Prime Minister James Marape has praised New Porgera Ltd. (NPL) for its strong performance in the second quarter of 2025, while calling on the people of Enga Province to end violence, protect public infrastructure and commit to peace and development.
Marape noted that NPL had overcome a challenging restart in December 2023 and is now meeting production targets while delivering substantial economic returns to the state, shareholders and local communities.
“New Porgera is now performing exceptionally well,” he said. “In Q2 2025 alone, the company paid PGK 258 million (USD 62.8 million) in corporate tax to the Internal Revenue Commission, bringing its total tax contribution for the first half of the year to over PGK 456 million (USD 111 million).”
He also welcomed NPL’s declaration of a second interim dividend of PGK 617 million (USD 150 million), following an earlier dividend of USD 80 million in the first quarter.
“These outstanding results speak volumes about the value of this national project. With a workforce that is 97 percent Papua New Guinean, New Porgera is not only producing for shareholders, but is also lifting our national economy and supporting local livelihoods,” Marape said.
He expressed appreciation to NPL Chairman Sarimu Kanu, the board, management and staff, as well as key partners including operator Barrick Niugini, the Enga Provincial Government and Porgera and Hides landowners.
“As we mark 50 years of independence, New Porgera is a powerful symbol of how responsible investment, national ownership and strong leadership can work together to create real progress for our country.”
Marape said Kumul Minerals Holdings Ltd., representing the state’s equity in the project, is now well positioned to start receiving dividends.
“In terms of Porgera, Kumul Minerals may be in a position to receive dividends sooner rather than later. This is significant for us as a nation. I encourage everyone to continue supporting Porgera — a mine that was reopened under my government’s ‘Take Back PNG’ blueprint to secure greater benefits for our people. Given the current circumstances, we must ensure a stable and secure operating environment so the mine can continue to support our country, our province and our landowners.”
However, the prime minister raised serious concerns about escalating law and order issues in parts of Enga, including the destruction of vital infrastructure.
“While we celebrate economic success, I am also deeply concerned about growing violent activity and the destruction of key infrastructure. Roads and bridges are being deliberately damaged. These actions cut off communities, delay development and threaten operations like Porgera,” he said.
Referring to recent incidents in Mulitaka, Marape called on community leaders and citizens to reject violence and assist in restoring peace.
“When disaster struck Mulitaka, the nation stood with you. Now, as we try to rebuild that damaged bridge, I ask you to show the same unity. Report the culprits. These are not acts of strength — they are acts of sabotage that hurt your own people and children.”
He reminded landowners and impacted communities that benefit-sharing arrangements under the new Porgera deal have significantly improved.
“Previously, landowners received 5 percent equity and 2 percent royalty — a total of 7 percent. Today, you are receiving up to 18 percent — with 15 percent equity and 3 percent royalty, subject to the finalisation of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) with the state. This is real progress.”
Marape added that the benefits go beyond direct payments. New Porgera is creating more jobs for local people, generating more spin-off opportunities for SMEs and delivering more tax revenue to fund education, health, policing and development across Papua New Guinea.
“But peace is the foundation of progress,” he warned. “If lawlessness takes over, then all of these gains can be lost. Violence has no place in modern Papua New Guinea. Enga deserves better.”
He urged the people of Enga to take ownership of public assets and work together to protect the province’s future.
“Protect your roads. Protect your bridges. Safeguard your environment. This infrastructure belongs to you and to the generations who come after you. Let’s not burn down the future we’re building together.”
He concluded with a powerful appeal for unity: “Let’s build — not burn. Let’s unite — not divide. Let us stand together and show the nation that Enga is ready for peace, progress and pride.”
