This year’s Papua New Guinea Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo) concluded two productive days of industry insights, innovation and networking at The Stanley Hotel & Suites from July 2 to 3.
Bringing together expert-led discussions, real-world case studies and opportunities for sector-wide collaboration, the annual event attracted both domestic and international players from the mining and industrial sectors.
With 80 exhibition booths on display, the Expo showcased a wide array of solutions across mining, engineering, safety and industrial services. The presence of decision-makers, Mining Equipment Technology and Services (METS) providers and researchers made the event a key platform for knowledge exchange and business development, reaffirming the value of face-to-face engagement in a post-pandemic landscape.
Strong PNG company presence
While international exhibitors brought a global perspective, PNG-based firms featured prominently throughout the Expo, underlining the country’s growing capacity and innovation within the industrial and mining industries.
Among them, Wimble & Co Ltd, one of PNG’s longest-established supply firms, attracted attention for its extensive range of industrial and technical services tailored to the local environment.
Atlas Steel PNG, a trusted name in fabrication and steel supply, reaffirmed its commitment to serving the mining and construction sectors; while BOC PNG, operating in the country since 1967, highlighted its enduring contributions to manufacturing, heavy industry and services.
“BOC is proud to be part of the PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference. It is a valuable opportunity for us to showcase our wide range of gas solutions, equipment and services that support PNG’s industrial and resource sectors,” said Bob O’Hearn, Business Manager at BOC South Pacific.
“We have been committed to Papua New Guinea since 1967 and events like this reaffirm our ongoing support for local industry, innovation and safe, sustainable operations,” O’Hearn added.
Driving safety, innovation and talent development
The conference programme opened with a keynote session titled Quality-Driven Safety Powers Performance, underscoring the central role of safety in driving operational excellence across mining operations.
This was followed by a compelling panel discussion, Making a Name in PNG: Stories of Impact and Innovation, which showcased local success stories and industry-led ingenuity.
In the afternoon, the programme addressed one of the sector’s most persistent challenges: workforce development. The session Staffing: How to Train and Retain the Best explored strategies for building skilled and localised workforces in PNG’s rapidly evolving labour market.
The day concluded with a Case Study Stream, offering delegates practical real-world insights into the sector’s most pressing issues — bridging theory with application in ways that resonated strongly with participants.
Creating safer, smarter and more inclusive mining
The second day began with a keynote on the business case for safety: How Enhanced Safety Measures Drive Productivity, Efficiency and Cost Savings. The discussion reinforced how proactive safety strategies not only protect lives but also deliver measurable business value.
This was followed by Industry Insight: Key Takeaways from Past and Present Projects with Orica, featuring Nic Bell and Tori McQuaker, who offered an in-depth look into Orica’s operational evolution and its ongoing role in improving safety and efficiency across mine sites.
Later in the afternoon, the focus turned to operational excellence in Building Efficiency into Every Project, where speakers made a strong case for leaner tech-enabled mining systems that prioritise agility and innovation.
Adding a local lens to the programme, Partnerships That Work: Papua New Guinea featured Arleena Kukari, President of Project Yumi Inc., who discussed the power of authentic community partnerships to reduce project risk and enhance long-term success.
The conference closed with a high-impact panel, From Insight to Action: Creating Safer Workspaces, which emphasised the importance of integrated safety systems, cultural competency and leadership accountability in building safe inclusive workplaces.
Meanwhile, the exhibition hall remained a hub of activity as delegates explored new products, discovered service innovations and forged strategic partnerships to support future ventures in PNG’s mining and industrial landscape.
