Frieda River brings project information to West Sepik communities

Frieda River Limited has completed the first phase of its District Town Hall Engagements in West Sepik, taking information on the proposed Sepik Development Project directly to Local Level Governments and communities.

The engagements covered Telefomin, Green River, Amanab, Vanimo town, Bewani and Maka Base in Walsa LLG, with government representatives also taking part.

The focus was to bring information about the project closer to the people and give communities an opportunity to hear from the project team, ask questions and understand where the development process currently stands.

For some elders, the discussions brought back memories of a project they first heard about when they were children, with the Frieda River Project having been under discussion in the Sepik region for more than 50 years.

FRL Country Manager Dr Joel Hamago said the long history of the project made direct engagement important, particularly for people who may not have had the opportunity to follow its development through formal processes.

He said the town halls were designed to allow communities to ask questions about the project's current stage, environmental requirements, proposed infrastructure and potential benefits and impacts.

The proposed Sepik Development Project includes the Frieda River copper-gold mine, hydroelectric power generation, a power transmission network, roads, pipelines, bridges, a proposed Green River Airport and Vanimo Ocean Port.

The project received six environmental permits from the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority in November 2025. The permits cover the proposed mine, hydroelectric project, power grid, infrastructure road, Green River Airport and Vanimo Ocean Port.

The project remains in the pre-development stage. Recent reporting has confirmed that construction is yet to begin and would proceed after the Special Mining Lease, or SML, is granted.

Dr Hamago told communities that FRL is now working through the requirements associated with the SML process and the next stages of project development.

Community questions during the town halls focused largely on employment, local business opportunities, landowner identification, benefit sharing and possible impacts on livelihoods and the environment.

Dr Hamago also explained the proposed Community Development Agreement, or CDA, including the distinction between direct and indirect benefits that could arise from the project.

He said a separate workshop would be organised for landowners and the wider public to provide more detailed information on the CDA process and how communities can participate.

The engagements were welcomed by communities, particularly the opportunity to receive information directly and ask questions about a project that could have long-term implications for the region.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of continued consultation as the project moves through its regulatory and development stages.

The second phase of the town hall program is expected to cover Aitape, Lumi, Yangkok and Nuku, extending the discussions to more communities across West Sepik.

The ongoing engagements will provide further opportunities for communities to understand the proposed project, while allowing project representatives to hear local concerns and expectations.