Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) yesterday, presented a dummy cheque of K100,000.00 to the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), to consolidate its position as a Major ‘Gold’ Sponsor of the MRA organized Geoscience, Exploration & Extraction (GEE) Conference 2024.

The conference will be held on August 7-9, 2024, at the APEC Haus, Port Moresby. This is the second time that the MRA will be staging this two-yearly conference. The inaugural conference was held in 2022.

OTML’s General Manager Social Performance and Sustainability, Mr. Jesse Pile, and Manager Corporate Affairs, Mr. Dexter Wagambie, presented the dummy cheque signifying the sponsorship, to the Patron of the GEE Conferences and Managing Director of the MRA, Mr. Jerry Garry. Mr. Garry when receiving the sponsorship, expressed the organising committee’s and the MRA’s gratitude towards OTML for its generous support to the event. He said that the contribution was very important in enabling the staging of the conference. Mr. Garry said the mining and the geoscience community in the country has not had a platform such as the GEE Conferences for the last two-three decades, where geoscience and engineering knowledge and ideas could be shared and discussed as learnings for the betterment of the industry as well as for the country.

“We have people who are doing research work in Ok Tedi, in their laboratory to overcome recovery problems, or overcome metallurgical problems. There are people who are working in different parts such as Kainantu. They maybe looking at different ore types and there maybe new findings. But there is no medium in this country to share those new findings and foster growth within the scientific community, and GEE is now the appropriate avenue to do that.”

The MRA MD appealed to other industry partners and stakeholders to support the conference.

Mr Pile said OTML as a state-owned entity felt that it was only proper to be in the forefront of the conferences like this. He said this is because GEE would contribute towards the development of PNG in terms of research and human resources development.

He said: “This contribution is building on from the very healthy relationship OTML has with MRA. From our observations, MRA is a leading organisation amongst other government authorities and agencies. The manner in which you run your organisation is professional, and Ok Tedi finds it fitting to work with your organisation, because of your professionalism. So this contribution is building on from what has been established over the years.”

The GEE Conference aims to bring together leading academics, scientists, researchers and geoscientists, to share experiences and share research results in geological exploration and mineral extraction. It will provide a premier inter-disciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators, to present and discuss latest innovations, trends, concerns and practical solutions to challenges encountered throughout the business spectrum of the mining business. The conference will be the premier meeting place where stakeholders can connect and network with others in the field of geoscience, from learners to practitioners to decision makers. Presenters and participants will come from PNG and international based organizations as well as individuals, government agencies and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs).

The resources and energy industry sustains the PNG economy, providing economic opportunities and social benefits to millions of Papua New Guinean stakeholders, in addition to contributing over 80% of PNG’s exports and over 25% of PNG’s GDP. It is appropriate that there be an annual event to bring all stakeholders together to celebrate the gains, share the learnings and discuss how to maximize the benefits of the development for all stakeholders. Accordingly, the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) is staging the inaugural PNG Resources Week in the first week of July in 2024.

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 Summit Dinner 4 July The University of PNG will be the venue for CANCONEX and the PNG Resources Summit from 1 to 4 July 2024.

The PNG Resources Summit Dinner will be held at the Hilton Hotel on the evening of 4 July 2024.

In making the announcement, PNG CORE President Mr. Anthony Smaré stated;

“We know that the resources sector is the engine that drives the PNG economy, and it impacts the lives of millions of our people. To build on our conferences and events, it is critical that we run an annual domestic event that showcases the common good that is being achieved by the industry in PNG; that gathers the entire community of stakeholders (developers, regulators, landowners, contractors and impacted communities) to honestly share learnings and opportunities for the sustainable development of the PNG energy and resources sector to the benefit of all stakeholders.

“This is why we are excited to stage the first PNG Resources Week, feature 3 landmark events – CANCONEX 2024, Resources Career Fair, and the PNG Resources Summit and Dinner. We are also proud to stage it not at hotel, but at a seat of learning, University of Papua New Guinea, to bring the industry closer to the next generation that will power the next 20 years of development.”

Description of each event:

About CANCONEX 2024

CANCONEX is the National Community Affairs & National Content Conference & Expo. CANCONEX 2024 follows on from its inception with CANCONEX 2023 last year at PNG University of Technology in Lae, where over 800 delegates attended comprising executives from developers, explorers, business, government, suppliers and contractors, and a large representation from project area landowners and landowner companies from all of PNG’s energy and resource projects. Apart from discussion on community affairs, local content, business development, social programs and gender development, CANCONEX 2023 also featured Bougainvillean leaders on the lessons of Panguna’s closure.

This year’s event is poised to draw over two thousand attendees, including key figures in business and representatives from landowning communities across major project areas with concurrent streams of presentations on all issues and shared experiences associated with resource development in PNG. There will also be an expo with resource companies, landowner companies and other service companies to the energy and resources sector exhibiting.

About PNG Resources Summit

For the first time, the PNG Resources Summit will be held, as a PNG-based resources update on the resources sector, featuring presentations by senior executives providing an update on all the major resource and energy projects in PNG. The Summit will close with a gala dinner in the evening at the Hilton Hotel.

The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE) recently hosted an Industrial Wind-Down Media Function, providing a pivotal networking platform for the resources sector.

Held in Port Moresby on March 22nd, the event attracted nearly 100 attendees, comprising members, stakeholders, and media representatives, facilitating strategic collaboration and offering insights into the industry's future.

Designed to foster dialogue among stakeholders and members within PNG's mineral, petroleum, and energy sectors, the event centered around the theme of "Connect, Communicate, and Collaborate."

Attendees engaged in hours of networking, participated in information sessions led by the PNG CORE Communications Committee, witnessed the official launch of PNG CORE’s 2024 Events Calendar, and celebrated member achievements.

Networking emerged as a central theme during the event, with a focus on its importance in identifying opportunities, sharing knowledge, accessing resources, and building brands.

The media's role in shaping public opinion and facilitating decision-making between the resource and government sectors was highlighted, underscoring the need for informative and independent reporting.

This event gave the media professionals the chance to network, plan coverage, uncover in-depth stories, and engage audiences with timely content.

In his opening address, PNG CORE Senior Vice President Richard Kassman emphasized the significance of exploring additional opportunities within the resources sector and its role in facilitating knowledge exchange and networking.

Mr. Kassman urged media professionals to prioritize factual reporting, without political bias and emphasized the importance of promoting educated discourse among Papua New Guineans.

“This is a very important topic, and I'm asking the media to look at the facts and allow our people and encourage the discourse in our people."

“We want to develop Papua New Guineas knowledge and not the knowledge you read about on social media. The people of Papua New Guinea rely on educated Papua New Guinean for information, insight and to have a discussion on their behalf,” Mr Kassman added.

Looking ahead, PNG CORE aims to continue its leadership in representing the mining and petroleum sectors, both locally and internationally.

As part of its mandate to promote PNG as an investment destination, the Chamber will collaborate with the media to amplify its efforts and enhance industry visibility.

The event served as a critical platform for discussing sector challenges and exploring PNG CORE's upcoming initiatives.

During the event, additional information about PNG CORE Council and its Committee was shared including the official announcement of PNG CORE 2024 Events Calendar, marking the Industrial Wind Down as their second significant event.

PNG CORE Council and its Committee play a vital role in the industry. Eight committees provide oversight to the councils’ strategic activities to address various agendas and issues that affect the industries, one of which is the Communications Committee, which was recently revived.

The committee was reactivated this year as part of the chairman’s effort to foster closer working relationship between industries and members and external stakeholders, especially with the Chamber’s media partners.

There are issues affecting the nation’s industries, by which the committee will be providing guidance to Chamber’s council on possible ways to address those issues through the media.

Building on PNG CORE’ collaboration in the pasts, they are looking forward to the media’s support to assist with this effort.

PNG CORE is also tasked to promote PNG as an investment destination. The Chamber will be doing so predominantly in international events, extending invites to the media to come along and be part of the campaign in a collaborative effort.

Additionally, the 2024 Calendar of Events reflects PNG CORE's commitment to hosting diverse forums and conferences, including international engagements aimed at showcasing PNG's potential as an investment hub.

The 2024 Calendar of Events are as follows:

• Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada from March 3-6 in Canada 
• Industrial Wind Down March 22 -  Port Moresby
• Security Summit April 17 Port Moresby
• Resource Week – Canconex, Career Fair, HR Forum- June 3-5 Port Moresby
• Annual General Meeting July - Port Moresby
• Emergency Response Challenge (ERC), September - Port Moresby
• PNG Resources and Energy Investment Conference, December 8-11 - Sydney, Australia

Looking ahead, PNG CORE aims to continue its leadership in representing the mining and petroleum sectors, both locally and internationally.

As part of its mandate to promote PNG as an investment destination, the Chamber will collaborate with the media to amplify its efforts and enhance industry visibility.

The successful event showcased PNG CORE’s lead in representation of the mining and petroleum sectors, including related industries in PNG, highlighting its innovation and collaboration in hosting both international and local conferences, workshops and seminars and producing publications relevant to the industry.

“The collaboration between the resources sector and the media is essential in driving national development and shaping the future of Papua New Guinea. Both entities play integral roles as nation builders, contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of the country,” Mr Kassman said.

The PNG Industrial & Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference set to be bigger and better in 2024.

The PNG Industrial & Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo) is the premier event that brings together all sectors of the industrial, mining and resources industries into one location to create a marketplace where business is done.

Held from July 3–4, the PNG Expo, now under new ownership with Prime Creative Media, is set to see significant improvements this year.

With a strong history in mining, manufacturing and associated industries, Prime Creative Media CEO John Murphy is confident that its business is an ideal match to help grow the Papua New Guinean industries.

“We are excited to bring our extensive knowledge and expertise to PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference,” said Murphy.

Prime Creative Media is committed to investing the time and resources needed to grow this event and the broader Papua New Guinea industries.

To this end, the PNG Expo will be held in the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby, a venue selected not just for its sophistication, but to limit travel and prioritise guest comfort.

A gated complex designed to enhance guest safety, the Stanley Hotel features air-conditioning and multi-layered security protocols to provide a comfortable backdrop to the event’s strong conference format.

“We have received really positive feedback from the industry so far,” show director Lauren Chartres said. “We’re excited to see this event moving to a new phase of development and bringing additional value to the Papua New Guinea resources sector.”

Prime Creative Media is excited to bring an event that celebrates the people of Papua New Guinea as well as the industries that keep the country moving. Murphy travelled to the Pacific nation in October 2023 to meet with government delegates and heads of top miners in the country ahead of the event.

“We had great feedback from these meetings and are looking forward to working closely together in the future,” he said.

“The event will be a champion for the entire Papua New Guinea resources sector, so it was important that we meet with professionals and decision-makers from across the local industry.”

The format for two-day exhibition will feature over 100 displays of equipment and stands, while the conference will showcase experts from across the mining and resources sector presenting on challenges and opportunities for the local industry.

The event is an opportunity to hear from landowners, as well as government, mining, energy, petroleum and infrastructure representative on topics of productivity, safety, sustainability, and innovation in technology and equipment.

“The PNG Expo will be the platform to engage and drive transformative changes towards a sustainable future,” Chartres said. “Our mission is to equip the industry with the right tools.”

Leaders in delivering productivity solutions will be exhibiting at the event to present their innovative technology, showcasing how they can benefit the Papua New Guinea mining industry.

“We know productivity and efficiency is a huge driver of future success in Papua New Guinea,” Chartres said. “We can’t wait to see the solutions that are available being demonstrated at the event in July.”

The Prime Creative Media events team is ready to launch an event that will help grow the Papua New Guinea resources industry like never before.

With the 2023 PNG Resources & Energy Investment Conference commencing in a week’s time, preparations are on track for the event, with major project operators expected to highlight what is in store for PNG in the near future.

Among organizations that will feature prominently is Santos Limited, who have confirmed the attendance of their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Gallagher.

Mr. Gallagher is among a few global CEOs that will headline this major annual industry event, and will be presenting on the opening day, to share Santos global perspective and outlook.

Other senior representatives from Santos will be providing project updates as well as announcing significant project and programs that Santos intends to see happen in 2024 and into the future.

When announcing their support for the event as a Principal Premium Sponsor, Santos Country Chair (PNG) Leon Buskens confirmed that the organization would be providing an exciting update on our Markham Valley Afforestation and Reforestation (AR) Project in Morobe Province.

In addition, the organization is also expected to highlight its business development and local content program once again with landowner companies, and the impact this has in the project communities in line with the company purpose to create a better world for everyone.

Furthermore, an update on its citizen development initiatives, which will include a major announcement on training opportunities, which is sure to be well received by the industry in PNG.

This year’s conference is anticipated to be the biggest international investment conference ever held by PNG, with over 1500 attendees with three floors of the Sydney International Convention Centre reserved for the four days duration of the Conference, and a program designed to promote investment in PNG’s resources and energy sector.

More information on the PNG Resources & Energy Conference can be found at https://pngcore.org/png-investment-conference-2023/

A Window into PNG's Artistic Heritage

For the first time, a mini art gallery will be established, dedicated to showcasing the rich arts and culture of Papua New Guinea (PNG). This exclusive gallery will display an array of PNG artefacts, offering delegates a unique opportunity to explore the diverse and vibrant artistic traditions of PNG. The gallery will highlight the works of two notable PNG artists:

Lesley Wengembo

• Embarked on his artistic journey at age 5, progressing to painting at 14 under the tutelage of the late contemporary artist Martin Morobubuna.
• Celebrated his inaugural exhibition in 2014 at the Moresby Arts Theatre, earning a merit award for his painting in the show 'Compendium'.

Jordan Morris

• A lifelong dedication to drawing, beginning from his earliest memories.
• Gained recognition for his artwork 'Mountain Meri', portraying a Western Highlands lady in traditional attire, inspired by his mother's appreciation for people and culture.

Mr. Tom Palmer, President and CEO of the world’s largest gold miner, Newmont Corporation, and Mr. Kevin Gallagher, CEO of energy multinational Santos Limited, headline an unprecedented cast of global resource and energy company CEOs that will be speaking at the upcoming 2023 PNG Resources and Investment Conference in December.   They will be joined by CEO of South African multinational Harmony Gold Mr. Peter Steenkamp as well as CEO of Toronto stock exchange highflyer K92 Mining Inc, Mr. John Lewins.  Industry giant such as TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil are also in the process of confirming their high-level executives who will represent them at the Conference.   

The Conference, organized by PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNGCORE) will be opened by PNG Prime Minister James Marape, and the program also features PNG Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey, PNG Petroleum & Energy Minister Kerenga Kua and PNG Mining Minister Sir Ano Pala.  The Conference features over a hundred speakers from government and business sector from PNG and around the world. Well over 1500 delegates from the global minerals and energy industries and the investment sector from around the globe are expected to attend.  Over 100 international and PNG companies have display booths in the exhibition. 

Anthony Smaré, President of PNG CORE – “We are delighted that Mr. Palmer, Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Steenkamp are speaking at the Conference and are publicly backing PNG internationally.  Newmont, Santos and Harmony are extraordinarily important contributors to PNG’s economy through their existing investments in the country, but their contribution is bound to rise in the next few years as the new projects such as Wafi-Golpu Copper project and the Papua LNG project complete their licencing and development contracts and begin construction.   They have important perspectives to share in terms of what the major global trends are in the minerals and energy space, how that is impacting how they operate and invest globally, and how they view their investments in PNG in the context of that dynamic global environment.”

“The aim of this conference in particular is to highlight the upcoming project boom with the advancement of the Papua LNG project, Wafi-Golpu Copper project, Porgera gold mine restart and the P’nyang LNG Project, to focus the need for the PNG Government and stakeholders to do more to expedite these projects and to nudge PNG businesses to increase their preparations for maximizing their opportunities to participate in this upsurge in investment and economic activity”

As is custom at the Conference, there will also be bilateral investment meetings between these major investors and PM Marape and his team on parties can advance and expedite these project investments into PNG.  

The Conference is PNG’s major investment conference and is being held in Sydney at the Sydney International Convention Center to make it easier for international investors to attend the event. The Conference’s purpose is to promote and encourage investing into PNG to boost the economic growth of PNG, and create employment and business opportunities for Papua New Guineans. 

Why is the conference expected to be so well attended?

Attendees will be coming from all over the world to the Conference to:

• Hear from an unprecedented array of CEOs of global mining and energy companies on how they are navigating current challenges and opportunities globally and how PNG continues to have an important place in their international portfolios;
• Hear how existing mineral and energy operations are successfully operating in PNG;
• Hear about the next wave of new mega-projects, expected to double PNG’s GDP in next 8 years;
• Hear from Exploration License holders on new exploration discoveries and insights;
• Learn how PNG is looking to the future with its investing of resource-benefits for non-mining growth;
• Hear from PNG companies on how they are planning to participate in the upcoming project – led economic boom; and finally;
• Have the unique opportunity of being able to meet all the most important decision-makers –  financiers, investors, operators, suppliers, and stakeholders of PNG’s resource and energy sector in one place over 4 days.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape officially confirmed that Papua New Guinea will take part in the 2025 Osaka World Exposition in Japan, an event set to host 150 countries and 25 international organisations.

Prime Minister Marape emphasised that PNG's participation in this global event will have a significant impact, leading to diversification in the export market and an inflow of capital.

He stated, "This presents a remarkable opportunity for us to promote our nation as a prime tourism and investment destination. It will also enable us to showcase the high-quality products that we are ready to export to the world, including our renowned coffee, cocoa, vanilla, kava, taro, marine products, unique items from our fashion industry, and many more."

The Prime Minister further disclosed that the government has allocated funding in the 2024 National Budget to facilitate Papua New Guinea's participation, including the establishment of the PNG Pavilion.

Additionally, Prime Minister Marape announced the appointment of His Excellency Peter Vincent, PNG's outgoing Ambassador to Malaysia, as the Commissioner-General of the PNG Pavilion. He expressed confidence in Mr. Vincent's ability, citing his extensive experience with Air Niugini, as CEO of the Tourism Promotion Authority, and his role as Ambassador to Malaysia, to lead the efforts in setting up the pavilion and effectively promoting the country and its products at the expo.

The National Expo 2025 Coordination Team or Secretariat will be chaired by the National Trade Office. The coordination team will consist of representatives from the departments of Prime Minister and NEC, Commerce and Industry, Treasury, Finance, National Planning and Monitoring, Justice and Attorney-General, Foreign Affairs, and International Trade and Investment.

Prime Minister Marape concluded by stating, "The political oversight committee will be headed by Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, and will include ministers for Treasury, Commerce and Industry, and Foreign Affairs."

On October 16th & 17th, 2023, Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chamber of Mines and Petroleum will host the inaugural Papua New Guinea – Asia Investment Conference in the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel in Hong Kong, with support of, and in partnership with, the National Government.

The PNG Asia Investment Conference will feature Prime Minister Hon. James Marape and his government, outlining opportunities for investment and trade with PNG, success stories of Asian investment in PNG, and how PNG is powering Asian growth through supply of energy and other exports.

This event aims to position PNG as an alternate safe investment hub right in the face of Asia by promoting investment engagement with existing important investors and trade partners in China, Japan, Korea, India, and other Asian markets through this inaugural PNG Asia Investment Conference.

The conference will provide a unique opportunity to share and engage on success stories and opportunities for Asian investment in PNG, and for enhancing and expanding trade and export opportunities with major Asian markets such as China, India, Japan, and Korea. Over 500 delegates are expected to be present on both days of the event – which is testament to the appetite for investment in PNG.

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Hon. James Marape, said: “There is money in Asia especially in investment dollars and so we will be innovative in our presentation to utilize our bilateral network with China, Korea, Japan, India, Indonesia and of course our network into ASEAN, a big 4 billion people in that reach, to maximise trade and investment opportunities.”

"Government’s interest is to diversify a big economy base where you are employing Papua New Guineans in the long run.”

“For far too long we’ve been on inward looking and relying on one or two sectors. The conversation that rotates around Indo-Pacific is an exciting conversation for PNG and in the heart of Indo-Pacific conversation is PNG. We have food, energy, amounts of our geography offers for tourism and leisure and recreation is second to none.”

“The investment conference in Hong Kong is not accidental, it is deliberately targeted at those who would invest, and also looking forward to my meeting with Chinese Premier and the Chinese President the next day after the conference,” he continues.

Papua New Guinea Chamber of Mines and Petroleum President Anthony Smaré, said: “As the Prime Minister says investment is critically important to the country, we must create jobs for our young people and there is a huge pressure in the entire country, not just the government but particularly the business community, to create more employment for our young people. Increased investment and increased trade will create those jobs and opportunities, and that is why investment conferences like the PNG ASIA Investment conference is extremely important to unlock trade and investment opportunities that we need to grow the country further.”

"We are going to send a strong message that PNG is open for business and the rest of us will come behind the government to support and deliver that message to unlock the trade and investment opportunities that will come from this PNG Asia Investment Conference in Hong Kong and from our mega Sydney conference in December,” he adds.

Organizations who want to be a part of the inaugural PNG-Asia Investment Conference can register their interest with the chamber on proj3@pngchamberminpet.com.pg

More information on the PNG Asia Investment Conference on 16th & 17th October, Hong Kong, can be found at www.pngasiaconference.com.

With less than two weeks to go before the start of the inaugural Community Affairs and National Content Conference and Expo (CANCONEX), activities in the host city of Lae, Morobe Province have ramped up feverishly in anticipation of the landmark conference. 

With more than 700 business delegates expected to descend upon the city for the conference, the demand in the host city has increased significantly, with many leading hotel and accommodation, transport and service providers already booked out for the duration of this event. This has been a massive positive for PNG's second city which is usually overlooked for national business events.

In providing an update on preparations for CANCONEX, President of PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, Anthony Smaré spoke of opportunities for businesses in Lae city, with this influx of people who will be attending this event.

“Since the announcement of CANCONEX, the Chamber has been assisting our member delegates, both project operators, and landowners, to source flights, accommodation, and transport requirements for their duration of stay in Lae. Although we expected significant demand in a national content conference, even we were taken by surprise by how well the business community has responded and how quickly the main Lae hotels were booked out!"

"Given the immense demand for the dates around our event, this has led to a shortage of accommodation options, with many leading accommodation providers reporting that they may be unable to provide for the increase in numbers in Lae. Similarly for vehicles, as well as air travel options into Lae for the conference and expo dates."

The Chamber is therefore seeking to provide alternative options for delegates, and is in discussions with a few providers, to ensure that these additional options are provided to those who will be attending this important event.

This includes a discount with the PNG Air for flights into Lae, discounted accommodation rates for selected accommodation providers, as well as organizing shuttle services for delegates to the official conference venue on the days of the event.

We thank the Lae business community, who have provided the support in ensuring that delegates to CANCONEX are being given priority for services during CANCONEX.

We look forward to welcoming all our delegates to Lae, for CANCONEX 2023.”

Registration for CANCONEX is still open, with a special 50% discount off the registration price available to landowner representatives from project areas, who are endorsed by their respective project Community Affairs teams.

The experiences and impacts on social and economic ecosystems on local communities of mine closures of Bougainville and Porgera mines will feature during the program on Day 1 of CANCONEX in Lae on 28 August 2023.

The Bougainville perspective will be presented by prominent Bougainvillean leaders Theresa Jaintong and Paul Nerau and the lessons from Porgera by Porgera Chamber of Commerce President Nickson Pakea and Porgera District Women’s Association president Serah Erasi.

With more than 700 stakeholders of resource projects in attendance, the inaugural Community Affairs and National Content Conference and Expo (CANCONEX), will provide the platform for open and frank discussions, in the hope of sharing solutions on pertinent issues that are common across resource project areas. Among these, how local communities and stakeholders ensure resilience in their social and economic ecosystem to deal with the closure of resource projects – planned or otherwise.

In announcing the presenters for this important session, Chamber President Anthony Smaré spoke of the need to learn from the past, to assess current practices, and to plan better for the future.

“The lessons of Panguna, and Porgera, particularly in how social and business ecosystems and infrastructure survive to benefit the local communities, are critical learnings that need to be taken on board by all stakeholders to ensure sustainable outcomes for all communities from resource development in the first place.

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. Many Papua New Guineans who progressed to taking up key roles within the mining industry were trained by the operator of Panguna, BCL, and have since become leaders in other mining projects in PNG, as well as abroad.

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.

Similarly, Porgera in Enga Province contributed immensely to the development of a province which was once considered the “last province” in the country, to a leader in the provision of free-education, training Engans to a level now where many hold influential positions in both the public and private sector.

The closure of Porgera in 2020 effectively removed a major economic lifeline for many within Porgera, and surrounding communities. The effects of which continue to be experienced today.

In the centre of all of this has been the efforts of landowners, and local business leaders to find a way to ensure a sense of normalcy continues, albeit in very difficult circumstances.

What are the lessons that we can learn from Panguna and Porgera, about resilience and sustainability of social and commercial investments that the community, the State and the developer make and how do we improve to ensure much better resilience for future project closures, planned or otherwise?

These are the discussions which will take place at CANCONEX – discussions which are critical for all landowners especially.”

Registration for CANCONEX is still open, with a special 50% discount off the registration price available to landowner representatives from project areas, who are endorsed by their respective project Community Affairs teams. Those wishing to participate are encouraged to register via www.canconex.com to secure their participation.

With three weeks to go the start of the inaugural PNG Community Affairs and National Content Conference and Expo (CANCONEX), leading landowner Trustee company, Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) has stepped in as a Principal Sponsor for the event, which take place from August 28th to 30th at the PNG University of Technology in Lae Morobe Province. The event will be opened by Prime Minister Marape with a keynote address on local content.

MRDC Managing Director Augustine Mano, when confirming Principal Sponsorship of CANCONEX, highlighted the importance of bringing together landowners from across the resource sector, who are an integral part of project success.

“As the Trustee Shareholder for landowner interest across mining, petroleum and energy projects, MRDC is pleased to support this worthy initiative. Landowners are critical to the development and sustainability of resource projects, and CANCONEX provides the perfect opportunity for landowners to engage, share experiences, and collaborate in areas of mutual interest, to ensure maximum benefits are realized. MRDC is therefore proud to be the first Principal Sponsor, for this inaugural event. We look forward to supporting this initiative, to ensure its success.”

Through the theme ‘Promoting National Participation for Sustainable Communities’, discussions on Community Affairs, Business Development, Local Contracting, National Content, Community Investment, Women & Youth Development, and Access to Finance are among topics which will be covered across the three-day event.

In response, PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum President Anthony Smarè thanked MRDC for coming on board as a principal sponsor for CANCONEX.

“MRDC are a natural partner and principle sponsor of CANCONEX. Since the announcement of CANCONEX, to, we have witnessed an overwhelming number of participants and organizations from both public and private sectors who have registered. This demonstrates the appetite for this forum, which is tailored to providing a platform for discussion of how landowners and other Papua New Guineans can maximise their participation in the benefits of resource projects.”

“And we are pleased to have MRDC, the country’s leading Landowner Trustee Company, on board this event as a Principal Sponsor, demonstrating MRDC’s strong commitment to ensuring that our landowners are well-informed, focused on maximizing their benefits and returns for sustainable economic futures. The Chamber looks forward to welcoming MRDC, landowners, landowner companies, government policy makers, business houses, and project developers at CANCONEX 2023.”

Registration for CANCONEX is still open, with a special 50% discount off the registration price is available to landowner representatives from project areas, who are endorsed by their respective project Community Affairs team.

After a 4-year hiatus, the Extractive Industries Emergency Response Challenge (EIERC) will make a return in 2024.

This was announced by the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum (“The Chamber”).

At a recent Health Safety & Environment networking event, organized by the Chamber, Councilor and Newcrest Mining Lihir Country Manager, Stanley Komunt officially announced the return of this important industry event.

“The EIERC, formerly known as the National Mining Emergency Response Challenge, was originally coordinated by Mines Inspectorate of Mineral Resources Authority.

As the popularity of this event increased over the years and given the increasing participation from teams in the oil and gas sectors, the Chamber assumed the role of organizer in 2017.

The last EIERC was held in 2019 in Port Moresby, which was well attended by participating teams from across all major Mining, Petroleum, and Energy projects. Ok Tedi Mining Limited were the overall winners of the 2019 Emergency Response Challenge, and by all accounts, they are ready to defend their title in 2024.

The Chamber is pleased to confirm that the 2024 EIERC will be hosted in Port Moresby in the first quarter of 2024 and will comprise of 8 activities which include a theory exam, and 7 various physical emergency rescue activities, on land, air, and sea, with the maritime challenge making a comeback after it was last included in 2017.

A working committee has been formed, and has commenced preparations for this event, which will be a highlight on the industry calendar. Details of the 2024 EIERC will be announced by the Chamber in the coming weeks.”