Photo credit: PNG Haus Bung

The National Airports Corporation has inked an agreement with the Port Moresby Technical College to provide students with job opportunities.

The MoU is the first of its sort for NAC with a national training institute, according to managing director Rex Kiponge.

He stated that NAC and Port Moresby Technical College will build a cooperative collaboration and coordinated working connection for student job training and NAC's capacity development training arrangement.

Mr. Kiponge explained that the MoU defines each party's obligations and responsibilities in order to assist college students' job training needs and NAC's staff capacity development needs. The MoU is in effect from the date of signing until December 31, 2025, and it is subject to review as needed.

“Port Moresby Technical students now have a pathway established through this partnership to do their job training with NAC,” he said.

“NAC also through this MoU will have Port Moresby Technical assisting to provide customised technical training based on NAC training and NAC will provide job training allowance to assist students and should there be a need for recruitment, those students be given the first priority.”

Kaime Kipi, chairman of the Port Moresby Technical Governing Council, said this is the school's first relationship with a government agency and that it marks the start of something huge not only for NAC but also for the students.

Reference: Kamus, Maxine. Post-Courier (21 June 2022). “NAC, POM Tech Sign Agreement”. 

The funding will be used to rehabilitate six of the 15 ports in Daru, Kavieng, Kimbe, Lae, Lorengau,  

Oro Bay and highlands Inland Freight Hub.

Photo credit: Mayur Resources - Project Locations

Mayur Resources Limited has executed an Expression of Interest (EOI) with Santos Ventures Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Santos Limited, to jointly develop a portfolio of nature-based carbon offset projects in Papua New Guinea.

Under the terms of the EOI, Mayur has agreed to provide Santos with an exclusive period of 180 days (Exclusivity Period) during which Santos and Mayur are to negotiate in good faith and if agreed, enter into binding transaction documents (Transaction Documents) to jointly develop Carbon Projects. The Carbon Projects focus on preserving 1.4 million hectares of pristine rainforest in Papua New Guinea through avoided deforestation. Phase 1 development is already being progressed which includes up to 800,000 hectares in the Western Province. The EOI includes a framework for the future commercialisation of the Carbon Projects contingent on executing Transaction Documents along with remaining confirmatory due diligence.

In addition, Santos has provided Mayur with a US$3 million facility to, amongst other things, fund ongoing detailed feasibility and landholder consent work on the Carbon Projects. If the Transaction Documents are not entered before the conclusion of the Exclusivity Period, this loan will convert to ordinary fully paid shares in Mayur based on a 30-day Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) calculated three years from the date of execution of the EOI.

Mayur Resources Chairman, Charles Fear, commented: “We are excited to be partnering with Santos as a major contributor to the PNG economy. This is a transformative transaction for the development of Mayur’s carbon portfolio to help preserve 1.4 million hectares of pristine rainforest which has arguably one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on earth. We are also encouraged that Santos has agreed that together we shall commit to secure premium carbon credit certification and ensure these projects achieve positive social elements to the communities associated with the project offset areas. It is essential that these projects result in the majority of the financial benefits and revenues being provided to the local landowners of PNG.”

Article courtesy of Mayur Resources

EU Funded UN Joint STREIT PNG Programme, as part of its mission to support efforts towards reducing rural poverty, is engaging local communities with a focus on struggling single parents as a support workforcefor maintenance of 18 selected farm-to-market roads in the Sepik region.

Led by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the creation of these employment opportunities in remote communities where there are limited income-generating activities because of lack of accessible roads to markets is a relief to many disadvantaged households.

This month the ILO team visited some of these beneficiaries who are employed in the Road Maintenance Groups (RMGs) working on a 17.7km-long Walkasa Mai-Wanwan road and an 8km-long Yiminum-Wilbowe road in the Nuku District of Sandaun Province.

For the beneficiaries, this is a lifetime opportunity for a regular and steady income to support their and their families' everyday needs, and one important concern for the struggling families is paying for their siblings' and kids' school fees and associate costs.

Among the struggling families are some widows like Marathia, aged 59, from Yiminum Village, who works on the Yiminum-Wilbowe road. "My husband died, and we were really struggling because our families have their own problems to take care of. Now, I'm very happy with this job which I joined last year. It helps with school fees for my children," said Marathia.

Marathia was left with five children to support, including one who is attending final year studies at a vocational training nearby. With the income as an RMG, she was able to pay PGK 500 school fee last year and early this year she paid PGK 250. She said the community is also happy to see her contribution in a job they usually see as for men only.

For youths like Jena Suwa this employment opens a new window to their life. She was not able to complete her studies after year 10 in 2018. "I'm very happy today because I was doing nothing in the house. I will now save some money to prepare to go back to school to become a nurse," said Jena.

Sony Apo is another youth who completed Grade 8 in 2015 and is looking forward to some money to upgrade. He dreams of becoming a carpenter to continue the legacy of his late 'big daddy'. "Big daddy was the only skilled man we had in the family, and now I'm ready to become a carpenter as well," he said.

The main works that encompass the road routine maintenance aspect to be undertaken by the RMGs include pothole patching, vegetation clearing, drainage and general cleaning along the road in preparation for engagement of a contractor to perform specific maintenance on these farm-to-market access and feeder roads. Safety gears and road maintenance tools like boots, gloves, vests, safety helmets, spades, hoes, wheelbarrows were also among the tools and equipment provided and distributed by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme among the RMGs' members.

During the visits, the Programme's Community Facilitator, Rachel Bowie also shared with the RMGs to demonstrate commitment in their work to take ownership in the routine maintenance of these roads because it will serve them, their families and their fellow community members.

The mission also conducted a drone survey of a 14km-long Nanaha-Tau LLG access road in the Ambunti-Drekikier District, East Sepik Province. In consultation with Ward Members, locals, including youths and women, were also recruited to form RMGs to conduct routine maintenance for this road that will also service Drekikier Secondary.

Under the Programme selection criteria, one RMG comprises six members that must have at least two females. The group must also have representation from youths, single parents whose partners have died or have deserted them and traditional owners of land the road passes through.

The Programme, in partnership with MiBank, a local financial institution, is implementing cashless transactions and banking for rural farmers by opening bank accounts for these RMGs, and their payment is deposited directly at the end of every month. This arrangement encourages rural farmers to save and grow their earnings, which can be used to access small loan benefits.

Under this rural agriculture development programme, 18 rural roads in the Sepik region totalling close to 300 km in length are being maintained or upgraded with the help of RMGs to support the market access initiative implemented by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme for rural and farming communities to boost agriculture production and agribusiness activities pertaining to three targeted cocoa, vanilla and fisheries agri-food value chains for an improved income and cash flow for the rural communities. The roads will also support other agricultural, business, social and community activities and facilities like schools, aid posts and health centres that are in dire need of better accessible roads.

The EU-STREIT PNG Programme, being implemented as a UN Joint Programme (FAO as the leading agency, and ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP as partners), is the largest grant-funded Programme of the European Union in the country and the Pacific region. The Programme aims to help improve the lives of the people from East Sepik and Sandaun provinces, by focusing on increasing sustainable and inclusive economic development of rural areas through improved economic returns and opportunities from cocoa, vanilla and fishery value chains while strengthening and improving the efficiency of value chain enablers, including the business environment, and supporting sustainable, climate-proof transport and energy infrastructure development.

Photo: Leon Buskens, Santos Country Chair PNG meeting the 25 new apprentices in Port Moresby before their departure to the Institut Teknologi Petroleum Petronas (INSTEP) in Malaysia. Joining Mr Buskens and the apprentices are members of the Santos Training and People & Culture Teams.

Santos is helping to equip Papua New Guinea’s next generation of oil and gas technicians with international qualifications. 

Ten females are among 25 novices who have joined the Santos 2022 Apprenticeship Program following a rigorous selection process which will see them train at the Institut Teknologi Petroleum Petronas (INSTEP) in Malaysia – 900 applications were received for the 2022 Program.

Upon completion of the technician training at INSTEP, the apprentices will earn a Pearson Business Education Technology Council Level 2 and Level 3 UK qualification.

Santos Country Chair for PNG, Leon Buskens when welcoming the apprentices, said: “You have joined at an exciting time following the merger between Oil Search and Santos. As the inaugural batch under the merged entity, there are greater opportunities for you to advance in all aspects of your career both in PNG and abroad. I encourage you to do your best and importantly, maintain a positive attitude and uphold your values - this is what will take you far on this journey.

“This is the beginning, but you should be proud of yourselves as we are of you for making it this far. Congratulations and welcome to Santos.”

Joining Mr Buskens to address the new cohort were pioneering trainees Cornelius Soagai, Senior Government Affairs Manager and Lydia Warubi, Deputy Occupational Health & Safety Manager.

Mr Soagai went on to become the first national Production Manager in the Operations and Maintenance Department while Ms Warubi made waves as the first national female process technician to work at the Central Processing Facility.

Both leaders encouraged the apprentices to maximize on the career development opportunities available to them at Santos. Among the cohort was Judy Sasa who completed the Company’s pre-apprentice program at the Kumul Petroleum Academy (KPA) in 2020. Judy finished at the top of her class and attained an honourable achievement award.

A grateful Judy thanked Santos for a further opportunity to broaden her knowledge in oil and gas production. “My dream is coming true as I have always wanted to work in this industry,” Ms Sasa said.

The 25 apprentices along with the Santos training team departed PNG for Malaysia last weekend. Two permanent employees were also part of the travelling party to INSTEP where they will train to become dual Electrical & Instrumentation tradesmen.

Article courtesy of Santos

Photo: PM Marape addressing the crowd in Maprik

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says East Sepik has the potential to become the “economic powerhouse” of Papua New Guinea.

He said in Maprik recently (June 22 2022) that because of this potential, and in memory of founding Prime Minister the late Sir Michael Somare, the next Government would be formed in East Sepik.

Present with the Prime Minister were East Sepik Governor Hon. Allan Bird (National Alliance), Angoram MP Hon. Salio Waipo (National Alliance), Maprik MP and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Hon. John Simon (Pangu) and Pangu candidate for Wosera-Gawi Ronald Asik.

Sir Michael was instrumental in the formation of both Pangu and National Alliance

“East Sepik has the potential to become the ‘economic powerhouse’ province of our country,” PM Marape said.

“This is why I will bring Government formation to here: Firstly, in memory of Sir Michael, and secondly, in memory of Sir Pita Lus.

“This will be the 11th Parliament, and the first Parliament without Sir Michael and Sir Pita being alive.

“This will be symbolic that the nation is now being passed on to the next generation.”

PM Marape said formation of the new Government in East Sepik would also inspire the new generation of leaders to hold on to the lofty ideals of the founding fathers like Sir Michael and Sir Pita.

He said his Government, over the last three years, had passed major laws to fight corruption and promised the people of Papua New Guinea that some prominent leaders would be prosecuted after the elections.

These include the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Whistle Blowers’ Act and Undisclosed Wealth Act.

“What would be the point of Allan Bird and I growing the economy of the country when corruption is still prevalent?” PM Marape said.

“We have managed to stifle corruption in the big way with passage of the three bills during the last term of Parliament.

“Over the last three years, we have spent over K56 billion, which has grown the economy by K30 billion.”

PM Marape said East Sepik’s economic powerhouse potential was in agriculture, through the vast Sepik Plains, and challenged the province to start growing rice on a large scale to reduce the huge K900 million rice import bill.

“Over the next few years, and into the future, we want to grow our own rice for domestic consumption as well as export to Phillipines, Indonesia and the rest if the region,” he said.

“Sir Michael, before his passing, said he had helped groom me up and asked me not to forget East Sepik into the future.

“The way to achieve this is through economic independence.

“I want every Papua New Guinean to have money in their pockets: Grow rice, grow cocoa, grow vanilla, look after cattle, bring in tourists, stop consumption of home brew, stop marijuana and other bad habits.

“We are ready to take the country to the next level.

“I want East Sepik to be an economic powerhouse no longer dependent on Waigani.

“This is why I ask the people of East Sepik to send Allan Bird, John Simon, Salio Waipo and my Wosera-Gawi candidate Ronald Asik, Ambunti-Dreikikier candidate Richard Rafa and Wewak candidate Jim Simitab to Parliament. “

Article courtesy of PM JAMES MARAPE News Page

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) joined the global community to recognise ‘International Day of Women in Mining’ with a special Breakfast hosted by the Ok Tedi Women’s Network (OWN) on 19th June in Tabubil.

The event was attended by members of the management team and women employees of OTML and business partners.

Keynote speakers at the event included Manager Process Asset Renewal (PAR) Interface, Lyndah Brown, who has 30 years of experience in the industry, as well as Administration Officer Crane Services, Anna Aisa, who has served the Company for 15 years.

Both women shared inspiring testimonies and challenges of working in the mining industry.

OWN President and OTML Manager Finance, Beverly Pasen, said the event was a celebration of the resilient spirit of women in mining.

“Regardless of whether you are an OTML employee or business partner, today we are women in mining united to celebrate our talents and continue the work towards equalising gender representation in the industry,” Ms Pasen said.

She said women working in the mining industry face many challenges, however, are just as eager to overcome these barriers and assume roles that were predominantly held by men.

“Our call to action today in support of women in mining is to develop and adopt diversity policies to improve the gender imbalance in employment, offer more gender-sensitive facilities, improve parental leave policies, and also develop flexible work arrangements by reviewing fixed hours and fixed work locations,” Ms Pasen said

Ok Tedi is an equal opportunity employer and in line with the Company’s 2025 Vision, diversity and inclusion are an important part of its strategy in which OTML aims to increase the number of women in the organisation, and in leadership roles by 20% and 25% respectively.

Article courtesy of Ok Tedi Mining

Photo credit: PNGX

PNGX Markets - Papua New Guinea’s national stock exchange, XBourse Australia - a leading technology services company specialising in building innovative bespoke solutions for financial markets, and Pacific Capital Markets Development - an Australian company committed to the development of capital markets in the Pacific region, have recently signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the development of worldleading digital solutions for Pacific Islands’ capital markets, starting in Papua New Guinea.

The objectives of the cooperative arrangements are to enhance capital market efficiency, promote market liquidity, attract investment and reduce market risk in the Pacific Islands region.

Under the memorandum, PNGX, XBourse and PCMD will work together to explore the phased development of state-of-the-art digital market infrastructure and services: 

• Multi-currency post-trade settlement and registration solutions for public and private markets; including equities, bonds and climate instruments. 
• central securities depositories and registries; 
• custodial services for international investors; 
• integrated commercial and regulatory solutions for SMEs; and 
• superannuation registry solutions.

“We are very excited to be working with XBourse” said PNGX Chairman and PCMD Director, Mr David Lawrence. “XBourse’s digital ledger technology (also known as blockchain) and smart contracts have the potential to turbo-charge the public and private capital markets in the Pacific region. The concepts currently being developed would be world-leading, presenting real opportunities for Papua New Guinea.

“We have a vision to provide an integrated solution for Pacific companies of all sizes offering faster access to debt and equity capital, instantaneous and risk-free settlement of trades, a central securities depository to make trading easier for all market users, a custodial platform to meet the needs of international investors, and the potential for expansion into other services, such as superannuation technology services” Mr Lawrence said.

“XBourse is a market leader in the financial technology sector and has been working in recent years with globally recognised technology partners to develop a range of integrated and innovative market platforms and digital solutions that can be readily deployed into all types of markets, covering both existing and new assets, such as climate, that are rapidly being digitised. These platforms deliver greater functionality, efficiency and a new way of doing business in the 21st century at a lower cost than existing incumbent legacy systems and processes.

“Importantly they offer opportunities for new asset classes in the digital age. Some of the opportunities include issuance and registration of assets, trading, digital registries and other back-office systems with immutable records of ownership, transactions and provenance that provide much-needed integrity and security to support the market and regulatory confidence.

“XBourse is excited to be working with PNGX and Pacific Markets Capital Development to identify ways XBourse’s technology solutions can be implemented in the PNG market. Our experience has shown that better market infrastructure is vital to promote efficient use and allocation of capital and to attract the interest of investors large and small,” said XBourse CEO and Founder, Mr Tony Mackay.

“Digitisation and blockchain provide the opportunity for markets of all types and sizes to better and more efficiently access capital. Just as importantly, the new market infrastructure can reduce operational and regulatory risk for all participants and operators.

“XBourse is also working on early-stage projects to tokenise carbon abatement and carbon credits, and we see enormous potential in the Pacific for these instruments where digitisation and blockchain technology can validate, regulate and tokenise these instruments and initiatives and make markets in them,” Tony Mackay said.

“The input of key stakeholders in the market, such as listed companies, banks, superannuation funds and stockbrokers, is critical to the success of this project and ultimately of the PNG market” said PNGX General Manager, Ms Elizabeth Wamsa. “We will shortly be conducting industry forums to discuss user and regulator needs to enable the development of an optimal solution” she said.

Article courtesy of PNGX

In the first quarter of 2022, Papua New Guinea welcomed 9845 overseas tourists after the COVID-19 travel restrictions were lifted.

Eric Mossman Uvovo, Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), disclosed.

He said that in the first quarter of 2022, the country had a 100 percent rise in overseas arrivals, or an additional 4933 people, compared to the same period last year.

He said that, following years of steady development in visitor arrivals, PNG's numbers plummeted in 2020 and 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, which reduced foreign travel to its lowest level ever.

However, in 2022, the numbers are gradually increasing as more destinations are added.

“Out of the total arrivals to PNG 18 per cent came for business, two per cent on holiday, four per cent came to visit friends and relatives, 67 per cent came for employment, one per cent came for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and the remaining eight per cent visited the country for other reasons.

As many countries around the world have opened their international borders, arrivals are starting to pickup in 2022 and this healthy trend is expected to continue throughout the year and next year onwards,” Mr Uvovo said.

He stated that their foreign agents and local operators have indicated that passengers are anxious to visit, but that the main difficulty has been with the Visa online application.

“We have met with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship who assured us that they will look into this issue and tourists can apply for online visas to travel immediately,” he said.

Reference: Kamus, Maxine. Post-Courier (16 June 2022). “PNG Records Increase In Visitors In 2022 First Quarter”. 

A group from the National Fisheries Authority is in General Santos, Philippines, led by board chairman Ango Wangatau, to exchange and gain fisheries expertise and experiences in this region.

General Santos is renowned as the Philippines' "Tuna" city capital, and visiting this region provides delegates with first-hand information and improved ideas for implementing the Fisheries Strategic Plan 2021-2030 and achieving its objectives.

It has the Philippines' most modern fish port and contributes significantly to the country's earnings.

The remarkable expansion of fisheries in General Santos was driven by collaboration between the government and important stakeholders, which the NFA delegates witnessed and will think about further when they return home.

“Seeing is believing and we needed to come and see the sizeable scale and strength of this Fisheries industry in the Philippines.

“From here we want to incorporate the existing knowledge and experience of our Philippine counterparts to model and expand our own infrastructure in PNG,” Mr. Wangatau said.

According to him, the goal of the Fisheries Strategic Plan is to change Papua New Guinea into the Pacific's "Tuna Capital," thus visits like these are important to gather additional expertise from a country that has already been transformed.

The delegates saw tuna landings, grading, weighing, and processing, as well as the fishing boat docking yard and the world's largest prawns and fish farm.

These first-hand experiences will help PNG Fisheries prepare for the establishment of a downstream processing facility for all tuna collected in the country, as well as greater employment development for the people.

“We are here and have seen what is done with fisheries in General Santos. If it can be done here, we can also do it in PNG,” he said.

Reference: Post-Courier (16 June 2022). “National Fisheries Team Visits Philippines Tuna Capital For Exposure”.

The Wafi-Golpu project's State Negotiating Team is thought to be in the final stages of discussions with shareholding companies.

However, due to the National General Election, most of the work on the ground has been put on pause.

Any development forum procedure that arises following the successful completion of the mining development contract discussions, according to Mineral Resources Authority managing director Jerry Garry, will be effective after the elections.

“Right now the State Negotiating Team and the shareholding companies including Newcrest and Harmony Gold are very much in the final leg of negotiations.

“The details of the negotiations are confidential at this stage and we will have to wait until SNT and the development concludes this phase of work,” he said.

In the meanwhile, the Frieda River mine is expected to open in the fourth quarter of this year.

Mr Garry stated that nothing has progressed in the assessment process for Frieda River and that they plan to begin construction after Porgera and Wafi-Golpu are completed.

“Weare involved in what we called the state negotiation or the state-related negotiations. It does not only require the MRA officers but requires a full complement of state-related departments and agencies,” Mr Garry said.

“In this case, we would require the participation of the State Solicitors office, National Planning, Department of Finance, and key officials from the Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Commission, Bank of PNG, Department of Labour and Employment, and the Department of Commerce.

“It requires all the state departments to be involved when it comes to assessing a mining project, particularly a major project such as the Freda River and Wafi-Golpu.”

Reference: Wohi, Lorraine. Post-Courier (15 June 2022). “Wofi-Golpu Project On Final Leg Of Negotiation”.

Photo: Porgera Mine 

Given the delayed pace in obtaining stakeholders to sign off on the Porgera Project Commencement Agreement and progress shareholders agreement, the reopening of the Porgera mine is currently on hold.

Jerry Garry, managing director of the Mineral Resource Authority, said the State Negotiating Team (SNT) is continuing in talks with Mineral Resources Enga and traditional landowners to sign the two crucial agreements.

He stated that after the two agreements are completed, they will submit the transfer of an interest in the special mining lease SML11 to MRA, and the different interests in this agreement will be reflected on the special mining lease SML11..

He stated that they are currently working to resolve some minor difficulties.

“Kumul Minerals Holding Limited apply for the license and the license was granted on the basics of what was submitted by Kumul. But now that they have engaged MRA and other parties to become shareholders, there will be new directors on board,” Mr Garry said.

“If they feel that they need to amend some of the documents or the work they want to develop the mine forward, they will then apply for variation which under the Mining Act is allowable and those variation will be processed by MRA and to give them the clearance to go ahead and reopen the mine.”

Mr Garry stated that this is the final step and that after it is done, a formal development forum would be held.

He explained that the advantages that have previously been agreed upon in numerous agreements may now be translated to the provincial government, landowners, and other recipients below the level of the National Government.

The development forum will take place as soon as MRA has completed the documents and the transfer of interest.

On the 20th and 21st of this month, the Development Forum will take place.

Reference: Wohi, Lorraine. Post-Courier (15 June 2022). “MRE Yet To Sign Porgera Commencement Agreement”.

Photo: Tenkyu.wara delivered to Angau Hospital

“With forward looking vision toward innovation, growth, sustainability and respect for the people and our communities, The iPi Group’s Tenkyu. initiative is an example if this commitment to our people and community. “As we continue to develop, we want to give back to the community whom support us in a meaningful way,” said iPi Group CEO Peter Long.

Last Friday, The iPi Group donated 480 cartons of Tenkyu. Wara to Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae. The generous donation worth K9,504 in-kind is part of the Group’s ongoing commitment to contribute meaningfully back into the communities where they operate. “We thought that the potential of the Hospital using bottled water would be nothing less than a good thing for a great, genuine and worthy cause,” said Mr Long.

In response, Morobe Provincial Health Authority acting Director Corporate Services, Aung Kumal, thanked the Group. He said, “on behalf of Morobe Provincial Health Authority, I sincerely thank the iPi Group for donating 400 plus cartons of bottled water to Angau Hospital.

“Your kind gesture will very much contribute towards delivery of quality health care to our patients.” Long further added that The iPi Group is delighted to help and assist under any circumstances.

iPi Transport and Logistics manager, Brian Warrillow was onsite to deliver the 7,200 water bottles. That is a total of 3,600 litres of HACCP certified, purified PNG water, Tenkyu. wara. K960 profit from initial purchase of Tenkyu.wara will go towards Tenkyu. initiatives.

Article courtesy of IPI Group

Photo credit: ADB

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today announced a $305 million project which will support the strengthening and expansion of electricity in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The Power Sector Development Project is supported by loans and grants from ADB and the governments of Australia and PNG and will target five subprojects within the main power grids of the country’s power utility, PNG Power Limited (PPL). ADB provided two loans amounting to $208.6 million, the Government of Australia contributed a $59.5 million loan and a $12.8 million grant, and the Government of PNG with PPL will yield $24.1 million.

“PNG has one of the lowest rates of electricity access in the Pacific, with only 13% of households having access,” said Director of ADB Pacific Department’s Energy Division Mukhtor Khamudkhanov. “The project will contribute to the government’s objective of connecting 70% of its population to electricity by 2030 and will help advance reforms in the power sector.”

The project will expand and upgrade transmission lines and substations in Gazelle, Ramu, and Port Moresby; build new low- and medium-voltage power distribution lines in Gazelle, Ramu, and Port Moresby, and mini grids in West New Britain; and strengthen the capacity of PPL through the introduction of procurement and implementation, utility operation, and financial management reforms.

The limited electricity access in PNG stifles economic growth and exacerbates poverty and inequality in both urban and rural areas. COVID-19 has also impacted the local economy, and quality infrastructure is a central component of the government’s post-pandemic economic recovery strategy. The stable power grids proposed under the project will help maintain urban health facilities’ basic operations and are critical to reducing COVID-19 risks.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

Article courtesy of ADB

Photo: The new Camps and Catering Office and carpark

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) is committed to providing a safe and conducive working environment for its employees and business partners. 

Managing Director and CEO Musje Werror made these remarks during the opening of the new Camp Administration office and a cafeteria in Tabubil on the 25th of May.

The new office will improve camp and messing services that OTML provides for its workforce and visitors while the cafeteria provides light snacks and beverages for workers who prefer a light meal outside the mess opening hours. The new facilities are located near the main messing facility. 

The total cost of the project was US$1.2 million and included an upgrade of the mess parking area.

Mr Werror commended the company’s Infrastructure Support Services (ISS) Department including Starwest Ltd for successfully completing the project.

“Our camp facilities are old and are in need for replacement or refurbishment and we have commenced a renewal program which will include the replacement of a number of our old dongas commencing this year,” Mr Werror said.

The Camp Administration office was officially opened by OTML Board Director and Chairman of the Kumul Minerals Ok Tedi Ltd Bonny Ninai and witnessed by other members of the Board, OTML management and camp residents, and business partners.

Article courtesy of Ok Tedi Mining

Photo credit: ABG

Celebrations began as early as 5am in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville as the region marked its 17th anniversary since the establishment of the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

Seventeen years ago on 15 June 2005, the members of the first Bougainville House of Representatives were sworn in under the leadership of the first President of Bougainville, the Late Honorable Joseph Kabui.

At the Dawn Service held at the Parliament House in Kubu, Buka, the ABG Vice President reflected on Bougainville’s journey, saying that Bougainville has come a very long way.

“Here we find ourselves, in the 21st century, about 400 years after being discovered by European explorers, 100 years since the Christian faith was brought to us, 34 years since the Bougainville Crisis, 21 years of implementing the Bougainville Peace agreement, and 17 years of exercising an Autonomous Government arrangement, we are still charting with perseverance our path to become the next independent island nation in the pacific,” Nisira said.

“Under the Toroama-Nisira government, the agenda of the implementation of the BPA remains the highest priority by ensuring that the cause for our fight for Independence is not forgotten.”

Vice President Nisira called on all Bougainvilleans to be prepared for the changes that will inevitably take place in Bougainville’s political journey.

He said the ABG has already embarked on its Independence-Ready program which aims to collectively see individual Bougainvilleans positively contributing and preparing to make Bougainville an independent nation.

Vice President Nisira who is also the Minister for Commerce, Trade and Economic Development, further called on Bougainvilleans to support the government’s call to improve the economic environment on Bougainville.

“Our vision is to achieve a status of life where all Bougainvilleans are happy and satisfied with their living standards and the quality of government services received. In order to achieve this, we must all contribute to the improvement of our lives, as it is a collective effort.”

“Whether you are subsistence farmer, a mother, a student, a fisherman, a cocoa farmer, a public servant, an employer of a small company, a PMV driver, etc. We all have an important role and responsibility. We all have a job to do. We must now all take up these roles with pride and ownership knowing that in one way or another, by our positive actions, we are contributing to the Independence of Bougainville,” he said.

Nisira reminded the people that as the celebrations happen today for our foundation, they must not forget Bougainville’s historic past.

“As we come together to celebrate the foundation of our Bougainville Government, let us commemorate the efforts of our forefathers and mothers who began the movement to be liberated as an ethnic group of people.”

“Let us be proud of our journey of resilience and bravery to stand up for our dignity, heritage and history, which form the foundations of which our government is built and let us embrace the bold future ahead of us.”

Article courtesy of ABG

Photo credit: PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum

The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has commended St Barbara for the application of modern technology in the safe operation of its Deep-Sea Tailings Placement pipeline and in its fleet of heavy equipment at its Simberi mine.

MRA Managing Director Jerry Garry, who visited Simberi mine for the very first-time last week, was particularly impressed with the use of geotagging in the monitoring of the DSTP line and the In-Vehicle Monitoring System (IVMS) which records operator activity in the equipment.

Mr Garry said the improvements were indicative of the mine moving beyond compliance requirements to values-based commitments as it transitions from oxide mining to sulphides.

The installation of the geotagging system on Simberi’s DSTP pipeline means exact coordinates can be transmitted while the IVMS – which includes a camera unit, vibrating seat cushion and warning lights – is monitoring operator/driver activities and identifying unsafe behavior.

Mr Garry, who was accompanied by his Executive Manager Development Coordination Andrew Gunua, took a tour of Simberi’s pit - where he was fascinated by the use of the three-kilometre rope conveyor in ore delivery to the process plant - before visiting a range of community projects built under St Barbara ‘Stronger Communities’ commitment.

Messrs Garry and Gunua also toured the Simberi cocoa nursery - the source of the current Tabar dark chocolate that is being trialled and enjoyed in New Ireland - and were impressed with Simberi’s mariculture initiatives which include coral and mangrove propagation and growing of giant clams.

The duo also visited the Simberi Primary School, community markets, and Maragon Clinic - facilities that derived from partnerships between St Barbara, Simberi Mining Area Landowner Association, and the New Ireland Provincial Government.

They commended Simberi management for striving to embed a high performing safety and social responsibility culture in the operation.

Article courtesy of PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum

Photo credit: Adyton Resources

Adyton Resources Corporation is pleased to report that its recent preliminary metallurgical test work program performed by leading Australian metallurgy company Core Metallurgy Pty Ltd confirmed that ROM (‘run of mine”) ore samples from the Gameta deposit upgraded well using a limited range of conditions and produced a concentrate assay of 22.3 g/t Au and 32.9 g/t Ag with recoveries of 86.9% Au and 84.6% Ag.

Due to sample size limitations and the preliminary nature of the test work program, these results should be considered unoptimized with further test work required to optimize reagent conditions and further improve recoveries and grades.

Test work program overview – Three representative 30kg samples from crushed reject were initially selected representing the three main ore types, namely silica-rich ore, clay-rich ore, and footwall (quartz vein) mineralisation. Additional test work was subsequently completed on an additional 22kg of fresh-core samples to ensure that the test work mirrored as close as possible expected plant-feed ore.

Testing on the fresh core covered crushing, homogenisation, fire assay and ICP scan, indicative Leachwell extraction and flotation with a cleaner stage to produce a marketable concentrate. Results confirmed that flotation is the most suitable commercial method of gold recovery, producing a concentrate for sale to third parties or treated on-site using a suitable oxidative method.

Managing Director Tim Crossley said, “we are pleased with the outcomes of this preliminary test work which showed high recoveries of both gold and silver in concentrate which paves the way for a low capital, simple processing flow sheet of crush, grind and float to produce a saleable concentrate for sale to third party processors”, Mr Crossley went on to say “that with further optimization work we are confident that significantly higher gold concentrate grades may be achieved”

Next Steps – further test work will focus on Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) level studies on fresh drill core samples, examining both comminution (crushing and grinding) and flotation to optimise conditions and further improve metallurgical performance. Flotation optimisation will be carried out on blended composites, variability test work, and comminution for ball-mill sizing.

2021 Drill Program: 

The thirty-eight-hole diamond drilling program at the Gameta Project carried out in March until August 2021 was designed to test the continuity of mineralisation and to increase confidence in historical assay results within the inferred resource envelope from drilling conducted in the mid-1990’s.

The drilling was focused on the northern third (“the northern ore zone”) of the known resources with a strike extent of over 700m being tested (note the resource zone itself occurs over a strike interval of 2,000m).

Testing targeted the shallower open-pitable material, with drilling generally less than 120m and aimed to provide confirmatory data to support the results from historical RC drilling programs ahead of a resource upgrade which occurred in Q3 2021.

Some extensional drilling was also part of the program, testing below, down dip and along strike from known resources, this work confirmed the resource was open both down dip and along strike.

2022 Metallurgical Program: 

Several samples were selected for the 2022 preliminary metallurgical test-work program as reported in this announcement.

Adyton approached Core Metallurgy to provide test work on three coarse reject samples and metallurgical development support. The primary goal of the initial works was to establish whether all the ore types are amendable to flotation with a potential flowsheet option being to produce a saleable concentrate. The work programme will also confirm whether the ores are of a refractory nature and what flowsheet options may be applicable for the deposit.

Article courtesy of Adyton Resources

Photo: Mining Warden Kopi Wapa addresses local Wapolo Landowners

Adyton Resources Corporation is pleased to report that it has successfully completed a Wardens Hearing for the renewal of Exploration Licence EL 2549. The Hearing, which is a mandatory processstep in the renewal for all exploration licenses in PNG, was conducted by senior Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) Mining Warden Mr Kopi Wapa on May 31 2022 at Wapolu village on Fergusson Island with all principal landowners present.

EL 2549 hosts the Wapolu prospect, which together with the nearby Gameta prospect, is a key element to Adyton’s current commercialization assessment of the Fergusson Island Projects. The Fergusson Island Projects have the stated gold resources tabled below.

Managing Director Tim Crossley said, “in PNG the Wardens Hearing is an important, mandatory part of the regulatory process for renewing exploration licences and provides an opportunity for the impacted stakeholders to provide input into the renewal process. The Hearing confirmed strong support by land holders and other stakeholders for Adyton to continue its exploration activities. It was also a good opportunity for me to travel to the Island and meet our principal landowners and other key stakeholders. I am very encouraged by the support the company has to continue with its activities.”

Article courtesy of Adyton Resources

Photo credit: NFA

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is focusing on Food Safety, COVID-19, and Pandemic Control Frameworks due to a considerable shift in global trading market requirements.

Acting Manager for the Audit Certification Unit, Josephine Komboi, NFA, highlighted the importance of developing the National Fish and Fishery Products Standard, as well as its experience, market dimensions, and access, which is beneficial to the global trading market, during a presentation at the World Food Safety Day.

She stated that major trading partners had scrutinised the standard requirements for PNG's fishery product food safety and trade requirements for the previous ten years, but that changes have now been made to incorporate the requirements of trading partners, including changes in the industry, technological advancements, and product diversification.

NFA is seeing an increase in market and product variety as a result of the rules, as well as a decrease in quick alerts and complaints from importing nations.

 “We want to now upskill and create awareness to our small operators who are producing prawns, lobsters, crabs to understand the standard requirements and prepare for the change in market requirements.”

Reference: Iru, Jasmine. Loop (9 June 2022). “NFA Sees Change In Market Requirements”.

After 20 years, the Department of Agriculture and Livestock intends to reorganise and construct a corporate and sector strategy.

At the 4th World Food Safety Day, Acting Secretary Dr. Nelson Simbiken stated this.

According to Dr. Simbiken, the key to reforming the department is to have a Corporate Plan and a Sector Plan, which DAL does not have.

The National Agriculture Development Plan, which was implemented in 2006, was the last excellent sector plan in effect.

Dr. Simbiken explained that they had been attempting to integrate government programmes but that they lacked a clear focus on how to deliver, draw resources, and attract investment.

 “In the next few months, we will be launching the DAL Corporate plan. It will be the first corporate plan, 2023 to 2027. We are targeting to launch it at the end of this month. We are going to review the NADP, Policy expenditure and sustainable development goals and integrate this 20-year plan.”

Reference: Iru, Jasmine. Loop (9 June 2022). “DAL New Corporate Plan Underway”.

Photo credit: Islands Business

Although the economy has diversified, agriculture remains the backbone of Papua New Guinea's economy, providing a living for the majority of the people, according to Institute of National Affairs (INA) executive director Paul Barker.

Agriculture, according to Barker, will be critical in securing PNG's economic and employment future, as well as the country's status as a significant agricultural and food producer both locally and regionally.

However, he claimed that large portions of the nation were unproductive or too steep for commercial cultivation.

“The population is also growing fast, with growing land pressure in parts of the country, as well as the challenges of growing urbanisation and limited formal sector employment opportunities, weak governance, and a relatively short and rather unsatisfactory history of investment in infrastructure and human resource development.”

According to Barker, this is exacerbated by pervasive and escalating corruption, as well as inadequate utilisation and accountability of public monies.

“Clearly, this also applies to supposed renewable resources, such as forestry and some fisheries and other marine resources which have been widely treated as an infinite resource but extracted in an unsustainable and damaging manner, with repeated harvests well within the period for regrowth or population recovery, or using seriously destructive.”

Reference: The National (7 June 2022). “Agriculture ‘backbone of the economy”. 

According to the Solar Energy Association of PNG, foreign investments in the energy industry are now focusing on green energy, but the country's institutional frameworks are insufficient to take advantage of the prospects.

President Christian Lohberger said: “PNG was one of the first countries to sign the Paris Agreement on climate change and under our national commitments, we have set a target of the electricity sector being 78 per cent renewable by 2030.

“Currently, we are less than 50 per cent renewable and have a growing LNG industry.

“So we need to develop a pipeline of hydro, solar and eventually wind projects.

“Happily, these are also cheap and (in the case of solar) very fast to build.”

According to Lohberger, the LNG business presently dominates the PNG energy sector, although LNG is extremely expensive to acquire (or not export) owing to the Ukraine conflict.

“LNG is also very polluting with huge methane and carbon dioxide emissions that destroy our environment,” he said.

“It is difficult to see LNG competing with solar and other renewables from a price perspective, particularly if a carbon price is adopted.

“Our major trading partners are all adopting carbon prices and this will pressure us to clean up emissions.

“Europe and China already have active carbon prices with the US having a tax credit that effectively works the same way as a carbon price.

“Australia once had a very successful carbon price but it was removed for political reasons.

“Looking forward a few years, the most likely scenario is a grid that is almost entirely powered by solar and wind with hydro for backup on rainy and windless days.

“LNG might be useful for extreme situations a few times a year when demand cannot be met.”

Reference: Luma, Dale. The National (8 June 2022). “Association: Focus on green energy”