“The story of our country’s engagement with the world is a story of resources. Explorers came for gold, then oil, and later for gas and minerals. Each of these helped shape not only the economy but the social and political fabric of Papua New Guinea,” said Anthony Smaré, President of the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy, at the official opening of the PNG Resources Golden Exhibition.
Held on the evening of July 7 at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, the opening ceremony marked a historic tribute to the role the resources sector has played in shaping Papua New Guinea’s development over the past 50 years.
In his keynote remarks, Smaré reflected on the deep and enduring connection between the resource industry and the nation's journey since independence.
“This Golden Expo is historic. It marks our country’s 50th anniversary of independence, and it’s appropriate that we reflect on the contributions made by the resources sector and the millions of people involved in building it,” he said.
From early gold exploration to modern-day LNG and mining operations, Smaré emphasized how PNG’s engagement with the global economy has been driven by resources like gold, oil, gas, copper and nickel—and how, as the sector grew, so too did the country.
The connection, he noted, is not only national but deeply personal. His own family’s ties to the industry began in 1934, when his ancestors supported the first explorers in the Highlands. Today, generations of Papua New Guineans continue to serve the sector as engineers, geologists, aircraft technicians and oil field specialists—both at home and abroad.
The Golden Exhibition tells this collective story through iconic projects such as Panguna, Porgera, Lihir, Ok Tedi, Kutubu, PNG LNG and Simberi, as well as emerging developments like Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu and others.
“Each of these projects is more than just a mine or a gas field. They are economic engines that have built infrastructure, educated generations, and supported families,” Smaré noted.
He commended the 30-plus companies, agencies and institutions that invested time and resources to develop engaging, informative and inspiring exhibits, ensuring the sector’s history is preserved and its future potential recognized by all Papua New Guineans.
Looking ahead, Smaré shared a vision for PNG’s evolving role in the global resource economy, especially as the world enters the AI era and demand for energy and critical minerals surges.
“Our gold powers the financial systems of the world, our gas fuels global energy demands, and our future renewables could drive the next technological evolution,” he said.
He urged the next generation of Papua New Guineans to step forward and shape the industry’s future, just as their forebears did.
“If we can invest in our young people, if we can show them the opportunities, then we can prepare them to take PNG into the next 50 years and beyond.”
The exhibition was officially opened in the presence of a distinguished audience, including Finance Minister Hon. Thomas Opa, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of Acting Prime Minister and Lands Minister Hon. John Rosso. Other attendees included MRA Managing Director Jerry Garry, representatives from the Office of NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop, Motu Koita Assembly Chairman Hon. Dadi Toka Jr, IPA Managing Director Clarence Hoot, members of the diplomatic corps, exhibitors, media and stakeholders.
Curated by Ms. Ruth Waram, the PNG Resources Golden Exhibition is both a technical showcase and a symbolic celebration of the sector’s foundational role in building the modern nation.
The public is encouraged to attend the exhibition, which runs daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at APEC Haus until July 25. Following this, PNG Resource Week will take place from July 28 to 31, providing further opportunities for public and industry engagement.
“The story is told not just through individual company booths but as a collective tapestry of national development. The resource sector belongs to the people of PNG. This exhibition gives every citizen the opportunity to explore, learn, and be inspired by the future we are shaping together,” said Smaré.
“This is our story. Every Papua New Guinean’s story. And we invite everyone to walk through, reflect, learn, and be inspired by what we’ve built, and where we can go next.”
