The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) officially launched the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy Statement, championed by the Women in Resources and Energy (WIRE) Committee, during PNG Resources Week 2026.
The milestone framework establishes a clear industry roadmap for diversity, safety and inclusion across Papua New Guinea's mining, petroleum and energy sectors.
The policy directly targets the structural, legal and cultural barriers that women face within the industry and aims to bring positive change to the way women contribute to the resource sector, according to WIRE Chairperson Karo Maha, who is also the Country Manager for New Porgera Limited.
"The reason for this policy is straightforward. PNG cannot build a safe, productive and sustainable resources and energy sector while capable people remain unable to enter, contribute, progress or lead because of barriers unrelated to merit," said Ms Maha.
"Whilst the industry has come a long way, our survey shows that there's still a lot of work left to do," she said.
The 2025 WIRE survey results call for more respectful workplaces, the elimination of workplace bullying, gender bias, intimidation and sexual harassment, stronger leadership and accountability, and more flexible and supportive work practices.
The policy also calls for merit-based recruitment, equitable salaries and promotions, and practical support for people affected by family and domestic violence.
"Inclusion should not stop at the gate of a mine, a project site or a corporate office, but should be reflected in how the sector builds capability and shares opportunity. The lesson is not that the sector has failed; it is that progress is uneven, and good intentions must be supported by clear systems, trusted reporting channels and consistent leadership," Maha said.
Maha said the policy establishes principles that organisations can use as guidelines to determine the most effective way to achieve shared objectives.
The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) is the peak industry body representing the mineral resources and energy sectors in Papua New Guinea.
Its mission and vision are to create understanding, generate knowledge and forge relationships that empower Papua New Guinea to capture sustained nation-building benefits from its natural resources.
