Mineral Resources Star Mountains (MRSM) is Western Province’s own example of the new breed of landowner company playing an increasingly entrepreneurial role in the nation’s economy.

MRSM subsidiary Tabubil Engineering is a key provider of engineering services in Western Province.

MRSM represents the economic and social interests of the Ok Tedi Mine Landowner Groups, on whose land Ok Tedi’s operations are located.

As a royalty, they receive 2.5% of the annual OTML dividend. MRSM’s responsibility is to put these funds to good use. Established in 1997, it has made investments into a range of businesses mainly in Tabubil (but also Port Moresby) so that by 2011 it was the largest subcontractor to Ok Tedi and employs around 700 people. Key companies under its umbrella include Tabubil Engineering, Fubilan Catering Services and a couple of hotels.

As Tabubil commences its transition from mining to ‘mixed-use’ town CEO Paul Povey is excited by the scope of opportunities opening up to MRSM: ‘We’re looking at a wide range of options, including entering into a joint venture with one of the major tenderers for the Star Mountains Institute of Technology project.’

This article first published in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province 2012.