornerstone of Papua New Guinea’s development, a proud partner in building a brighter future for generations to come.” “As we celebrate fifty years, we look forward to continuing to contribute to PNG’s growth, prosperity, and legacy for the next 50 years and beyond," said Kotange.