Operations commenced on Simberi in 2008. Current mining occurs on the eastern half of the island, covered by a 2,560 hectare mining lease (ML136). The operation is located some 900 kilometres away from the capital of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby.

Ore from the pits is delivered to the Run of Mine (ROM) pad in front of the process plant via an innovative and energy-efficient 2.7 kilometre aerial rope conveyor and also transported by mining trucks.

Sulphide study to extend life of mine

The production outlook for Simberi is positive, with the prospect of an investment in additional sulphide processing capability of the sulphide mineralisation contained below the oxide pits. The 2022 Strategic review at Simberi provided confidence that oxide life can be extended through 2025 and potentially into 2026, and confirmed the potential for the Sulphide project to extend the life of mine by at least 10 years.

The local community and landscape

The Simberi Operations are fully integrated into the local community with high levels of local employment and ongoing community support and involvement. The majority of employees are from Simberi, the nearby Tabar Islands and other parts of Papua New Guinea, creating sustainable business opportunities for local families, businesses and suppliers.

Most of the island’s coast is steep (up to 300 metres in elevation) and surrounded by a fringing reef and deep plunging seawalls given the island’s volcanic origins. Access to Simberi is via a three-hour charter flight from Port Moresby. Fly-in fly-out staff and contractors stay at the 250-bed Pigiput camp.