New Porgera Limited has launched its inaugural National Content Plan, setting out measures to expand national participation, develop the local workforce and deliver long-term benefits to communities linked to the Porgera Project.
The company said the plan aligns with the New Porgera Mining Development Contract and the Porgera Project Commencement Agreement and is intended to embed national content commitments into the mine’s operations.
New Porgera said early progress has already been made in workforce and community development, including the rehiring of qualified former employees and the rollout of targeted skills development programmes.
Porgerans currently make up 33% of the workforce, with Engans accounting for 55%. The company said it aims to increase Porgeran representation over time while supporting progression into higher-skilled and supervisory roles. Women represent about 10% of the workforce, with initiatives in place to lift participation to 20%.
Community programmes are also under way in education, health care and local infrastructure. New Porgera cited the recent establishment of a Youth Community Development Committee as a key milestone, describing it as a first-of-its-kind initiative that gives young people from all local-level governments in the district a formal role in dialogue and decision-making.
“The launch of our National Content Plan marks an important milestone in our commitment to empowering local communities and building a skilled national workforce,” Country Manager Karo Maha said. “In a short time, we have seen strong engagement and early results that are already making a meaningful difference.”
General Manager James McTiernan said the plan supports the delivery of a large-scale mining project while broadening its benefits. “Through the MDC and PPCA, we are advancing a world-class mining project while ensuring its benefits are broadly shared. The progress we have made in workforce development and community engagement reflects our commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth,” he said.
The National Content Plan focuses on local employment, supplier development and long-term community partnerships. To oversee implementation, New Porgera has established a dedicated national content team working with its sustainability, human resources and supply chain functions. These units report to an internal committee chaired by the general manager and supported by the country manager.
The plan was formally submitted on 19 December 2025, to the Department of Commerce and Industry, the Mineral Resources Authority, the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations, and the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council. The company said copies will also be made available on its website, which is under construction, along with guidance for local and national suppliers seeking to participate in its supplier development programmes.
