GET ready to tee off for a great cause. The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) is thrilled to announce it’s Inaugural PNG Resources Week Charity Golf Challenge, set to take place on July 25th, 2025, at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club.

Since its inception in 2023, the PNG CORE Charity Golf Challenge has become a significant event, bringing together the extractive industries and corporate partners to support vital community initiatives.

The funds raised from previous challenges is set to make a tangible impact, with the purchase of essential medical equipment such as:

• Phototherapy Light for treating newborn jaundice
• Siemens P500 Portable Ultrasound for versatile diagnostics
• Welch Allyn Connex Monitor for real-time patient monitoring
• Clements CeeVac Suction Pump for emergency care
• Liberty Nebulizer for respiratory support
• Visionaire 5L Oxygen Concentrator for critical oxygen therapy

The medical equipment will be donated to Mt Hagen General Hospital upon arrival in country.

These contributions will significantly enhance Mt Hagen General Hospital’s capacity to deliver effective care, reduce infant and child mortality, and support dedicated medical professionals in the province and the Highlands region

This year's event promises to be even more impactful. By participating in the PNG Resources Week Charity Golf Challenge, you will be directly contributing to health, education, and community development projects across Papua New Guinea. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a novice, your involvement will help drive positive social change.

For more information on how to participate, sponsor, or support the event, please contact PNG CORE Events team on events@pngcore.org or phone (675) 207 9080.

The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE) is proud to announce its Highly Commended Recognition in the Best Use of Technology (500+ category) at the 2024 EventsAir Innovation Awards.

This year’s awards saw a record number of high-quality submissions, making the judging process highly competitive. Despite the strong field, PNG CORE stood out for its exceptional use of the EventsAir platform, which has greatly enhanced event management and engagement across its operations.

“We are grateful to receive this recognition,” said Mrs. Pansy Taueni-Sialis, Chief Operating Officer of PNG CORE.

“This award highlights our commitment to leveraging technology to connect stakeholders and in streamlining our operations. The events Air platform has been integral in delivering more efficient, engaging, and impactful events that drive growth and innovation in Papua New Guinea’s mining, oil and gas sectors.”

“The platform has played an enabling role in organizing and managing successful conferences, workshops, and seminars, enhancing communication, data management, and real-time engagement for more dynamic events.”

“We thank the Innovation Awards organizers, our dedicated team led by Manager Events Sheryl Peter, and partners who continue to drive our digital transformation,” Taueni-Sialis added.

“This recognition encourages us to keep adopting new technologies to strengthen the resources and energy sectors and contribute to the sustainable development of Papua New Guinea.”

“PNG CORE remains committed to advancing the industry and promoting innovation and collaboration in the nation’s resources and energy sectors.”

Rocket and Satellite company SpaceX will be speaking and exhibiting its Starlink satellite subsidiary at the 2024 the at the 2024 PNG Investment Week.

PNG’s leading investment event, PNG Investment Week will take place from December 6th to 11th in Sydney Australia, the PNG Investment Week program includes sessions on a range of topics covering the resources, banking and finance, environment, and emerging technologies. It is expected that over 1800 business delegates from PNG and all over the world will attend, with over 90 speakers and nearly a 100 companies exhibiting in the Expo.

SpaceX will present on a session entitled “Big Ideas” on Tuesday December 10th, 2024, where it will outline the potential benefits for PNG through Starlink and SpaceX Technologies. Space X designs, manufactures and launches rockets and spacecraft and owns and operates Starlink Services which provides data services to the world through its constellation of 6000 satellites orbiting the world.

In announcing this, PNG CORE President Anthony Smaré reaffirmed the need for PNG to embrace new technologies that can allow all Papua New Guineans to be connected to the world cheaply and at greater efficiency.

“Starlink, a global leader in satellite-based broadband internet services, is set to transform connectivity in Papua New Guinea, if allowed. In a nation where rugged terrain and remote communities often hinder access to reliable internet, Starlink’s cutting-edge technology promises to bridge the digital divide, revolutionizing sectors such as education, healthcare, business, and resource development. The rest of the world, including all of our smaller Pacific neighbours have embraced Starlink for the benefit of their citizens already, and we need to catch up, rather than lock up our market and our people from the freedom and benefits that this cheap affordable and easily accessible technology will provide.”

“The public should be excited because this marks a significant leap forward for digital inclusion, economic growth, and technological advancement in PNG. Starlink’s commitment to PNG may mean that even the most remote communities will gain access to fast, reliable internet, enabling new opportunities in ecommerce, digital learning, and global trade.”

“SpaceX participation underscores the event’s broader theme: "Creating Opportunity, Reinvesting Equity." Those in attendance will gain exclusive insights into how Starlink’s innovations can unlock PNG’s vast economic and human potential.”

“In addition to presenting, SpaceX is also exhibiting at PNG Investment Week, where they will have their representatives standing by for questions from delegates who attend this leading investment event.”

“This is an opportunity not to be missed – those who wish to hear first-hand from the global leader in emerging technology, should register now via www.pnginvestmentweek.com.pg ”

This is your chance to engage with one of the most innovative companies shaping the future of global connectivity. Starlink’s presence at PNG Investment Week is a milestone for PNG and a testament to the nation’s commitment to embracing transformative technology.

For investors looking to do business in Papua New Guinea, a key understanding of the various regulations are crucial in informing their business decisions.

With this in mind, PNG’s flagship investment promotion event, the 2024 PNG Investment Week has opted to commence its proceedings with a Regulators Forum.

To take place on Day 1 of PNG Investment Week - Sunday December 8th 2024 - at the Sydney International Convention Centre, The PNG Regulators Forum will feature presentations from all key State Agencies, beginning with the Investment Promotion Authority.

According to President of PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE), Anthony Smaré, this decision to have the regulators open PNG Investment Week was strategic, given the need for investors to be aware of regulatory requirements at the outset to provide confidence and assurance for them as they explore investment and trade with PNG.

“The PNG Regulators Forum will begin with the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) providing an overview of the requirements to for business registration in PNG. The IPA will also provide an overview of the various sectors of business in PNG that have seen growth in recent years.”

“The Internal Revenue Commission of PNG (IRC) will present on the tax registration, compliance and incentives for businesses that want to invest in PNG – this will be crucial given the event will be held immediately after the 2025 national budget is passed.”

“PNG Customs Services will provide an overview of the import and export guidelines, whilst the Independent Consumer Competition Commission (ICCC) will provide an overview of rules around business mergers and acquisitions in PNG, which is critical information for potential investors into PNG.”

“Furthermore, the regulators from mining (Mineral Resources Authority, and Department of Mineral Policy & Geohazard Management), petroleum (Department of Petroleum), energy (National Energy Authority), and environment (Conservational and Environment Protection Authority) will also present on their respective requirements for doing business in PNG, with a specific focus on each sector.”

“For the first time, the event will also feature presentations from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), National Fisheries Authority (NFA), PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), and PNG Forest Authority (PNGFA), who will speak on regulations within their respective sectors.”

“The PNG Regulators Forum represents the key state agencies from across a cross-section of PNG’s economy and is a must-attend event for those that are serious in learning more about the dynamic opportunities that exist in PNG and provides an opportunity tea hear first-hand from the entities that are directly involved in regulating these sectors. We appreciate the support of the Chief Secretary Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu, Deputy Secretary Frank Aisi and the rest of the team at the Prime Minister’s Department for helping us put the Regulators Forum together with such strong participation from our regulators” said Mr Smaré.

Delegate registration is still open, and is available at www.pnginvestmentweek.com.pg

The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) is pleased to announce that for the first time, the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) will feature at the country’s premier international investment event - the 2024 PNG Investment Week.

This will see ABG President Hon. Ishmael Toroama headline a session focused on investment opportunities in the autonomous region.

In officially announcing the ABG’s participation, PNG CORE President Anthony Smaré said willingness of the ABG to take part in PNG Investment Week reaffirmed their commitment to laying the foundation for future economic growth in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

“Since PNG CORE’s initial engagement and partnership with the ABG at CANCONEX in 2023, and then at the 2024 PNG Resources Week, the relationship has been one that provided the platform for progress, particularly within the mineral resources sector. However, this relationship is more than mineral resources – this is about broader economic growth. PNG Investment Week will now provide a platform for the ABG to connect with reputable investors, who are willing to venture into the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.”

“President Hon. Toroama is expected to speak on the initiatives that the ABG have taken to promote investment opportunities, particularly for renewable resources through the blue-green economy.

President Toroama will be joined by Acting Chief Secretary Kearneth Nanei, who will provide an overview of the various policies that the public service machinery has undertaken to support international investment into the autonomous region.”

“The ABG Delegation also includes key officials from across the commerce, economic and trade departments, who will be present to provide guidance to investors who are interested in learning more about the regulatory environment on Bougainville.”

“There has been a keen interest from the international community on the developments on Bougainville, and the ABG’s participation at PNG Investment Week is sure to build on this, whilst also providing the opportunity for reputable investors to meet directly with the ABG and its commerce, economic and trade representatives who will be in attendance.”

“PNG Investment Week is an opportunity that the ABG has fully embraced, and with the support of PNG CORE, we believe positive outcomes will be realised as a direct result of the ABG’s participation in this event.”

Registration for the PNG Investment Week is still open, and is available at www.pnginvestmentweek.com.pg

For service suppliers looking to do business in Papua New Guinea, a key understanding of the needs of various operations across the country’s business sector, including its dynamic mineral resources and energy sectors, is critical in informing their business strategy for trading with PNG businesses but also in investing in PNG operations and employing Papua New Guineans.

The inaugural PNG International Suppliers Forum will provide this platform, bringing together close to 200 representatives from a range of industries, for an opportunity to meet with participants from within PNG’s mineral resources and energy sectors.

To take place on Day 1 of PNG Investment Week - Sunday December 8th, 2024 - at the Sydney International Convention Centre, the PNG Suppliers Forum will see these international organizations meet and exchange ideas with PNG project operators in a controlled environment, to enable a better understanding of the project operators.

According to President of PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE), Anthony Smaré, this decision to have the inaugural PNG International Suppliers Forum regulators open PNG Investment Week was strategic, given that the country was on the verge of welcoming major projects within the resources industry.

“The PNG International Suppliers Forum is a new concept that PNG CORE has adapted, to complement the presentations that take place during PNG Investment Week. This forum facilitates for international suppliers to meet various project operators and major contractors, and discuss directly with respective project procurement leads, to gain a better understanding of the needs of industry in PNG. This also provides an opportunity for PNG landowner companies to gauge the opportunities of potential partnerships with reputable international suppliers, through joint ventures, which promotes local capacity building. This initiative is part of providing better value and support for both our large operators, LandCos and the many international companies which want to supply them services and products. This reinforces our mantra about PNG Investment Week – ‘everybody who matter, in the same place, at the same time, all ready to network and do business’”

“PNG CORE is pleased to announce that all major resource project operators have confirmed to be a part of the PNG International Suppliers Forum, as part of PNG Investment Week.”

“There are also several major international suppliers from across the mineral resources and energy industries who have registered for this event, which is sure to be a gamechanger for industry in PNG.”

“We are confident that from this event, our members will be better placed to make informed decisions on who they engage to provide services to their respective operations.”

Registration for the PNG International Suppliers Forum are is still open, and are available at www.pnginvestmentweek.com.pg

PNG’s flagship investment promotion event, the 2024 PNG Investment Week held in Sydney in early December, is already tracking for a record attendance, with last year’s record figure of 1,300 delegates already exceeded with a month to go.

The event, which takes place from December 6th to 11th in Sydney Australia, will provide a platform for PNG business, International Investors, and Governments from PNG, Australia, New Zealand, and neighboring countries to engage on issues relating to promoting investment and trade between PNG and its international partners.

President of PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE), Anthony Smaré was extremely pleased with the high number of registered delegates, who represent a cross-section of the economy.

“We made a deliberate decision to reframe the traditional and very successful PNG Minerals and Energy Investment Conference into a PNG Investment Week, made up of a number of various events over the week in Sydney, to use the strength of our resources and energy sector to drive investment into other sectors of the PNG economy and to address key issues that impact investment and trade generally.”

“We are rewarded with the numbers we are seeing in already exceeding last year’s registration numbers with a month to go. I am hoping to exceed 2,000 attendees, and the cross section of speakers and attendees is more diverse and international than previously seen for this event.”

“These delegates are not only from the mineral resources and energy sectors, but also include the renewables, technology, communications, financial services, agriculture and fisheries and attendees from over 20 countries.”

“From an investment standpoint, this event provides the one true opportunity for serious investors to engage meaningfully with government, regulators, and current participants in the economy – this is where all the decision makers gather in one place at the one time.”

“I strongly encourage anyone that has investment and trade ties with PNG, or are interested in investing in PNG, to attend, and network with the business community and government present.”

Delegate registration is still open, and is available at www.pnginvestmentweek.com.pg

Preparations are underway for the 2024 PNG Investment Week hosted by the PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) from the 6th – 11th December at the International Convention Centre, in Sydney, Australia.

Chief Operating Officer for PNG CORE Mrs. Pansy Taueni-Sialis, said with a month to go, PNG CORE is seeing an uptake in registrations from delegates, exhibitors and sponsors alike.

“Whilst we still have a number of delegate seats left, they are selling out fast alongside our exhibition booths and sponsorship packages and we encourage those intending to participate at this event as a delegate, exhibitor or sponsor to register now while we still have spaces available.”

Mrs. Taueni-Sialis also mentioned that part of the uptake in numbers was through the ‘BOMO’ (Booth and Membership Offer) special offer for non-members of PNG CORE who have taken advantage of this special by signing up as exhibitors and new members of PNG CORE.

“We welcome these new members to the Chamber and look forward to their exhibition at the 2024 Investment Week.”

The 2024 PNG Investment Week will open with the ‘PNG Investment Week Charity Golf Challenge’ on Friday 6th December, followed by the pre-conference sessions on Sunday 8th December which will have key regulators speaking on PNG Ready for Investment, and will run in parallel with the International PNG Suppliers Forum.

The opening plenary will commence on Monday 9th December with key government officials from both Papua New Guinea and Australia speaking under the conference theme ‘Creating Opportunities and Reinvesting Equity’, Investment and Trade, Banking and Security with more interesting themes on Tuesday 10th December and the final day on Wednesday 11th December.

A full program on the conference will be made available in the coming days.

For more information on the 2024 PNG Investment Week, the PNG CORE Events team can be reached on email: events@pngcore.org or telephone number: 3212988.

Resource development remains central to Papua New Guinea's (PNG) economic growth, and as the global shift toward greener energy continues, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is seen as a key transition fuel.

During a media briefing on September 30th, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited Managing Director Wapu Sonk emphasized that PNG is ready to welcome investors in its energy and petroleum sectors.

“While PNG transitions to more sustainable energy production, we aim to responsibly market our LNG globally,” said Sonk.

He noted that LNG will continue to play a pivotal role in both domestic and international markets.

The upcoming Petroleum and Energy Conference, scheduled for October 17-18 at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, will serve as a critical forum for discussions on policy updates and new projects.

Organized by Kumul Petroleum Holdings, the event will be the only conference dedicated to the petroleum and energy sectors in PNG.

Policy Discussions and Fiscal Regime Updates

Sonk stressed the need for changes in PNG's fiscal regime to maximize the benefits of resource extraction.

“This conference is an opportunity to discuss existing and new policies that will shape the future of the sector,” Sonk noted.

International speakers, including economist Dr. Fereidun Fesharaki and fiscal regime expert Daniel Johnston, are expected to attend.

Johnston will provide insights on production-sharing regimes and offer comparisons with countries like Indonesia and Qatar to help PNG optimize its resource management laws.

Sonk also expressed excitement about the insights PNG will gain from the University of Victoria’s presentation, which will assess the current state of the PNG LNG project a decade after its inception.

“The government has been discussing fiscal regime changes by 2025. Where do we stand on that?” Sonk asked.

Renewable Energy and Transitioning to Green Solutions

The conference will also address PNG’s transition to renewable energy, as Sonk emphasized the changing global landscape, urging stakeholders to harness PNG’s vast energy resources responsibly.

“Governments worldwide are adapting their policies, and PNG must do the same to remain competitive and ensure long-term sustainability.”

PNG’s renewable energy potential is immense, particularly in hydroelectric, geothermal, and offshore wind energy, and Sonk pointed to the country's significant hydro capacity, estimated at 40-50 gigawatts, and offshore wind potential of up to 300 gigawatts.

Collaboration and Energy Access

Ronald Maketa, Managing Director of the National Energy Authority (NEA), added: “Despite being an exporter for over 20 years, PNG has yet to fully realize the economic benefits of its energy sector.”

Maketa argued that PNG’s energy rates should be lower than those of neighboring countries and that improved energy access is key to driving economic growth.

“Energy powers our economy. It is essential for job creation, industry development, and national prosperity,” Maketa noted.

He also pointed to the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), which prioritizes energy alongside agriculture and industrialization, as evidence of the government's commitment to advancing the sector.

“We need cheaper, reliable, and renewable energy to support our development aspirations,” he added.

Investment Opportunities and Industry Growth

Petroleum and Energy Minister Hon. Thomas Opa highlighted the significant opportunities for investment in PNG’s energy sector, stating that the sector is a major driver of economic growth.

"This industry creates jobs, generates state revenue, and funds infrastructure development across the country,” said Opa.

He confirmed that several exploration licenses are currently being processed, including a significant offshore drilling collaboration between TotalEnergies and Petronas.

“This project will be a first for PNG in many ways,” he remarked, adding that more details on exploration licenses and potential investors would be provided during the conference.

As PNG continues to attract interest from major multinational corporations, Opa emphasized that sustainability remains a key focus. Companies like ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies are actively working to reduce their carbon footprints in PNG, aligning with global efforts to minimize environmental impacts.

The 2024 PNG Petroleum and Energy Conference is set to attract national and international attention, providing a platform for policy discussions, investment opportunities, and networking.

The event will also offer opportunities for brand promotion and enable businesses to showcase their projects to industry leaders and potential investors.

The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) is pleased to announce the 2024 Papua New Guinea (PNG) Investment Week.

The event, which will take place from December 6th to 11th, 2024, at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, was officially launched by Prime James Marape.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister acknowledged the partnership between Government and PNG in continuing to promote PNG as an investment destination of choice.

“The annual PNG Resources & Energy Investment Conference and Expo has been the country’s premier international event, which has enabled our international stakeholders, particularly those within resources & energy, to engage with the State to discuss opportunities in PNG, as well as to progress development of projects within this critical economic sector. Last year’s event was a tremendous success with heads of major mining and energy companies present and promoting investment in PNG.

It is indeed the only event where all who matter are in one place at the one time.

It is timely that the event is broadened into a week of promotion of international investment in PNG, and we are very happy that it has now become PNG Investment Week, and will feature not just the promotion of investment in our core energy and resources sector, but also other sectors such as financial services, agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, infrastructure and renewables but also the very good work that PNG’s bilateral and multilateral partners are doing in PNG. My government stands ready to work with PNG CORE to make this event a resounding success yet again.”

PNG CORE President Anthony Smare reaffirmed the commitment by industry to promote opportunities on offer, in partnership with government, and key stakeholders.

“This change of name and format of the traditional conference into 5 days of PNG focused activities in Sydney, will boost investment into PNG by expanding attention beyond PNG’s resources sector into other areas such as PNG’s financial sector, agriculture, fisheries, renewables and infrastructure and providing opportunities for our international and multilateral partners to also advocate for PNG as an investment destination. We anticipate more than 2000 business delegates to attend the PNG Investment Week, with well over a thousand from international jurisdictions. We believe that by working closely with the National Government, and our major private sector and multilateral partners, we can deliver an investment event that will be both larger and more successful than anything we have delivered in the past offshore in terms of translating to improving investor sentiment in PNG and driving more direct investment into PNG’s various sectors. We are also pleased to acknowledge as well, the early and proactive commitment by the Autonomous Bougainville Government to use the event to promote direct international investment into Bougainville.”

This event will unite all investment and business stakeholders in PNG and abroad through a series of activities:

• PNG Golf Challenge
• PNG International Suppliers Forum
• Meet the PNG Regulators
• Large Investor briefings with PNG PM
• President’s CEOs Dinner
• PNG Investment Conference
• PNG Investment Gala Dinner
• PNG Investment Expo

PNG Business News is excited to announce our participation in Papua New Guinea's largest event, “PNG Resource Week,” themed “Building on Our Legacy: PNG Resource and Energy,” starting today until July 4.

Join us at this significant event to engage with stakeholders, learn from industry experts, and celebrate the contributions of the resources sector and allied industries to our economy and society.

The PNG Business News booth is located at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) for the PNG Core Expo on July 1-3, and at the Stanley Hostel for the Industrial Mining Forum, a premier networking event for industry professionals to network and discuss the latest sector developments on July 3-4.

Visit our booth to explore opportunities to promote your business online and in our quarterly magazine. It is also an excellent opportunity to stay updated on the latest business developments.

Hosted by the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE), PNG Resources Week shines a spotlight on National Content and its pivotal role in shaping PNG's future. Attendees include more than 800 representatives from government and policymakers, businesses, landowner companies, and various landowner groups from project areas.

The week kicks off with PNG Core's CANCONEX Agenda at UPNG, featuring 80 speakers and focusing on enhancing the energy and resources industries' impact on the nation. Key topics include disaster response, healthcare, education, mine closure planning, and investment programs.

Other Day One themes are:

• Key industry regulator update on Government Policies that Impact on Community Affairs
• Benefits Sharing Structures
• National Content – Suppliers Development (LANCO Success Stories)
• Mine Closure Planning – Misima Experience
• Regulators National Content Update
• Community Investment Programs

Day Two themes:

• Disaster Response - Learning from Experience
• Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining
• Lessons from Land Owner Identification
• Finance in Resource's and Energy (FIRE) - Access to Finance
• Women in Resources and Energy (WIRE)
• Porgera Lessons from Closure and Opening
• Panguna – Lessons and Eye to the Future

Day Three themes:

• Impact in Health
• Impact in Education
• Impact in Agriculture
• SME Development
• Workforce Development
• Entrepreneurship & Workforce Development – The PNGLNG Experience
• Entrepreneurship & Workforce Development – Lessons for the Next Major Project

Also featured is the PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo) from July 3-4, which promotes the latest innovations in mining equipment and technology.

The PNG Expo, sponsored by Hastings Deering and Islands Petroleum, will host over 100 equipment displays and stands. The packed conference schedule will feature key decision-makers from local and international markets discussing sector advancements. This event brings together government representatives, industry leaders, international experts, and stakeholders.

The PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE) is set to host the second Community Affairs and National Content Expo (CANCONEX 2024) as part of the inaugural PNG Resources Week.

The event, scheduled from July 1-4 at the University of Papua New Guinea, will focus on the rapidly growing initiative of National Content.

National Content refers to the participation of locally owned community businesses and investments, including workforce, in mining and oil and gas resource projects. It has become a global agenda and is now one of the fastest-growing initiatives.

In response to the growth and contributions of the resources sector, the national government has introduced several initiatives, including policies related to national content. These aim to harness the full potential of the resource sector to overcome development hurdles and transform PNG into a middle-income economy by 2030.

Gretel Orake, PNG CORE Manager of Policy & Analysis, emphasized the importance of National Content.

“As the industry peak body representing the interests of the resources and energy sectors, PNG CORE recognizes National Content as pivotal for the sustainable development and prosperity of PNG.”

“Therefore, we have prioritized National Content as a key agenda for discussion in the CANCONEX. This session will bring together participants from government, industry, and wider stakeholders, including international experts, to discuss National Content initiatives for PNG.”

In addition to the discussions, PNG CORE will present its Policy Statement on National Content - this statement represents a strategic approach by the industry to ensure alignment in government policies and global reporting initiatives. It reflects a concerted effort to foster inclusive growth and long-term economic resilience for the country.

The upcoming PNG Resources Week promises to be a significant event, shedding light on the importance of National Content and its role in shaping PNG’s future.

Efforts by stakeholders of the Panguna Mine will once again be in the spotlight, at the inaugural PNG Resources Week.

This will see landowner representatives, the Autonomous Bougainville Government, and other agencies come together to highlight progress made over the last 12 months, for this key economic project for the country’s Autonomous Region.

The Panguna – Lessons and Eye to the Future session, which will be held on day two of PNG Resources Week, will be chaired by PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) President Mr. Anthony Smaré.

In announcing this session, President Smaré reaffirmed the importance of learning from the Panguna experience.

“The story of Panguna is critically important for our nation. Panguna itself provided the financial foundation for Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975, and contributed immensely to the development of communities in Panguna, Bougainville, and in wider Papua New Guinea.”

“Whilst this project provided the necessary support to PNG, perceptions of unfair distribution of opportunities, especially from Landowners, formed the basis of events leading up to the forced shutdown of this project, triggering a decade-long conflict on the island, and the loss of many lives.”

“CANCONEX 2023 provided the very first opportunity for all stakeholders in the Panguna issue to come together, and speak openly about their challenges, and their willingness to work together, for the greater benefit of Bougainville.”

“The Lessons from Closure session featuring Panguna was well received from all who attended, and this also provided the catalyst for significant progress to be made.”

“In January this year the ABG granted a 5-year exploration licence (EL01) over the former Panguna mine area to Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL). This has now allowed the company to undertake renewed Pre-Feasibility Studies (PFS) and Feasibility Studies (FS) before applying for an actual development licence. On the Community Affairs front, the Panguna Landowners Interim Council (PLIC) has been established as an interim body to represent the landowners.”

“All this progress a direct result of CANCONEX 2023.”

“In addition to our esteemed speakers representing landowners, and key community groups, the President of Autonomous Region of Bougainville Hon. Ishmael Toroama, who is also ABG Minister Mineral and Energy, has been officially invited, and will provide some insights into progress made.”

“Given the importance of the subject matter, it will be longest single session at CANCONEX24. The insights provided by our speakers from Panguna will be critical for our landowners, and our leaders from across Papua New Guinea.”

“This is a must attend for landowners from resource project areas, as well as our national leaders. Register today to be a part of these important discussions.”

PNG Resources Week will bring all stakeholders together in PNG in a series of events from 1 to 4 July 2024;

• the second PNG National Community Affairs and National Content Conference & Expo (CANCONEX) to be held over 3 days 1 - 3 July,
• a PNG Resources Career Fair 3 - 4 July,
• the inaugural PNG Resources Summit 4 July, and
• the Resources Week Dinner 4 July

The one-day PNG Resources Summit will take place on the final day of the inaugural PNG Resources Week 2024 will give the PNG business sector an annual update on the status of all resource operations in the country and PNG business houses are encouraged to register to ensure that they stay up to date with the latest on the PNG operations that drive the economy that account for 90% of the country’s annual exports.

Scheduled to take place from July 4th at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, this business conference hosted by PNG CORE (the PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy), will feature updates from all operating projects in PNG’s resources sector.

The day will kick off with an economic update on PNG, setting the stage for a series of presentations that will dig into the specifics of various projects in the country. In the energy sector, the Minister for Petroleum will provide an update, followed by an operations update from ExxonMobil PNG Limited on the PNGLNG project, and operations updates from Santos PNG Limited.

The mining sector will also be in the spotlight, with updates from the Minister for Mining and PNG’s major mining operations including Lihir, Ramu Nico, Ok Tedi, Porgera, Simberi, Hidden Valley and Kainantu.

Speaking on this agenda and speaker line up for the Resources Summit, PNG CORE President Anthony Smaré says that since this will be the only domestic conference encompassing both the energy and mining industry providing operations update to local business houses, PNG businesses are encouraged to attend and network with the industry operators and hear about how the operations are going and their outlook for the next 12 months.

This Resources Summit is an update conference, and will complement PNG CORE’s flagship investment conference, the PNG Energy & Resources Investment Conference, that will be held in Sydney in December.

“This is our first domestic industry update conference and is designed to provide a local event where PNG businesses can hear first hand in Port Moresby on updates of PNG’s major energy and mining operations. I encourage PNG businesses to register immediately to send a senior representative or two to attend and mix with the industry to understand how the industry sees the next 12 months in terms of its contributions to the economy and explore business opportunities. Later on, the evening of July 4th, the Hilton will be the venue for the PNG Resources Dinner – the gala dinner that will close PNG’s first ever Resources Week.

Prime Minister James Marape has been invited to speak at the Dinner, and also to present key industry awards including awards acknowledging outstanding contributors to the development of the industry in PNG, outstanding landowner companies in the mining and energy sector in the areas of outstanding shared value performance, outstanding women’s contribution and outstanding local workforce training and development champions.

Business houses have been buying full tables at the dinner and there are still tables available for sale.

For more information on how to register and participate in opportunities from resource project developments got to the PNG Resources Week website www.pngresourcesweek.com or by emailing events@pngcore.org.