The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE) today congratulated New Porgera Limited (NPL) for its outstanding performance in the first quarter of 2025, calling it “a new era of responsible resource development and national ownership” in Papua New Guinea.
PNG CORE President Anthony Smaré praised NPL’s achievements, noting that the company had delivered tangible results in its first full quarter of operations. PNG CORE is the peak industry body representing the mineral resources and energy sectors in Papua New Guinea.
“Our mission and vision is to create the understanding, generate the knowledge, and forge relationships which empower Papua New Guinea to capture sustained nation-building benefits from its natural resources,” Smaré said.
“Congratulations to the management, staff, shareholders and stakeholders that have contributed to this strong quarter by New Porgera Limited. It’s wonderful to see this great mine producing again and contributing to its host communities, Enga Province, the Highlands business ecosystem and the country again,” he added.
“This has been the result of tremendous hard work by the NPL team and their partners, showing grit and resilience in a challenging condition – and they should be proud of their performance,” the official said.
His remarks come amid growing recognition from industry leaders and stakeholders, including Prime Minister James Marape, who has earlier hailed the early success of NPL, calling it “a model for responsible, equitable and inclusive resource development in Papua New Guinea.”
"The company’s delivery of 84,800 ounces of gold, declaration of an eighty million US dollar dividend, and payment of forty-eight point nine million US dollars in corporate tax are remarkable outcomes that benefit our economy and our people," Smaré said.
Smaré also acknowledged the successful connection of the Mulitaka Bypass Road, which has significantly improved logistical access and demonstrated NPL’s commitment to overcoming infrastructure challenges in remote regions.
He commended the company’s workforce development efforts, highlighting that 97 percent of NPL’s 2,811 employees are Papua New Guinean nationals and that 43 industrial trainees have been hosted to build future capacity.
While celebrating these achievements, PNG CORE also expressed concern over the serious law and order issues reported during the same period. Smaré noted 33,499 intrusions into the mine area, 11 armed robberies including the shooting of an NPL employee and ongoing highway disruptions.
“These incidents are unacceptable and threaten the progress NPL have made. PNG CORE supports the government’s review of a Security Tax Credit Scheme and a Highway Tax Credit Scheme to assist both the company and affected communities,” he said.
