Papua New Guinea Resources Week is dedicated to showcasing the country’s legacy, growth, and future in the resource sector.
More than 1,000 delegates are expected to attend PNG Resources Week 2025, hosted by the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNGCORE). The week-long event commenced on Monday, 28 July, with the Community Affairs and National Content Conference and Exhibition (CANCONEX 2025), and will culminate in the highly anticipated PNG Resources Summit on 31 July at APEC Haus.
The opening day featured a keynote address from Prime Minister James Marape, who reflected on the transformative role of the extractive sector—including mining, petroleum, and energy—which has shaped the nation since independence.
“Today we look back on the journey of a key sector in our country – the extractive sector. Mining, petroleum, and energy have been the driving force of our economy and will continue to do so into the future,” Marape said.
He highlighted the sector’s contributions to infrastructure, education, healthcare, and improved livelihoods across the country. His core message was that PNG’s future depends on inclusive growth, equitable partnerships, and shared prosperity.
PNGCORE President Anthony Smaré echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments and opened the event by celebrating the success of landowner companies, or LandCos, over the past 50 years.
“The rise of PNG LandCos has been one of the greatest success stories of the last 50 years. Some of PNG’s best-run and most successful companies are LandCos—providing international-standard services to global icons, yet owned by thousands of our landowners and delivering benefits to grassroots families, communities, and the country,” Smaré said.
He encouraged delegates to share their stories and celebrate these achievements. Prominent LandCos present at the event included Trans Wonderland Limited (TWL) Group, Turra Holdings, KutMor Limited, and Fubilan Catering Services.
The CANCONEX 2025 exhibition brought together more than 70 companies and organisations from the mining, petroleum, energy, logistics, finance, education, and government sectors. The exhibitions fostered meaningful conversations, challenged existing norms, and showcased the evolving landscape of PNG’s resource industry.
Themed “50 Years of Resources Building PNG Communities,” Resources Week highlights how the sector has played a pivotal role in national development.
Day 1 attracted over 800 delegates to APEC Haus, where they gathered to honour the sector’s legacy and envision its future. The atmosphere was one of reflection, pride, and collective ambition.
Throughout the day, sessions spotlighted the achievements of LandCos and the positive impacts of local content initiatives. Key speakers from Santos, Trans Wonderland Ltd, and the PNG Mining & Petroleum Hospitality Services Training and Development Division shared powerful stories of empowerment, business growth, and community upliftment. Topics ranged from workforce training and SME development to security and sustainability in resource operations.
Breakout sessions under the CANCONEX banner focused on National Content, Community Investment, and Security in Resource Development, with strong engagement across all panels.
The energy and participation on Day 1 underscored a unified vision: that localisation, strong partnerships, and sustainable development are central to PNG’s continued growth.
PNG Resources Week 2025 has begun with strength and purpose, setting the stage for a future where the resource sector continues to build communities and shape the nation’s next 50 years.
