Much of the work required to keep mining and industrial facilities operating takes place behind the scenes. From installing scaffolding in underground tunnels to protecting steel structures against corrosion, these tasks require specialized skills, engineering expertise and strict safety procedures.
For EPC Group, an industrial services contractor founded in New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea offers an opportunity to bring nearly four decades of regional experience to a market supported by mining, energy and infrastructure development.
The company is positioning itself as a local provider of access solutions, maintenance and protective services, targeting industries where the safe upkeep of facilities and equipment is essential to uninterrupted operations.
Founded in New Caledonia in 1989, EPC Group expanded into industrial services in 2004, initially providing access solutions for mining sites and industrial facilities. It later broadened its services to include industrial painting, corrosion protection and rope access work.
EPC established its Papua New Guinea operations toward the end of 2024, with significant activities beginning in March 2026. Since then, it has employed about 30 Papua New Guinean workers, mainly scaffolders and industrial painters, as it develops the workforce needed to support its local operations.
Its services in the country include scaffolding installation, industrial painting, protective coatings, rope access, containment and building renovation.
Underground test at K92
A scaffolding assignment for K92 demonstrated the technical demands of EPC's work in Papua New Guinea.
In a company communication issued in May 2026, EPC highlighted its scaffolding work under challenging underground conditions, describing the assignment as a significant operational and safety challenge.
A key requirement was strict compliance with engineering drawings and calculation notes to ensure the scaffolding's structural integrity. The company said even minor deviations from approved specifications could compromise the structure.
Coordination also proved challenging. Several companies were involved in the assignment, and their activities depended on one another. EPC had to ensure that work was properly sequenced to avoid disrupting other contractors' operations.
The underground environment added to the complexity. Restricted access, confined work areas and the need to operate alongside ongoing mining activities required experienced personnel and consistent compliance with safety procedures.
EPC said underground assignments require teams capable of maintaining discipline and delivering reliable performance despite difficult working conditions.
The K92 project highlights the role of specialist contractors in mining operations, where temporary structures such as scaffolding provide safe access to equipment and infrastructure that require maintenance or repair.
Beyond access solutions
Scaffolding is only one part of EPC's industrial services portfolio.
The company also provides industrial painting and corrosion protection, including surface preparation, sandblasting and the application of specialized coatings to protect equipment and infrastructure from deterioration.
Its rope access teams conduct maintenance, inspections and repairs in elevated or hard-to-reach locations. EPC also provides containment systems to protect surrounding work areas and minimize disruption during industrial work.
Together, these services cover several stages of industrial asset maintenance, from providing temporary access for repairs to protecting structures against corrosion and extending their service life.
For mining and industrial operators, engaging contractors that offer complementary services can streamline maintenance activities and reduce the need to hire multiple specialist providers.
Developing a local workforce
EPC's expansion into Papua New Guinea forms part of its wider Pacific operations, which also include French Polynesia. The group is drawing on its experience in New Caledonia as it seeks to strengthen its presence in regional industrial and construction markets.
Its initial employment of about 30 Papua New Guinean scaffolders and painters reflects its efforts to develop local operations.
For specialist contractors in Papua New Guinea, the challenge is not simply securing projects but also building a workforce with the technical skills required in industrial environments, where safety and work quality are critical.
EPC said it aims to equip local workers with the skills needed to meet national and international standards, particularly in specialized trades such as scaffolding, industrial painting and rope access.
For a country with an established mining industry and a pipeline of energy and infrastructure projects, these capabilities support an important but often overlooked part of the industrial supply chain.
EPC's long-term prospects will depend on its ability to translate its regional experience into sustained local operations, expand its skilled workforce and establish a track record among Papua New Guinea's mining, energy and construction operators.
