PORT MORESBY — The Papua New Guinea Resources Golden Exhibition has entered its third week at APEC Haus, with more than 30 exhibitors from the country’s mining, petroleum and energy sectors showcasing their contributions to PNG’s development.
Among the exhibiting companies are Ok Tedi Mining Limited, K92 Mining Limited, Hidden Valley Mine, Simberi (St Barbara Limited), New Porgera Limited, PNG LNG and its project stakeholders, as well as Santos—all representing the strength and scale of PNG’s extractive industries. Over the past two weeks, thousands of school students and members of the public have visited the booths to engage with and learn about the nation’s key economic drivers.
On Saturday, 19 July, the exhibition welcomed visitors from Cricket PNG, including national cricket teams the Barramundis and the Lewas, making them the first sporting organisation and national teams to take part in the 2025 PNG Resources Golden Exhibition.
The teams’ participation reflects the strong connection between the resources sector and sports in PNG, where many companies are also key sponsors of national sporting programmes. Cricket PNG’s involvement aligns with its broader commitment to community development and player education beyond the cricket pitch.
“On behalf of the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy and the PNG Resources Golden Expo team, we sincerely thank Cricket PNG for bringing our two champion teams — the Barramundis and the Lewas — to visit the Expo,” said Ruth Waram, curator of the exhibition.
“They are the first sporting teams to attend, apart from the general public and schools. We are really privileged to have them,” Waram said. “We hope the teams have learned something new today, being exposed to the mining and petroleum industry through their visits to the exhibition booths and talking to participants.”
Cricket PNG described the visit as an eye-opening and enriching experience for players, offering a rare opportunity to connect with the industries that shape the national economy, while also encouraging players to explore career pathways beyond sport.
Michael Harrison, chairman of the Cricket PNG Board, expressed gratitude to the PNG CORE and Ms Waram for the invitation. “It was a privilege to witness how deeply the mining, petroleum, and LNG industries have shaped PNG’s development. It was also a proud moment for us to be the first sports team to participate — a true milestone for cricket and sports in PNG.”
The Cricket PNG delegation included players, coaches, and team managers who toured various booths to learn more about sector operations, technological advancements, and the industry’s long-standing support for youth and sport development.
The visit also underscored Cricket PNG’s holistic approach to player development — which not only prioritises elite performance but also encourages personal and professional growth. Exposure to the exhibition helped players broaden their awareness and skill sets beyond the boundary.
“The experience allowed our teams to connect with influential industry stakeholders, potential sponsors, and broadened their understanding of national development,” Mr Harrison added. “It was a truly memorable and meaningful day for the Barramundis and the Lewas.”
The PNG Resources Golden Exhibition runs from 7 to 25 July and will transition into the 2025 PNG Resources Week from 28 to 31 July. Cricket PNG’s participation has set a new precedent for sporting organisations, reinforcing the important relationship between sport, the resources sector, and national progress.
