From supporting local livelihoods to exploring opportunities for future investment, Harmony is focused on creating lasting value through responsible mining at Hidden Valley.
For over two decades, Harmony has been part of Papua New Guinea's (PNG) mining industry through Hidden Valley Mine, an established gold and silver operation in Morobe Province.
During that time, the mine has contributed to employment, local business opportunities, community development, and economic activity, while building relationships with landowners, communities, and government stakeholders.
Today, as Harmony looks towards the next chapter of its operations in PNG, those relationships remain central to its approach.
With approximately 95% of Hidden Valley's workforce comprising Papua New Guinean nationals, the mine's contribution extends beyond mineral production to supporting local capability, economic participation, and opportunities for future generations.
Strengthening partnerships and community participation
An important milestone in 2026 was the finalisation of a revised Community Development Agreement (CDA) for Hidden Valley, building on the Memorandum of Agreement that had guided community development commitments since 2005.
Following extensive consultation and a multi-party review process, the revised agreement was signed by the Hidden Valley Landowners and most other stakeholders in August 2026. The Mineral Resources Authority subsequently directed that the agreement take effect from September 2026, with ongoing engagement supporting its full implementation.
The CDA provides a framework for continued collaboration between government, landowners, and the mine, encompassing community infrastructure, employment and training, local business development, and benefit-sharing arrangements.
It builds on a long history of community investment at Hidden Valley, with initiatives spanning education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and skills development.
During FY26, Harmony completed 14 community projects and programs, continued delivery of 10 ongoing programs and progressed a further five projects under its existing community development commitments.
These initiatives reflect an ongoing focus on supporting practical outcomes that respond to community priorities and contribute to long-term development.
Creating opportunities beyond mining
One example of this approach is the Portion 8 Agricultural Project near Wau, a long-term initiative designed to support agricultural development, food security, and sustainable livelihoods in the Wau-Waria and Bulolo districts.
The project aims to establish agricultural production, training, and enterprise development opportunities that can continue delivering value beyond the life of the mine.
Significant progress was made during FY26, including the establishment of a coffee nursery and farm infrastructure, beehives to support honey production, four ponds for a proposed tilapia hatchery, and cocoa development activities.
The project also provided employment for 33 casual workers during its establishment phase.
Further development is planned across coffee, vegetables, and other crops, with opportunities to strengthen local agricultural supply chains and access to established markets.
Beyond Portion 8, Hidden Valley continues to support coffee growers through technical assistance, quality improvement, marketing, and capacity-building initiatives, reaching approximately 250 farmers.
Other village-based livelihood programs include honey production, potato farming, and tilapia cultivation, helping communities develop alternative income opportunities and strengthen food security.
Local business participation is another important focus. Harmony works with landowner companies and PNG businesses to build capability, navigate procurement opportunities, and participate in the mine's supply chain.
Investing in community wellbeing
Harmony's community development activities also extend to education, healthcare, and essential infrastructure.
During FY26, health outreach programs reached approximately 2,350 community members, while school health initiatives reached around 1,000 students across eight schools.
Infrastructure investment included improvements to community bridges, maintenance of 9.5 kilometres of community roads, and progress on new facilities, including a health clinic at Kaisenik, a community hall at Biawen, and classrooms at Samuna Primary School.
Through the Hidden Valley Mine Trust, Harmony also supported school fee assistance, educational facilities, and other community-endorsed initiatives.
These investments are intended to improve access to services and education, strengthen local capability, and support community wellbeing.
Responsible mining and environmental stewardship
Alongside its social and economic contribution, Hidden Valley maintains a focus on responsible environmental management throughout the mining lifecycle.
Environmental monitoring, compliance, and operational risk management are supported by established processes covering water, waste rock dumps, tailings, and hazardous materials.
Rehabilitation is also an important part of the mine's approach, with activities such as revegetation trials, native-species nurseries, and erosion management supporting successful rehabilitation outcomes.
Mine closure planning considers the long-term management of landforms, infrastructure, and post-mining land use, with the aim of managing environmental impacts and supporting responsible outcomes beyond operations.
In December 2025, an audit by PNG's Conservation and Environment Protection Authority reported a high level of compliance in key operational risk areas at the Hidden Valley Mine.
Looking ahead: opportunities for continued investment
Harmony is also assessing opportunities to extend the operating life of Hidden Valley and maintain its contribution to PNG's people and economy.
A significant focus is the mine’s proposed Stage 9 development, which has secured an amended environmental permit from the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority and an extension to the mining lease from the Mineral Resources Authority.
Subject to a final internal investment decision and approval by the Harmony board, Stage 9 could extend Hidden Valley's mine life by approximately six years, creating opportunities for continued employment, procurement, and community investment.
The proposed investment would include additional tailings storage capacity, new mobile mining equipment, mining activities, and upgrades to existing site infrastructure, including workshops, warehousing, and accommodation.
An extended operating life could also provide a platform for further exploration and potential development opportunities that could create alternative prospective satellite deposits near Hidden Valley.
While future investment decisions remain subject to the necessary assessments and approvals, Harmony's focus remains on exploring opportunities for responsible growth in PNG.
Through continued investment in people, community partnerships, environmental stewardship, and operational development, Harmony aims to build on Hidden Valley's established foundations and continue making a meaningful contribution to Papua New Guinea's long-term development.
