Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Mining Rainbo Paita has commended the Pacific Lime and Cement Limited (PLC) joint venture initiative, describing it as a model that challenges existing industry norms and sets a higher standard for future resource projects in the country.
“This challenges the status quo of all projects,” said Minister Paita. “Companies now must match this or do even better.”
He made the remarks during the Joint Venture Spin-Off Inauguration and Equipment Handover ceremony held on 14 October at the Central Cement and Lime Project site in Kido, Central Province. The event marked the official launch of a groundbreaking partnership between Synergy Alliance Limited (SAL), Kido Holdings Limited (KHL), and Rearea Minerals Limited (RML).
The initiative represents a significant shift, transforming local landowners from project stakeholders into active equity partners in PNG’s emerging lime and cement industry.
Distinguished guests at the event included Keith Iduhu, MP ,member for Hiri-Koiari; Central Province Deputy Administrator Augustine Tipale; Ambassador to PNG Isaac Lupari; and Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Adrian Lochrin. Representatives from the Kido and Rearea landowner communities, PLC, and SAL also attended.
PLC Managing Director Paul Mulder said the joint venture is focused on delivering tangible benefits to landowners and creating a foundation for long-term prosperity.
“This joint venture delivers more than promises; it provides tangible benefits and real ownership for the people of Kido and Rearea,” said Mulder. “We are building a sustainable future, together.”
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The partnership introduces an innovative model of landowner participation through:
• Free-carried equity – granting landowners immediate equity partnership without initial capital investment;
• Capacity building – training, skills development, and mentorship led by SAL; and
• Community-driven growth – establishing a clear path toward 90% landowner ownership of service businesses and asset-heavy equipment contracts.
The PLC partnership demonstrates how commercial success can align with community empowerment and local ownership, reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible resource development and inclusive economic growth.
Iduhu also commended the initiative, acknowledging the strong collaboration between the company and landowners.
“I commend the leadership of the landowners who have been working closely with PLC to see the initiative that we witnessed at the launch become a reality,” said Iduhu.
