Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) progressed its Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) Review Extension Process on February 17th 2025 with the continuation of its scheduled Regional Meeting #3 in Tabubil, Kiunga and Daru concurrently.
The first week of the Regional Meetings #3 featured Lower Ok Tedi leaders in Tabubil, Suki Fly Gogo leaders in Kiunga, and Dudi leaders in Daru. Week two (February 24–26) will focus on North Ok Tedi, Highway, and Manawete leaders, while week three (March 3–5) will include Mine villages, Middle Fly, and Kiwaba leaders.
These meetings are a continuation of last year’s village, regional and working group meetings per OTML’s schedule of the CMCA Review Process.
According to the review process schedule, a new compensation package and CMCA agreement is expected to be finalised by August 2025, followed by village-level endorsements of the package in October.
The updated CMCA will secure a renewed social license for OTML to operate while driving socio-economic development in Western Province and Papua New Guinea.
The Tabubil meetings from February 17th to 19th recorded a first for key Western Provincial Government dignitaries attending in unison. These included Governor Toboi Awi Yoto, Administrator Robert Alphonse Kaiyun, and North Fly MP James Donald. The North Fly MP and WP Administrator Robert Alphonse Kaiyun were able to address the Suki Fly Gogo leaders in Kiunga too.
OTML Managing Director and CEO Kedi Ilimbit, expressed his appreciation for the presence of the dignitaries stating, “It is the first time I’ve seen all of you attending together, and it is truly appreciated,” he said.
OTML’s General Manager for Social Performance and Sustainability, Jesse Pile, also thanked the government delegation for attending, capturing the importance of a Free, Prior and Informed Consent (IFPC) principle, providing an avenue for the CMCA leaders to express their views directly.
MP James Donald emphasised the importance of attending these meetings to hear directly from the people to address their concerns at the government level.
The review meetings are also attended by Shareholders such as MRDC as trustee for the three (3) Western Province entities ( MRCMCA, MRSM, MROT2) and Kumul Minerals Holding Limited (KMHL). State agencies such as MRA, PM & NEC, Office of State solicitors, CEPA, DNPM and DLPP are represented by their officers at the regional meetings.
The meetings at the three (3) venues have progressed well as expected and six (6) of the regions have completed their review engagements as of 28th February 2025. The engagement meetings are facilitated by Tanorama PNG Ltd as Interdependent Facilitators and the engagement process are observed by three highly esteemed PNGean.
OTML is committed to transparency, collaboration, and delivering on its promises to the people of Western Province and other stakeholders.
Steamships Limited is proud to announce its continued support as a Gold Sponsor of the Hiri Moale Festival, scheduled to take place from April 3-6th 2025. The company has again pledged K100,000.00 to assist in the celebration of this iconic cultural event in the Capital City.
The Hiri Moale Festival is an annual celebration that honours the rich heritage and traditions of the Motuan and Koitabuan people. Steamships is deeply committed to supporting initiatives that promote cultural preservation and community development. This sponsorship is part of the company’s ongoing dedication to supporting Papua New Guinea’s communities as well as the causes that our employees hold dear.
In addition to financial support, Steamships will continue to provide the Hanenamo contestants an opportunity to join the company in a specialised work-experience program. This initiative aims to empower young talents by offering them hands-on experience and exposure to various aspects of the company’s operations, helping to nurture the next generation of professionals.
“We are proud to continue our support for the Hiri Moale Festival,” said Vele Rupa, Steamships General Manager Corporate Affairs. “The festival is a vital cultural celebration in the nations capital, and we are pleased to be support and honour the traditions of the Motuan and Koitabuan people and Hiri Trade. Our successful work-experience program is in its fifth year and has seen many of the Henanamo’s progress to full-time employment with the business.”
Chair of the Hir Moale Organising Committee , Molly O’Rourke, expressed her appreciation for Steamships’ commitment: “Steamships’ generous contribution as a Gold Sponsor demonstrates their dedication to preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage. It is a long-term partnership which we value, as Steamships is a business with a long-shared history with the Motu-Koitabuans.”
Weir has entered into a binding agreement to acquire Mining Software Holdings Pty Ltd (“Micromine”), a company based in Perth, Australia, for a sterling equivalent enterprise value of £657m1 (A$1,310m). Micromine is a top-tier global software provider to the mining industry, with comprehensive solutions across the upstream mining value chain. It supports critical mining operations from exploration through mine design and planning, operational scheduling and mining operations in hard ore, soft ore and underground applications.
A digital optimisation platform to deliver productivity and sustainability in mining
An established top-tier business of scale
A compelling value creation opportunity, immediately accretive to Weir’s growth and margins
Funding includes a combination of existing cash resources and new debt facilities
Jon Stanton, Chief Executive Officer said:
“The acquisition of Micromine is a significant step in our strategy of investing in technology to accelerate smart, efficient and sustainable mining. The combined force of Micromine and Weir will create a sector-leading globally scaled platform to optimise performance across the mining process.
In Micromine, we are adding an established, high-quality business and proven performer that is complementary to Weir’s aftermarket-focused business model and current digital solutions. This acquisition provides a compelling opportunity for strong value creation in the immediate and longer term.
The Micromine team are experts in their field and share Weir’s innovative mindset and customer focus. We look forward to welcoming them to Weir and working with them to provide customers with unparalleled technology and insights to enhance their operations.
Today is an important and exciting day. Combining Weir’s engineering technology expertise and customer networks with Micromine’s leading software solutions and diversified customer base will allow us to further harness digital technology to drive productivity and sustainability for the global mining industry.”
Andrew Gray, Managing Partner of Potentia Capital, said:
“We are thrilled that Micromine will be joining the Weir family of businesses which we think is the perfect home for the business. I feel the addition of Micromine’s solutions, in particular its suite of AI offerings, will allow Weir’s customers to rapidly capitalise on their digital futures.”
Micromine - A high quality, high growth and highly profitable business
Micromine is a leading software provider to the mining industry with comprehensive solutions across the upstream mining value chain from exploration through mine design and planning, operational scheduling and mining operations in hard ore, soft ore and underground applications.
The business is established and highly successful to date. It’s calendar 2025 revenues are expected to be c. £68m, having grown at 25% CAGR2 over the past few years, and largely arise from recurring SaaS subscription income. Micromine is achieving sector-leading operating margins and is highly cash generative.
Accelerating Weir’s strategy for sustainable digital mining
Micromine is regarded as one of the most comprehensive dedicated software businesses in the mining industry and brings complementary domain expertise to Weir. Under Weir’s ownership, Micromine will leverage the Company's global direct distribution channels in mining to further accelerate its growth.
The acquisition will ultimately combine with Weir’s MOTION METRICSTM and NEXT intelligent solutions and accelerate its vision for a digital platform using data from across the mining value chain to optimise resource planning, mine design and operations, and processing activities. With this acquisition, Weir’s strategy is to become an end-to-end software segment leader in the mining industry with solutions for process optimisation and clear competitive differentiation in line with Weir’s existing business model.
Value creation opportunity for Weir
A sterling equivalent enterprise value of £657m1 (A$1,310m), implies a revenue multiple of c.10x at December 2025, and EBITDA multiple of c.20x at December 2025, excluding the impact of synergies. The deal is accretive to Weir’s revenue growth and operating margin profile.
The deal is expected to be EPS accretive in the first full year of ownership3 with ROIC expected to exceed WACC in 2028.
Post acquisition, net debt to EBITDA4 is expected to be below 2.0x at December 2025 and below 1.5x by year end 2026, in line with our capital allocation policy. The acquisition debt is underwritten for 24 months from the announcement date and will be refinanced in due course.
Integration and leadership
The transaction is expected to complete in Q2 2025, subject to clearance by the Foreign Investment Review Board of Australia (FIRB).
Post completion, Weir intends to initially run Micromine independently, while reporting externally under the ESCO Division. In due course, we intend to integrate the business with MOTION METRICSTM and NEXT intelligent solutions, to create a combined digital optimisation platform.
This business will be led by Kristen Walsh, currently Managing Director of Minerals Division APAC region, who will join the Group Executive reporting to Jon Stanton. Andrew Birch, the current CEO of Micromine, will remain with Weir for up to 12 months supporting Kristen in an advisory capacity.
South Pacific International Academy (SPIA) has achieved great results in its first-ever Grade 8 national exams, with nearly half of its students earning Academic Excellence scores, the school said in a statement.
Out of the 17 students who sat for the exams, SPIA said eight were recognized for Academic Excellence, while the remaining students performed well within the Merit category.
“These results mark a proud moment for SPIA, as these students, many of whom have been part of the school for years, are the pioneers entering Grade 9 in 2025,” it added.
SPIA follows a rigorous international curriculum based on the American education system, and focused on providing education at the international scale, preparing students to be competitive at that level.
According to Pastor Matt Allen, the Chairman of the School Board at SPIA, the graduates of this curriculum have gone on to prestigious careers in the United States, including serving as senators, physicians, and nuclear scientists.
Pastor Allen shared: "These results were surprising to the Education Department because it was our first time to take the exams, and for that reason, they delayed giving the results back to us," he said.
The students found the exam to be quite easy, since they were already studying concepts beyond this level, he said. The school and administration plan to continue to push its students to the international level of education.
SPIA believes its students will continue to excel and make a significant impact in Papua New Guinea and beyond, with such a strong foundation.
"We are very proud of our students who undoubtedly will go on to be the best in the nation," Allen added.
Nick van Voorst is an Australian Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 0640648), a Registered Education Agent (M042), and the owner of Coral Coast Migration Service.
Nick studied Australian Migration Law at Griffith University in Brisbane and has been working as a Registered Migration Agent since 2006. He is a member of the Migration Institute of Australia and is based in Cairns.
The company provides professional advice for people wishing to apply for an Australian Visa, and specialises in Student, Tourist, Employer Sponsored, General Skilled, Partner and other Family Visas, as well as Australian Citizenship Applications.
Coral Coast Migration Service are also Registered Education Agents and represent Education Queensland International, Cairns College of Business and English, and can assist with enrolments in other colleges and universities around Australia.
A Registered Migration Agent will make sure that a person’s application is well presented, professionally prepared, and meets all requirements. The agent will assist with the completion of all necessary forms, collating of documents, preparation of submissions and the lodgement of your application.
The agent will likewise monitor the progress of the application and provide ongoing advice and liaise with the Department of Home Affairs on the client’s behalf.
All Australian Registered Migration Agents must have Immigration Law qualifications and must abide by a strict Code of Conduct. Coral Coast offers reasonable, fixed fees, agreed upon in advance, excellent, regular communication, support and feed-back.
Our Services:
Education Queensland International has schools in Cairns, Townsville, the Fraser Coast, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Cost and Brisbane.
Trinity Bay State High School in Cairns provides some courses that may be of special interest to students from PNG.
Programs and Opportunities
With a commitment to academic, social, and personal development in junior and senior high school, Trinity Bay SHS is a place where every PNG student can thrive.
Excellence Programs: Trinity Bay SHS offers a range of specialised programs to nurture talent and support students’ unique interests:
Extracurricular Activities: Beyond the classroom, Trinity Bay SHS students thrive with opportunities to participate in the Cairns community.
World-Class Facilities: The Trinity Bay SHS campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including:
Pathways to Success
Trinity Bay SHS prepares students for bright futures, offering seamless transitions to tertiary education. Collaborations with James Cook University ensure students benefit from real-world science projects.
Trinity Bay State High RTO 30446 provides current vocational education in areas of interest to PNG students such as hospitality, business and financial services.
Westpac remains committed to supporting both graduates and employees new to the banking industry by providing opportunities to build essential banking knowledge. As part of this, ten staff members from various functions recently earned their Fundamentals of Banking certification from the Institute of Banking and Business Management (IBBM). The program provided essential training in banking principles, financial literacy, and customer service excellence, reinforcing Westpac’s commitment to building a knowledgeable and skilled workforce.
The Fundamentals of Banking course ensures employees have a strong foundation in key banking concepts, enabling them to deliver exceptional service and support financial inclusion efforts in Papua New Guinea.
Acting CEO Warren Bobin highlighted the importance of continuous learning in the banking industry. “At Westpac, learning is central to how we empower our people and serve our customers. Strengthening our employees’ knowledge helps us maintain high standards and drive meaningful financial progress.”
The initiative is part of Westpac’s broader strategy to develop industry-ready professionals capable of meeting the evolving needs of customers.
Westpac’s Senior Manager for Learning & Development, Iru Kali emphasised the value of banking fundamentals saying, “A solid understanding of banking principles is crucial across all roles. This program equips our employees with the confidence and expertise to navigate the complexities of financial services.”
Through Westpac’s effort in creating and encouraging a culture of learning, the bank continues to support both employee growth and the broader development of the banking sector in Papua New Guinea.
In an increasingly digital world, cyber security has become a top priority for businesses, especially in the banking sector, where protecting customer data and financial transactions is paramount. As cyber threats continue to evolve, it is crucial for banks to invest in the right skills and technologies to safeguard operations and maintain customer trust as according to Westpac’s Acting Chief Executive Officer – Warren Bobin.
Westpac recognizes the growing importance of cyber security and is committed to strengthening its defenses by equipping employees with the necessary knowledge and expertise. As part of this commitment, six employees from various functions within the bank successfully earned a Certificate in Cyber Security from the Papua New Guinea Institute of Banking and Business Management (IBBM). This achievement reflects our dedication to developing talent and ensuring a secure banking environment for our customers.
Cyber security is essential for banks, as they manage vast amounts of sensitive information and financial transactions daily. The Certificate in Cyber Security provides critical training in risk management, fraud prevention, data protection, and secure banking practices. By investing in these skills across different areas of the bank, Westpac is reinforcing its ability to detect and respond to cyber threats, ensuring that customers’ information remains safe.
Acting CEO Warren Bobin emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating:
"Cyber security is at the heart of building a strong and trusted banking system. We are proud of our commitment to ensuring our people are equipped with the right skills. We are not only protecting our customers but also strengthening the financial sector in Papua New Guinea. I commend our graduates for their hard work and commitment to making Westpac a safer and more secure bank."
Westpac remains dedicated to professional development and innovation in cyber security, ensuring that we stay ahead of emerging threats and continue delivering safe and reliable banking services for all Papua New Guineans.
PNG Ports Corporation (PNG Ports), the dominant port operator and marine pilotage leader in Papua New Guinea, has raised the standard of PNG’s pilotage services following a programme of LNG tanker training undertaken in Port Moresby and Brisbane. Theoretical, practical, and simulator training finessed the skillsets of six of PNG Ports’ most experienced pilots, two of whom already pilot LNG tankers, and all of whom have vast experience on multiple vessel types.
PNG Ports’ pilots have serviced the Caution Bay LNG terminal operated by ExxonMobil PNG Limited since 2014 when the country first commenced its LNG exports. Crucial to PNG’s developing economy, the LNG sector contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP, with Caution Bay currently the sole terminal for this highly important export.
Under an MOU with ExxonMobil PNG Limited, PNG Ports is committed to training and certifying pilots through PNG’s National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) to meet regulatory standards.
The six pilots who’ve recently received training, constitute both a ‘pool’ and a ‘pipeline’ of LNG tanker pilotage talent. Two of the pilots are already experienced LNG tanker pilots and another two have received all necessary training and assessment and are just waiting to be signed off. The remaining two pilots, who have undertaken the first stage of the LNG training programme, are continuing to progress and are expected to achieve competency in the near future.
The LNG training programme was developed and overseen by McGuire Maritime. Chief Operating Officer of PNG Ports, Felix Bauri, described the simulator training component, conducted at the Smartship Australia simulator centre in Brisbane, as “especially critical for LNG pilotage and particularly so for a country like PNG which is so dependent on LNG exports.” He added that “simulator training is also the only way a pilot can be consistently trained in a range of contingencies and emergencies such as steering failure or tug error, as well as in adverse weather conditions.”
Bauri reported that additional pilots will continue to be identified for the LNG training in line with business continuity planning. This is timely given that the Nation’s LNG output (and therefore exports) is set to increase with the imminence of its second major LNG project, the Total led Papua LNG development, as well as the ExxonMobil led P’nyang LNG Project.
However, it’s not just an increase in LNG tankers that PNG Ports pilots will need to service but an increase in all manner of vessels. The construction phases of the P’nyang and Papua LNG projects will be associated with a steep increase in large cargo vessels in particular, given that nearly all equipment and materials required for construction needs to be imported by sea.
“The training our pilots undertake to qualify them for LNG tanker pilotage is of the highest possible international standard” said Bauri. “As such, it more than qualifies them to pilot any type of major vessel that services PNG, not just the LNG tankers. In other words, the LNG training our pilots receive isn’t just good for LNG operators but for any shipping company that calls into PNG because it provides them with a higher quality and safety assured pilotage experience, as well as one that is in full compliance with international maritime regulations.”
CEO Neil Papenfus is adamant that he doesn’t only want to raise the bar when it comes to the training PNG Ports’ pilots receive but all of the country’s pilots. The PNG and Australian governments signed off on a A$621.4 million ‘PNG Ports Infrastructure Programme in 2022, to repair and upgrade seven key ports. Papenfus believes that “one way to protect this investment is to prevent future damage from ship collision, and that this can in part be achieved by having better trained pilots, with improvements in training to be mandated by the NMSA and tied to licensing.” Another mechanism by which Papenfus says vital port infrastructure can be protected is to increase the number of pilotage mandated ports. Only six of PNG’s 23 declared ports are mandated.
Ten (10) university students are the elated recipients of Ok Tedi Mining Limited’s (OTML) 2025 Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme totalling over K300,000.
The students who are in their third year of studies are studying various courses. Of the ten students, one is studying Human Resources Management at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG); while seven students are studying Applied Physics/Instrumentation, Surveying, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mineral Processing and Mining Engineering at the PNG University of Technology (UoT); and two are studying Accounting and Environmental Health at Divine Word University (DWU).
The 2025 batch of awardees include two females and eight males, among which four are top performing students from Western Province. The total amount of the two-year scholarship program is K313, 968.27 and covers the cost of their tuition fees, boarding/lodging, book allowances, travel assistance, and stipend for each student for this year. Of the total amount, K14,187 has been paid to UPNG, K76, 380 has been paid to Divine Word University and K189,401.27 to UoT as part of the Tuition and Lodging fee.
The OTML Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme is an initiative to help support high performing students attending tertiary institutions in PNG.
OTML Manager Training & Capability Development, Ian Strachan, said the program aims to assist third-year university undergraduate students with school fees and other associated costs while ensuring OTML maintains an industry-institution relationship with respective universities that provide graduates to its training programs and workforce.
“An additional component of this scholarship is the opportunity for these awardees to conduct their industrial training with OTML. It also sets a pathway for them to join our Graduate Development Program upon completing their studies,” he said.
The continuation of scholarship is dependent on each student’s academic performance in the first year of the scholarship whereby the student must maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or above to continue the scholarship for a second year, which is their final year of studies.
Since the inception of the OTML Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme in 2007, the company has so far sponsored 70 undergraduates and since re-introduction in 2023, the company has spent over K1.4Million on the Undergraduate Scholarship program.
Averages over 70% (Asia-Oceania & Oceania-Asia) and 80% (Asia-North America West Coast) On-Time Performance based on 12-month data from Sea-Intelligence
Swire Shipping, a leading shipping company in the Asia-Pacific, reaffirmed its commitment to the region as the most reliable carrier in Asia-Oceania and on the Asia to North America West Coast (NAWC) trade lane in 2024. This was according to 12- month data published by Sea-Intelligence in their Global Liner Performance Report from Jan/Feb to Nov/Dec 2024. Swire Shipping averaged over 70% reliability (as measured by On-Time Performance) on the Asia-Oceania and Oceania-Asia trades and over 80% reliability on the Asia-NAWC trade lane.
Swire Shipping’s Chief Operating Officer Ben Pike said, “Swire Shipping has been trading into the South Pacific for over 80 years, and we recently expanded our footprint in the North Pacific through the integration of Westwood Shipping Lines and our partnership with UWL on the award-winning Sun Chief Express transpacific service.”
”We understand the importance of reliable shipping for businesses, and the provision of predictable and reliable weekly and fortnightly services empowers customers to optimise their supply chains and reduce waiting times,” he added. “Despite challenging conditions, our consistent on-time performance in the Asia-Oceania and Asia-North America West Coast sectors demonstrates our commitment to reliability and placing the needs of our customers first.”
Swire Shipping has been steadily expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific, with the opening of a new branch office in Tokyo in 2024. In 2025 it relocated its Tokyo and Port Moresby offices to new, expanded premises to better serve customers in the region.
“Our customers have come to depend on us to ensure that their goods arrive on time and make the right intermodal connections,” said Randy Selvaratnam, Chief Commercial Officer of Swire Shipping. “In Japan we now have an expanded team, and plan to open a second office in Nagoya this summer. In South Korea we have consolidated our representation on the ground into one agency. With dedicated teams in Japan, South Korea and Puyallup, Washington, we are confident that we can continue to maintain a strong and consistent schedule performance and provide our customers with an even better service experience in 2025.”
The Sea-Intelligence Global Liner Shipping Report is the industry's most comprehensive study of ocean liner schedule reliability, measuring schedule reliability and vessel delays across all deep-sea liner services in the world.
Conveniently located in the central business area, the new premise will enable Swire Shipping to be closer to its customers, partners and the community
Swire Shipping has announced its move to a new office location in the central business area, at Gordons Business Centre, commemorating this milestone with a celebration attended by over 70 guests comprising of key customers, business partners and suppliers. The move to a new, enhanced office space demonstrates Swire Shipping’s commitment to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) market in the long-term. In addition, the new premise is strategically located in the proximity of local businesses, enabling Swire Shipping to be closer to its customers, partners and the community.
Guests were welcomed with a traditional dance performance. Swire Shipping’s Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Sutton and Chief Commercial Officer, Randy Selvaratnam commemorated the official opening of the new office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Opening the event, Jeremy underlined Swire Shipping’s commitment to the South Pacific region. “Swire Shipping has been in business in the Asia-Pacific for over 150 years,” he said. “Over the years, we have established ourselves as a leading shipping company in the Asia-Pacific, with a reputation for safety, integrity, and reliability. This has been made possible by our dedicated teams on the ground, and a relentless focus on service and reliability that resonates with our customers.
“In the South Pacific, today Swire Shipping has over 20 offices strategically located throughout the region. We expanded our presence over the years to provide even better support to our customers and the communities here. Most recently, in 2022, we opened a new branch office in Tonga,” he added. “Our teams on the ground have worked tirelessly to create better experiences for our customers by offering fixed-day weekly and fortnightly on-time services. Through these efforts, we are delighted to be the most reliable carrier on the trade lanes between Asia and Oceania in 2024, according to SeaIntelligence. We look forward to building stronger relationships and creating lasting value for our customers and all whom we work with.”
Expanding on the significance of the PNG market, Country Manager – PNG, Isabel Maguire said, “Swire Shipping has deep roots in PNG; we have been shipping into and out of the country for more than 80 years. Today, we have nine offices in PNG, having opened our latest in Wewak in 2023. Throughout the years, we have built a strong reputation in PNG as a consistent and dependable company that prioritises safety and sustainability, and cares about its people, its partners and the local communities. We have lasting relationships with many customers and partners here. PNG is an important market for us, and we look forward to growing our business here, leveraging our presence on the ground to enable our people, customers and partners to succeed.
Guests were taken on a tour of the new office. One of the highlights of the new workspace is the addition of improved collaboration areas and breakout spaces, designed to encourage interaction between teams and provide room for brainstorming and idea generation. Workstations are also equipped with ergonomic furniture to enhance employee wellbeing and safety.
“People are our greatest assets,” explained Isabel. “By providing a conducive environment and opportunities for collaboration and improved communication between teams, we want to make work more efficient and productive for our people. This in turn will enable us to shorten turnaround times for customer requests and thus help to save our customers’ time.
“We look forward to creating even better experiences for our customers and nurturing a collaborative and inclusive work environment for our people out of the new office.”
The celebration concluded with mingling over canapes and drinks.
Papua New Guinea has looked towards ambitious development goals with Vision 2050 aimed to transform the country with the construction industry playing a pivotal role.
These include billions of kina invested annually in infrastructure across the country, thus the stakes are too high for business-as-usual for government agencies, private sector clients, and development partners.
In PNG, the story of construction projects often follows a frustratingly familiar script: contracts are awarded, funds disbursed, and expectations set high — only for projects to be plagued by delays, cost blowouts, substandard quality, and eventually never seeing completion.
This cycle of disappointment has eroded trust in the construction sector, leaving government agencies, businesses, and communities grappling with unfinished or poorly executed infrastructure.
Construction contractors in PNG face a complex web of issues that undermine project delivery. The root causes are multifaceted. A significant factor is the lack of technical expertise among some local contractors, which hampers their ability to manage complex projects effectively. Compounded by poor financial management, many firms struggle with budgeting, leading to incomplete projects when funds run dry.
Moreover, non-compliance with building standards, whether due to cost-cutting measures or limited awareness, results in safety hazards and inferior construction. This is exacerbated by corruption and mismanagement, with some contractors overcharging or failing to deliver on contractual obligations.
Complicating matters are supply chain disruptions, logistics, labor shortages, restrictions in FX (foreign exchange) and inconsistent government policies, which create additional hurdles for contractors trying to stay on schedule and within budget. Legal disputes over contracts are common, and the slow pace of PNG’s legal system only adds to the frustration of stakeholders seeking accountability.
However, amid these persistent challenges, companies like PNG CR Services are setting a new standard -- proving that projects can be delivered on time, within budget, and with exceptional quality, even in the country’s most remote regions.
“Delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality isn’t just a goal for us, it is our standard operating procedure. It is what separates us,” said Allan Tyson, Managing Director for PNG CR Services.
PNG CR Services’ projects can be tracked to Port Moresby, where the company is currently working on a project by the Australian High Commission-PNG to deliver accommodation for the Pacific Policing Initiative Regional Centre of Excellence, which draws training participation from across the region. Another project is with Abt Associates in the Morehead Agri-College in Western Province.
The team at PNG CR Services is committed to delivering high-quality, durable, and resilient infrastructure solutions, Tyson said.
“The progress of this project reflects the company’s commitment to deliver its services up to the required standard, quality, on time. The project also highlights the importance of environmentally friendly construction methods through the reuse and repurposing of materials,” he added.
Setting a New Standard with PNG CR Approach
While the country’s infrastructure challenges may seem endemic, PNG CR Services offers a refreshing counter-narrative. Unlike many contractors that rely heavily on large foreign workforces and neglect local capacity-building, the company’s model is rooted in national content.
Remarkably, only 5% of their direct staff are from the company headquarters, while the vast majority of construction workers and tradespeople are recruited from local villages and communities near project sites. Moreover, 10% of the workforce is female, and PNG CR focuses on a total inclusive working environment to provide opportunities for the disabled.
Localizing the workforce not only reduces costs associated with fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) labor, but also fosters community ownership and economic empowerment. By tapping local talent, PNG CR Services ensures that projects are completed, embraced, and maintained by the communities they serve.
“We have built a reputation for meeting client expectations with limited variations or cost increases unless there’s a formal change in project scope. Our success comes from robust project management, transparent financial practices, and a deep respect for the local workforce,” Tyson added.
PNG CR Services’ track record offers critical lessons for the country’s construction sector. Their success underscores the importance of:
PNG’s 50th Independence Jubilee marks the time for country’s construction sector to move beyond excuses and deliver the infrastructure that communities deserve – and PNG CR Services is leading the way.
Steamships Trading Company (Steamships) and Laba Holdings Limited (Laba) are pleased to announce the formal establishment of Hebamo Transport Limited (HTL), a dedicated landside logistics company specialising in project cargo and heavy transport.
This milestone follows 14 months of collaboration since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two partners at the 2023 Sydney Investment Conference, culminating in the execution of the Shareholders Agreement. The joint venture, structured as a 51%-49% partnership with Laba holding the majority stake, is now operational and positioned to play a key role in the downstream construction phase of the Papua LNG Project.
Hebamo Transport Limited was formed to provide specialised transport solutions for major resource projects, ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of materials and equipment. With the Papua LNG Project entering its critical construction phase, the demand for reliable logistics services has never been greater. Hebamo is uniquely positioned to meet this demand by combining Steamships’ industry-leading expertise and infrastructure with Laba’s deep-rooted landowner participation and local knowledge.
Chief Executive Officer of Laba Holdings, Isikeli Taureka, expressed confidence in the venture, stating: “It has taken over a year of dedicated planning and partnership to bring Hebamo Transport Limited to life, and we are proud to see it officially operational. This joint venture is a testament to our commitment to ensuring landowner participation in the economic opportunities of the downstream component of the Papua LNG project at Papa Lealea. It is not just about business—it is about creating sustainable benefits, employment, and skills development for our people - project impacted landowners.”
Steamships General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Vele Rupa affirms: “We are excited to formalise our partnership with Laba through Hebamo Transport Limited. Steamships has a long history of delivering best-in-class logistics solutions in PNG, and this venture strengthens our ability to support large-scale infrastructure projects like Papua LNG Project. Our shared goal is to ensure efficiency, reliability, and local content development in the project’s supply chain.”
With Hebamo Transport Limited now operational, the company is ready to mobilise project cargo and heavy transport services, supporting not only Papua LNG but also future major infrastructure projects across Papua New Guinea. The joint venture represents a new benchmark for industry-landowner collaboration, setting the foundation for long-term economic growth and local business development.
The recent announcements of significant resource development projects in Papua New Guinea are promising for the nation’s economic future. However, the success of these projects—and the prosperity of PNG businesses—relies on a healthy, productive workforce. While foreign investors and project operators are required to employ local workers, only PNG businesses bear the full burden of managing the worst rates of Tuberculosis (TB) on the planet, alongside rising HIV infections and persistent threats from vaccine-preventable diseases.
TB is not just a public health issue—it is a business investment issue. High rates of illness among workers mean increased absenteeism, lost productivity, and mounting costs for human resource management.
This year another 45,000 people will be sick with preventable TB, forcing businesses to absorb the economic impact. Over 3000 people mostly people of working age will die of TB. In PNG we know businesses are asked to cover the costs of flying thousands of coffins to the home provinces of people who died of a preventable disease.
With such large project in the pipeline, PNG can provide the world with trained and skilled resource sector workers, but this vision is only achievable if we eliminate TB from our workplaces, homes, and communities of our employees.
Businesses for Health (B4H) remains at the forefront of supporting PNG employers in tackling TB and HIV, ensuring that businesses have the knowledge and resources to protect their workforce. As we move into 2025, there has never been a more critical time for businesses to step up.
You are welcome to invite me to present at your next shareholders’ meeting to help them understand how TB-related costs are eroding productivity and what your company can do to be part of the solution. Together, PNG businesses can lead the way in eliminating TB, securing a healthier workforce, and strengthening the nation’s economy.
The PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) has made a contribution to Efogi Adventist Primary School to help enhance students' educational experience.
The donation, handed over on Monday, February 10, 2025, includes books such as "The Crocodile Prize," "Hunting for Minerals and Oil," "It's a Gold Mine," and guides on starting a business for both teachers and students.
Efogi Adventist Primary School, located along the Kokoda Track in Central Province, has been facing challenges due to the absence of a dedicated library, limiting students' access to a variety of reading materials.
To address this, the school administration, led by Head Teacher Mr. Japheth Sie, has encouraged teachers to create classroom bookshelves. This initiative has helped promote a reading culture among students despite limited resources.
The support from PNG CORE will help expand students' access to learning materials, contributing to improved literacy and academic development.
This effort aims to bridge the gap in access to books and strengthen the educational environment for students, fostering their learning and growth.
Efogi Adventist Primary School has an enrolment of 128 students for the year 2025.
PNG CORE's donation aligns with its commitment to supporting education and literacy in Papua New Guinea. The organization believes that access to quality reading materials is crucial for students' academic and personal development.
Chief Operating Officer Mrs. Pansy Taueni-Sialis stated, "This donation is part of our commitment to supporting communities. By providing these resources, we hope to contribute to a brighter future for the students of Efogi Adventist Primary School."
“The donation to Efogi Adventist Primary School is in response to their request for assistance – one which we were pleased to support.”
“We also encourage other organizations willing to assist the school to reach out to PNG CORE so we can connect you with Mr. Sie and the team at Efogi Adventist Primary School.”
Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) hosted six geoscience students from the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Earth Sciences, who undertook an intensive eight-week Industrial Training Program with the company’s Operations (Mining) Business Unit.
The trainees were immersed in hands-on learning with different departments and sections such as Exploration, Resource Development, Mine/Production Planning, Drill and Blast, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydrogeology/Dewatering and Mine Geology/Grade Control.
They were involved in various technical activities, including site visits, data collection, analysis, and assisting with technical reports. These experiences provided them with a solid understanding of the challenges and intricacies of the mining sector.
Manager Mine Technical Services, James Bu, emphasised the company’s dedication to nurturing local talent.
“As a PNG-owned company, we take pride in playing a role in developing the future leaders of the mining industry. This is a critical part of our Growth 2050 Strategy, as we focus on building a skilled and professional workforce. By offering these trainees real-world experience, we are preparing them to contribute immediately to the industry once they graduate,” said Mr Bu.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and industry.
“For us to go beyond 2050, we must ensure that our future workforce is not only academically prepared but has the practical experience needed to thrive in a fast-paced industry. Our goal is to make sure that these students are ready to hit the ground running when they enter the workforce.”
Manager Training & Capability Development, Ian Strachan, said the level of skill and commitment shown by the students has been impressive.
“The Industrial Training program is so valuable for us, as we continuously look for the future workforce of this company and our country. But it’s also very valuable for the students,” said Mr Strachan.
“Our business has in the last 6 to 8 months put through more than 20 industrial trainees. This year we would like to increase that number.”
Associate Professor UPNG’s Earth Sciences, Dr Joseph Espi, praised Ok Tedi for its ongoing support of students’ professional development.
“This partnership offers our students valuable exposure to the mining industry, which is vital for bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application. Ok Tedi’s commitment to capacity building ensures that our students gain critical skills that will benefit them in their future careers,” said Dr Espi.
OTML is reinforcing its role as a key contributor to the growth and sustainability of Papua New Guinea’s mining sector, while maintaining an industry-institution relationship with key tertiary institutions, such as UPNG, to ensure they produce quality graduates that are ‘industry-ready’.
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