The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) has called for stronger municipal management, improved service delivery and closer cooperation with the private sector as Port Moresby enters a new phase of growth following Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence Anniversary.

In his Independence message, NCDC City Manager Ravu Frank said Port Moresby’s role as the centre of government, commerce and international engagement placed the capital at the heart of PNG’s economic development.

He said the 51st anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the country’s progress over five decades while shifting the focus towards implementation, reform and a more sustainable future.

“Following the historic 50th Independence Anniversary, our attention now turns to the next chapter of our national development,” he said. “The focus must now move from reflection to implementation.”

For Port Moresby, Frank said this meant strengthening the systems and processes that support the city’s economic and commercial environment. NCDC will continue to improve the efficiency of approvals and regulatory processes, strengthen accountability and enhance municipal services across the capital, he said.

Effective planning, permitting and compliance processes are particularly important for businesses and investors, whose operations depend on a predictable municipal environment.

Frank said NCDC’s goal was to build a capital city that is “clean, healthy, safe and planned”, supported by effective services, responsible development and accountable administration.

The Commission is also focused on cleaner public spaces, better management and safety of markets and communities, and building a more professional and responsive organisation.

Shared responsibility for the capital

Frank stressed that improving Port Moresby could not be achieved by NCDC alone. Businesses, residents, churches, community organisations, government agencies and development partners all have a role in maintaining an orderly, safe and well-managed city, he said.

“A well-managed city requires the cooperation of residents, businesses, churches, community organisations, government agencies and development partners,” he said.

Frank said cleanliness and safety depended on cooperation within communities, while orderly urban development required compliance with laws, regulations and planning requirements.

“Cleanliness begins with how we manage our homes, businesses and public spaces. Safety is strengthened when communities work together and respect one another. Orderly development depends on compliance with laws, regulations and planning requirements.”

The call for shared responsibility comes as Port Moresby accommodates a growing concentration of commercial, government and community activity.

For businesses, the quality of municipal administration can directly affect the operating environment through development approvals, public infrastructure, market management and the condition and safety of commercial areas. Frank said NCDC would continue to fulfil its responsibilities, but the capital’s development required “shared ownership” of the city.

Applying ResetPNG@50 to city management

Frank also highlighted the National Government’s ResetPNG@50 initiative, which provides an opportunity to examine PNG’s development experience over its first 50 years of Independence and identify areas for improvement and reform. He said NCDC was applying the same forward-looking approach to its own operations.

“Within NCDC, this means continuing to strengthen our systems, improve service delivery and build a professional and responsive organisational culture,” Frank said.

For NCDC, the focus on efficiency and accountability forms part of the broader challenge of ensuring Port Moresby can support economic activity and future investment. Frank also acknowledged the Motu Koitabu people, the traditional landowners and indigenous people of the land on which Port Moresby is established.

He reaffirmed NCDC’s commitment to preserving and promoting Motu Koitabu culture and traditions, including annual support for the Hiri Moale Festival.

As part of the 51st Independence celebrations, NCDC is also facilitating and supporting activities across Port Moresby. Frank encouraged residents and families to participate responsibly in the celebrations and mark the national anniversary in a spirit of unity, respect, pride and peace.

He said NCDC remained committed to improving its performance, strengthening municipal services and working with all sectors of the community to develop a capital capable of supporting future generations.

“As we celebrate 51 years of Independence, let us also recognise that the quality of our capital city is a shared responsibility," he said.

Papua New Guinea has a substantial body of extractive-sector governance data that could help shape the country's emerging environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting framework, according to the Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI).

PNGEITI Executive Director George Kauli said the information collected, reconciled and publicly disclosed through the EITI process could provide a credible foundation for stronger ESG reporting, assurance and investor confidence.

Kauli made the remarks during the 2026 Certified Practising Accountant Papua New Guinea (CPA PNG) conference in Lae on Aug. 28, where he delivered a presentation titled "Bridging Transparency and Transformation: Integrating PNGEITI Data into National ESG Reporting Frameworks."

It was PNGEITI's first presentation at a CPA PNG conference and opened a new avenue for engagement with the accounting and finance profession.

Kauli said the engagement was important because accountants and finance professionals play a central role in how information is collected, verified, reported and ultimately used for decision-making.

He said PNG did not necessarily need to start from scratch in developing the information base required for ESG reporting.

Instead, the country could make better use of governance data already collected and reconciled through PNGEITI.

Under the EITI Standard, government agencies and companies involved in PNG's mining and oil and gas sectors disclose information across the extractive industry value chain.

This includes contracts and licences, production and exports, government revenues, company payments, beneficial ownership, state participation, subnational payments and transfers, as well as social and environmental expenditures.

Kauli said the data provided an opportunity to connect transparency with ESG reporting while potentially reducing duplication between reporting systems.

The EITI value chain generates information from licensing and production through to revenue collection, allocation and benefits received by communities.

"When these datasets are connected, they provide a more complete picture of how Papua New Guinea's natural resources contribute to the economy and society," he said.

Kauli, however, stressed that data was valuable only when it was reliable, comparable, transparent and capable of supporting sound decisions.

He said this was where the relationship between EITI and ESG became particularly important.

Kauli also clarified that PNGEITI was primarily a governance initiative rather than an environmental reporting framework.

"As Papua New Guinea's national implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, PNGEITI collects information from reporting government agencies and extractive companies, reconciles payments and receipts, produces independently verified reports and publicly discloses the results," he said.

"Its broader purpose is to improve transparency, strengthen accountability and support evidence-based policy-making."

Looking at the EITI value chain through an ESG lens, Kauli identified significant areas of overlap.

PNGEITI provides governance information on revenues, tax payments, beneficial ownership, contracts, state participation and subnational transfers, while also capturing social information related to community investments, local content and benefit sharing.

Kauli said ESG was increasingly influencing how investors assess companies, projects and jurisdictions.

For PNG, he said the discussion should therefore go beyond whether companies were producing ESG reports and consider whether investors could trust the information provided, whether resource revenues were managed transparently, whether communities were benefiting and whether institutions had the capacity to produce reliable information.

"Investment follows confidence and confidence requires credible information," Kauli said.

He said one of the key messages for the accounting profession was that the focus should not simply be on what data was available, but on the reliability of that data.

Kauli highlighted independent reconciliation, multi-stakeholder oversight, public disclosure and reporting against an internationally recognised standard as key characteristics of PNGEITI data.

He said these principles were closely aligned with the work of accountants and assurance professionals, where the quality of a final report depended on the quality of underlying information, controls, verification processes and supporting evidence.

Revenue verification

The presentation prompted a question from an accountant about whether revenue data collected by PNGEITI was credible and could be relied upon for reporting.

Kauli said PNGEITI did not simply accept information provided by extractive companies at face value.

Instead, the EITI reporting process applies several layers of verification to establish the reliability of the information.

"Extractive companies provide financial and other relevant information for the specific financial year being reported and that information is subject to their own internal processes and controls, including internal audit processes," he said.

PNGEITI then verifies company-reported information against records held by relevant government reporting agencies.

"For example, if a company reports a particular amount of Corporate Income Tax for a financial year, we verify that information with the Internal Revenue Commission," Kauli said.

PNGEITI reporting also covers production, exports and sales, subnational payments and transfers and other information across the extractive industry value chain.

Information submitted by reporting entities is ultimately reconciled by an independent administrator, providing another layer of independent verification.

Kauli also highlighted efforts to strengthen assurance around government-reported data through the JICA-funded Revenue Management Project, implemented in partnership with the Office of the PNG Auditor-General.

Through agreed-upon procedures, or AUP, PNGEITI is supporting additional verification of selected extractive revenue streams and government reporting processes.

"Unlike a financial audit, AUP involves specific procedures agreed between the relevant parties, with the practitioner reporting factual findings rather than providing an audit opinion," he said.

The initiative complements PNGEITI's existing reconciliation process and is intended to strengthen government assurance systems and confidence in the accuracy and reliability of extractive revenue reporting.

Subnational transparency

Kauli also highlighted PNGEITI's expanding work to improve transparency at the subnational level through its Subnational Awareness Roadshow, supported by the World Bank.

The initiative engages provincial governments, local-level governments and landowner associations to improve understanding of extractive revenue flows and strengthen stakeholders' ability to access, understand and use the information.

Kauli said an important question for many Papua New Guineans was not simply how much extractive revenue had been collected nationally, but what happened to revenue intended to benefit their province, district, local-level government or community.

Strengthening transparency at the subnational level was also important from an ESG perspective, he said, because the social impacts and benefits of extractive projects were ultimately experienced at community and subnational levels.

ESG opportunities

Looking ahead, Kauli identified three opportunities for PNG: recognising PNGEITI as a governance data source for national ESG reporting; strengthening collaboration between PNGEITI and the accounting profession; and developing national ESG assurance capability in areas such as data controls, verification and assurance methodologies.

He said the accounting profession, including CPA PNG, had an important role to play as ESG reporting developed, particularly through its expertise in controls, materiality, reporting systems, assurance and data quality.

Kauli summed up his presentation in five words: transparency, trust, investment, opportunity and transformation.

"Transparency provides reliable and accessible information. Reliable information builds trust. Trust creates confidence, and confidence supports investment," he said.

"Investment, in turn, creates opportunities for jobs, infrastructure and inclusive development. Ultimately, these contribute to transformation."

Kauli said PNGEITI already had a trusted foundation of governance data, but integrating that information into PNG's broader ESG reporting landscape would require collaboration among government, industry, civil society and the accounting and finance profession.

Tolu Minerals Ltd. has increased the mineral resource estimate at its Tolukuma gold mine in Papua New Guinea by 81% to 909,000 ounces, as the company advances plans to restart production in early 2027.

The updated resource comprises 4.31 million tonnes grading 6.57 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold and 28.2 g/t of silver, containing 909,000 ounces of gold and 3.9 million ounces of silver at a 3 g/t gold cut-off.

The estimate includes a maiden 199,000-ounce Indicated Resource, comprising 850,000 tonnes at 7.33 g/t gold. Tolu said this provides a basis for mine planning and future Ore Reserve estimation.

The resource was independently prepared by H&S Consultants Pty Ltd under the 2012 JORC Code, using data available up to June 30, 2026.

Compared with the previous 2023 estimate at the same cut-off grade, contained gold increased 81%, tonnes rose 169% and contained silver increased 104%.

The average gold grade, however, declined from about 9.6 g/t in the 2023 estimate to 6.57 g/t, which Tolu attributed to the inclusion of a broader volume of mineralised material within the interpreted structural corridor.

Tolu said the increase was driven by 143 drill holes covering 22,975 metres completed between February and June, together with a rebuilt geological model.

The revised model identifies 44 mineralised veins and splays, compared with 15 in the previous interpretation. Only 10 of the 44 are included in the current resource estimate.

The company said the Tolukuma vein system extends for at least 8 kilometres, although only about 1.2 kilometres has been accessed by underground mining. The current resource has an interpreted strike length of about 2.33 kilometres and an average depth of approximately 550 metres below surface.

"Tolu has grown the Tolukuma resource by 81% to 909,000 ounces of gold at 6.6 grams per tonne," Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Chris Muller said.

He said the company had identified 44 mineralised veins and splays within the mining lease, with only 10 incorporated into the current resource.

Drilling has continued since the June 30 resource cut-off, with seven rigs operating across surface and underground operations. Tolu expects to release a detailed exploration update in October, with results from the post-cut-off drilling expected to contribute to another resource update in 2027.

The company is undertaking a 75,000-metre-plus near-mine drilling campaign focused on the Central Mine Zone and Northern and Southern Expansion Zones.

The campaign is intended to systematically test the Tolukuma system along its known strike and support the planned restart of the mine using existing infrastructure.

Tolu's reported gold resources have now reached 1.037 million ounces, comprising the updated Tolukuma resource and the previously reported 128,000-ounce Inferred Resource at the nearby Saki prospect.

The combined figure represents an increase of 406,000 ounces, or 64%, from the 631,000 ounces previously reported across the two deposits. The two estimates have different effective dates and cut-off grades and have not been aggregated for grade purposes.

Tolu is targeting a return to production at Tolukuma in the first quarter of 2027 using the existing processing plant, hydroelectric station, road access and underground infrastructure.

The company cautioned, however, that it has not yet completed a feasibility study or established an Ore Reserve for Tolukuma.

The proposed restart remains subject to several works, including completion of the Major Infrastructure Project access road and incline, dewatering and exploration drives, underground tailings facilities, mill refurbishment and power upgrades, including the hydroelectric plant and camp expansion.

The Tolukuma mine, located about 100 kilometres north of Port Moresby in Central Province, previously produced about 1 million ounces of gold between 1995 and 2015, at an average recovered grade of about 14 g/t.

Tolu owns the fully permitted mine and about 2,200 square kilometres of surrounding exploration licences.

The company said the updated resource provides a foundation for its proposed production restart, while further drilling is expected to test additional mineralised veins and extensions of the Tolukuma system.

Note: The company's JORC documentation says its recent quality-control programme identified poor-to-medium accuracy and precision in some certified reference materials, including negative bias in a low-grade gold standard and positive bias in a medium-grade standard. No batches were re-assayed based on that performance, and the document says the issue needs to be resolved.

Adyton Resources Corp. has reported a 167-metre gold-copper intercept from surface at its Feni Island project in Papua New Guinea, as drilling continues to expand the Kabang mineralised system.

The company said drill hole FDD026 intersected 167 metres grading 1.03 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold and 0.12 percent copper, equivalent to 1.14 g/t gold equivalent (AuEq), from surface.

The intercept included 57 metres grading 1.91 g/t gold and 0.17 percent copper, or 2.03 g/t AuEq.

Adyton said the result validated historical drilling and provided further evidence of continuity, grade and scale at the Kabang gold-copper system.

The company, which owns 100 percent of the 1.46-million-ounce inferred-resource Feni gold-copper project, said the mineralised system remains open to the northeast and southwest.

Other results from the latest drilling included hole FDD018, which returned 92 metres at 0.61 g/t gold and 0.07 percent copper from 98 metres, and FDD027, which intersected 162 metres at 0.43 g/t gold and 0.06 percent copper from 94 metres.

Hole FDD029 returned 34 metres at 0.82 g/t gold and 0.04 percent copper from 24 metres.

Adyton said the northeast and southwest extensions now form a prospective mineralised structural corridor of about 2 kilometres in strike length.

"The Kabang system now spans more than 2km of strike length and remains open in both directions," Chief Executive Officer Tim Crossley said.

The company is continuing step-out drilling along the northeast zone, with six follow-up holes under way. It said successful drilling could add more than 500 metres to the strike length and mineralised footprint of the zone.

In the southwest, recent earthworks and geological mapping have identified a structural corridor with multiple parallel mineralised zones. Six follow-up holes are also planned to test and expand the corridor.

Adyton said historic drilling in the southwest had returned high-grade results, including hole MAD006, which intersected 2 metres at 16.3 g/t gold from 42 metres.

Drilling is also continuing around the central Kabang mineral resource estimate to test peripheral zones and support the potential conversion and expansion of the resource.

The company said it had drilled more than 18,000 metres at Feni year-to-date, with about 7,500 metres of assays still outstanding.

Adyton is targeting an upgrade of its mineral resource estimate to the indicated category while testing extensions to the existing resource, including higher-grade targets to the northeast and southwest.

The company also reported evidence of deeper porphyry-style mineralisation, citing elevated molybdenum levels in drilling on the southern flank of Kabang. Holes 19 and 21 recorded molybdenum levels of up to 1,205 parts per million.

Adyton said the molybdenum results were being used as a vector towards a potential deeper porphyry system.

A 5-kilometre by 5-kilometre induced polarisation (IP) geophysical survey is also under way across Feni Island. The survey is designed to identify blind gold-copper mineralisation, Kabang-style repeats and other potential porphyry systems.

The company said the survey was the first widespread systematic IP programme undertaken on Feni Island and would help guide future drilling.

Adyton also announced that the neighbouring Babase Exploration Licence (EL2863) had been granted, expanding its Feni Islands district position by almost 40 percent. The Kabang deposit is located on Anir Island under EL2096.

Separately, the company said work was progressing on its gold projects on Fergusson Island, including the Gameta and Wapolu projects.

At Gameta, locations for the process plant and tailings dam have been confirmed, while land mapping and baseline environmental and social work have begun.

At Wapolu, work is progressing on a processing plant to support bulk sampling and flowsheet testing, as well as production of concentrate samples for customer testing and final offtake pricing.

Adyton said the granting of a mining licence remained the final statutory hurdle for commercial operations at Wapolu. It expects the licence to be granted in October 2026 and is targeting commercial production in the fourth quarter of 2027.

The company also noted recent merger and acquisition activity in Papua New Guinea's gold sector, including St Barbara's sale of its remaining interest in the Simberi mine to Lingbao.

The Feni project is located along the Lihir Trend, which hosts major gold-copper deposits including the Lihir mine operated by Newmont.

Adyton said its Feni project has an inferred resource of 1.46 million ounces of gold and is focused on expanding the resource base and identifying additional high-grade targets.

The Farmers & Settlers Association is calling on Papua New Guinea to accelerate its transition from food security-focused agriculture to commercially driven farming, mechanisation and downstream processing as the country marks its 51st year of Independence.

The call comes as the association marks 70 years of involvement in PNG’s coffee industry, agriculture, rural business development and the establishment of the Goroka Show.

In a statement released on September 16, Farmers & Settlers Association President Wilson Thompson said primary industries had remained a major contributor to economic development through rural employment, domestic production, imports and exports.

“Wherever you work, in the remote or rural areas to the town and cities, the primary industry sector has been the engine for growth and sustenance including large workforce,” Thompson said.

He said the next phase of agricultural development should focus on expanding commercial production and retaining more value from agricultural commodities within PNG.

“As we move beyond the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of the HFSA, the Coffee industry and the Goroka Show, 2026 also marks the new era of the coffee industry under the National Coffee Authority and the onset of El Nino and drought that should challenge us in our communities and in our business,” he said.

“We must emphasise and move towards more commercial agriculture using mechanised farming and going into downstream processing in PNG.”

Coffee and rural enterprise

The association said its history was closely linked to the development of coffee as a commercial crop in the Highlands and across PNG.

Its involvement in the sector included policy and industry initiatives dating to the 1950s, including the visit of University of Hawaii Professor Baron Goto in 1953, a 1961 inquiry into coffee tariffs, the establishment of the Coffee Marketing Board — now the Coffee Industry Corporation — and the development of direct coffee exports.

The association also promoted other agricultural and rural industries, including passion fruit, peanuts, tea, tobacco, beekeeping, honey production, inland fisheries, sheep and goats, to diversify rural incomes and improve food and nutrition security.

Its work extended into rural commerce and supply chains. In 1969, it established the Farmers and Settlers Marketing Cooperative Ltd to transport farm supplies and produce between members’ farms and Lae. It later established Farmers and Settlers Cooperative Ltd, now Farmset Ltd, to provide agricultural supplies to farmers and communities.

Building value within PNG

The association said its current focus on downstream processing was aimed at retaining more of the value generated by agricultural commodities within PNG instead of relying primarily on exports of raw or minimally processed products.

It said processing, packaging, manufacturing and related services could create additional businesses and jobs, particularly in coffee and other agricultural industries.

The association has also promoted locally made products and domestic consumption as part of efforts to expand the local economy.

Its agricultural activities have been complemented by rural shows and cultural events that provide platforms for farmers, businesses and communities to showcase agricultural products, livestock and local industries.

The Goroka Show remains one of the most prominent outcomes of this work. The association has also been involved in agricultural shows in Wau, Kainantu, Morobe and the Waghi Valley, as well as the Papuan Agriculture Show, later known as the Port Moresby Show.

The association acknowledged the contributions of generations of farmers, businesses, employees and industry organisations to the development of PNG’s agricultural sector.

Thompson said the association’s seven decades of work had been underpinned by the contribution of farmers, businesses and communities to the wider economy.

“We thank your board and management and employees, past and present, for contribution to the business and agriculture sector and the imports and exports that underpins the economy of PNG,” he said.

As PNG enters a new phase of coffee industry development and faces climate pressures including El Nino and drought, the association said commercial agriculture, mechanisation and downstream processing should form part of the sector’s next stage of development.

It said the focus should be on expanding production, strengthening rural businesses, creating employment and developing industries that retain greater economic value within PNG.

Papua New Guinea’s natural resources must be managed as long-term economic assets that create opportunities for communities and future generations, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Jelta Wong says.

In his Independence Day message marking PNG’s 51st anniversary on September 16, Wong said the country’s continued development required stronger policies and better resource management to ensure Papua New Guineans shared equitably in the benefits of its natural wealth.

“Our natural resources are not just commodities; they are the lifeblood of our communities and the key to our sustainable future,” Wong said.

Wong said the Government was implementing new policies and reviewing existing ones to improve access to resources and strengthen the benefits flowing to the people.

“The crux of our ongoing transformation lies in our dedication to implementing new policies and revising existing ones that ensure equitable access to our resources,” he said.

He said resource development must be balanced with environmental stewardship to preserve economic opportunities for future generations.

“By prioritizing sustainability and stewardship of our environment, we lay the groundwork for future generations, ensuring that they inherit a land that is not only rich in resources but also in opportunity,” Wong said.

For the fisheries sector, sustainable management of marine resources is closely linked to the long-term viability of fishing activities, coastal livelihoods and the broader blue economy.

Building on 51 years of independence

Reflecting on PNG’s development since 1975, Wong acknowledged the country had faced challenges and made mistakes, but said progress depended on learning from those experiences and addressing shortcomings.

He said PNG’s diversity, represented by more than 800 languages and thousands of tribal groups, remained a strength as the country pursued economic and social development.

“Our diversity is our strength, a testament to the resilience and spirit of our people,” Wong said.

He said the country’s development required cooperation and a shared commitment to building a prosperous and sustainable future.

“As we commemorate this significant milestone, let us reaffirm our commitment to working hand in hand, learning from one another, and striving toward a common goal,” he said.

Wong said the goal should be to leave PNG in a better position for future generations, with its natural resources supporting lasting economic and social opportunities.

“Together, we will leave Papua New Guinea better than we found it, ensuring that the baton of progress remains firmly in the hands of our people,” he said.

He concluded by calling for a renewed sense of purpose as PNG enters its next phase of national development.

“Let us celebrate our independence with a renewed sense of purpose, united in our vision for a prosperous and sustainable future,” Wong said.

Papua New Guinea's mining, oil and gas, infrastructure and industrial sectors continue to expand, driving increased demand for reliable, efficient and flexible equipment solutions. Whether supporting a shutdown at a major mine, powering a remote workforce accommodation village, providing compressed air for construction activities or delivering reliable power to critical infrastructure, today's projects require more than equipment alone. They require solutions.

As Papua New Guinea's authorised Atlas Copco distributor, High Arctic is bringing a complete range of power and industrial equipment solutions to the market, supported by local expertise, service capability and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by businesses operating throughout PNG.

More Than a Distributor

High Arctic's partnership with Atlas Copco provides customers with access to one of the world's most recognised equipment platforms across power generation, energy storage, lighting and compressed air technologies.

However, the real value extends far beyond the equipment itself.

Every project presents different operational challenges. Remote mining operations demand reliability in harsh environments. LNG facilities require dependable backup and standby power. Infrastructure developments require flexible solutions capable of adapting as project requirements evolve. Industrial facilities seek improved efficiency, reduced operating costs and greater visibility of critical assets.

By combining Atlas Copco's world-leading technology with High Arctic's local knowledge and support capability, customers gain access to solutions designed specifically for PNG conditions.

Power Generation Solutions

Reliable power remains one of the most critical requirements for many organisations operating throughout Papua New Guinea.

Atlas Copco's generator range provides power solutions spanning temporary construction power, standby applications, remote operational support and large-scale industrial projects. Designed for demanding environments, these generators deliver reliability, fuel efficiency and operational flexibility where power availability is critical.

For customers seeking greater flexibility, High Arctic can provide both sales and rental solutions, allowing organisations to select the ownership model best suited to their operational and commercial objectives.

Whether supporting planned shutdowns, remote resource developments or long-term infrastructure projects, High Arctic can develop power solutions tailored to project requirements.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

One of the most significant developments in modern power generation is battery energy storage.

Atlas Copco's ZenergiZe battery energy storage systems are helping redefine how power is generated, stored and managed. By integrating battery storage into traditional power systems, organisations can reduce generator run hours, lower fuel consumption and improve overall system efficiency.

For operations where fuel transport and logistics represent a significant cost, these improvements can deliver substantial operational and commercial benefits.

Battery energy storage is particularly relevant for mining operations, workforce accommodation villages, industrial facilities and infrastructure projects where power demands fluctuate throughout the day.

As the market continues to move towards smarter and more sustainable energy solutions, High Arctic is well positioned to support customers through the transition.

Portable and Industrial Compressors

Compressed air remains a critical utility across many industries and is often referred to as the fourth utility behind electricity, water and gas.

Atlas Copco's compressor range supports a wide variety of applications including mining, construction, drilling, abrasive blasting, pipeline maintenance, civil works and industrial operations.

Known globally for reliability, efficiency and performance, Atlas Copco compressors are designed to operate in some of the world's most demanding environments.

Supported by High Arctic's sales, rental and service capability, customers can access compressed air solutions that deliver productivity while reducing downtime.

Lighting Solutions for Modern Worksites

Safe and productive worksites require reliable lighting.

Atlas Copco's lighting tower range includes modern LED, hybrid and solar-powered solutions designed to provide efficient site illumination while reducing fuel consumption and operating costs.

From mining shutdowns and infrastructure projects to emergency response activities and remote construction sites, modern lighting solutions play a critical role in supporting operational safety and productivity.

With increasing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, lighting technology continues to evolve, creating new opportunities for customers to reduce costs while improving site performance.

Intelligent Equipment Monitoring

Today's equipment is smarter than ever before.

Atlas Copco's FleetLink telematics platform allows customers to remotely monitor equipment performance, utilisation, fuel consumption, operating hours, service intervals and alarm notifications from virtually anywhere.

For organisations managing equipment across multiple locations throughout Papua New Guinea, access to real-time information can significantly improve operational decision-making and maintenance planning.

Rather than reacting to equipment issues after they occur, businesses can take a more proactive approach to asset management, helping improve reliability while reducing operating costs.

Sales, Rental and Tailored Solutions

No two projects are the same.

Some customers prefer to purchase equipment as part of their long-term operating strategy. Others require the flexibility of rental equipment to support temporary projects, shutdowns, maintenance campaigns or changing operational requirements.

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From a single generator through to integrated power stations, battery energy storage systems, compressors and lighting fleets, High Arctic can design and deliver solutions tailored to specific operational requirements.

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Supporting PNG's Future

As Papua New Guinea continues to invest in mining, LNG, oil and gas, infrastructure and industrial development, demand for reliable equipment and energy solutions will continue to grow.

Through its partnership with Atlas Copco, High Arctic is committed to providing customers with access to world-class technology supported by local expertise, technical capability and responsive service.

The focus is not simply on supplying equipment.

It is about understanding the customer's challenge, delivering the right solution and becoming a trusted partner in their success.

Because when reliability matters, High Arctic is helping power the industries driving Papua New Guinea forward.

 

About High Arctic

High Arctic is the authorised Atlas Copco distributor for Papua New Guinea, providing sales, rental and service solutions across power generation, battery energy storage systems, compressors, lighting towers and industrial equipment.

Supporting the mining, oil and gas, infrastructure, utilities, construction and industrial sectors, High Arctic combines global technology with local expertise to deliver solutions specifically designed for PNG conditions.

For Further Information

Steve Macklin
General Manager – Rental Equipment

Leon Townsend
Sales Manager

High Arctic Energy Services PNG

Powering PNG's growth through world-class technology, local expertise and reliable energy solutions.

Pacific Towing (PacTow) is taking another significant step in its regional growth strategy, with the re-flagging of its Honiara-based ASD tug Pacific Salvor to Solomon Islands.

The move is more than a change of flag. It represents a shift from having a Papua New Guinea vessel permanently deployed into the Solomon Islands market to embedding a major marine asset within the country itself.

Once the re-flagging process is complete, Pacific Salvor will legally become a Solomon Islands vessel, fly the Solomon Islands flag and be renamed. The process is expected to take approximately six months.

PacTow General Manager Gerard Kasnari says the decision reflects the company’s long-term commitment to both Solomon Islands and the wider Melanesian maritime industry.

A major capability permanently based in Solomon Islands

Pacific Salvor is not just a harbour tug. The 50-tonne bollard-pull ASD vessel is also capable of emergency towage, salvage, wreck removal and long-distance ocean towage. It is equipped with specialist firefighting capability, enabling it to support vessels affected by onboard fires.

Recent events have already demonstrated the value of having such a vessel available locally.

When the cargo and passenger vessel MV Anjeanette caught fire at Honiara Port, Pacific Salvor was mobilised in the early hours of the morning, provided boundary cooling and towed the burning vessel away from the port and nearby fuel storage facilities.

The tug was also deployed when general cargo vessel MV Wealth broke down while under Solomon Islands police escort, requiring an emergency tow to Honiara.

Re-flagging reinforces a long-term regional strategy

The re-flagging of Pacific Salvor also sits within a much larger PacTow fleet investment program.

The company has invested PGK70 million in two technologically advanced new-build ASD tugs, Pacific Responder and Pacific Resolute.

With a 70-tonne bollard pull, Pacific Responder is more powerful than any other tug in the PacTow fleet and is equipped with advanced firefighting capability and high-powered forward and aft winches. The vessel has been designed to support not only complex harbour towage, but also salvage, emergency response and long-distance towage.  A very similar vessel, but with a 60-tonne bollard pull, Pacific Resolute, further increases PacTow’s fleet capacity.

While the two new-build tugs were acquired primarily to strengthen harbour towage capability in PNG, their significance extends well beyond PNG’s ports. 

In short, a stronger fleet in PNG creates a stronger fleet across the region. It improves PacTow’s ability to maintain harbour towage coverage while mobilising vessels for emergencies and major projects in other countries. In Solomon Islands, that regional investment is complemented by a very local commitment - the permanent deployment and now re-flagging of a second tug, Pacific Salvor.

Matrix Constructions PNG Limited has built its business around a straightforward proposition: combine decades of construction experience in Papua New Guinea with a predominantly local workforce capable of delivering projects across commercial, residential, infrastructure and resource-sector markets.

The Port Moresby-based company was established in 2011, but traces its PNG operating history to its parent company, which has been active in the country since 1960. Matrix is wholly Papua New Guinean-owned and says it has the capacity to design and construct projects in Port Moresby as well as regional areas.

Its work covers commercial, retail and industrial developments; low-, medium- and high-rise residential projects and resorts; housing; health and education facilities; aviation infrastructure; and mining and infrastructure projects.

The breadth of those sectors is reflected in projects highlighted by the company, including the Air Niugini Residential Apartments, Governor General Precinct, Jacksons International Terminal Building, Hides EPC4 PNG LNG Project and Walter Strong Building at Port Moresby General Hospital.

For Matrix, the ability to operate across different sectors is supported by an in-house management structure covering operations, finance, safety, quality and environmental management.

Local workforce

A key feature of the company's model is its workforce.

Matrix says 98% of its employees are Papua New Guineans, supported by expatriate personnel. Its workforce includes labourers and apprentices through to project administrators, site engineers, site managers, project managers, design managers, cost planners and supervisors.

The company says its personnel collectively bring decades of construction experience in Papua New Guinea and Australia. That combination of local knowledge and technical experience is central to its approach to project delivery.

The focus on national participation is particularly relevant in a construction market where major developments increasingly require contractors to combine technical capability with an understanding of local operating conditions and workforce requirements.

Safety and quality

Matrix also places safety and quality at the centre of its project delivery model.

The company says its workforce is focused on meeting high standards of safety and quality and that its operations adhere to relevant Australian and international standards. It positions these capabilities as important credentials for undertaking both public- and private-sector projects.

Its project experience spans environments with significantly different requirements — from residential accommodation and government facilities to airport infrastructure, healthcare and the resources sector.

That diversity has given the company exposure to the different technical, logistical and management demands associated with construction in Papua New Guinea.

Building local capability

Matrix's story is ultimately one of building a locally owned construction business around established experience and a predominantly national workforce.

Its stated objective is not confined to construction capacity alone. The company has developed an organisational structure covering project management, design, cost planning, engineering, supervision and site operations, allowing it to maintain capabilities across different stages of project delivery.

For a Papua New Guinean contractor, that breadth matters as the country's construction market continues to encompass government infrastructure, private developments, resources projects and essential facilities.

More than a decade after Matrix Constructions was established, its positioning remains grounded in the same fundamentals: local ownership, experienced people, broad sector capability and a focus on safety and quality.

The company's profile presents those capabilities as the foundation for working with both public and private-sector clients across Papua New Guinea — with the experience of its parent business providing a history that stretches back more than six decades.

An Australian professional who arrived in Papua New Guinea for work on Friday, 28 August 2026, took time to explore the country’s history, culture and traditions through a guided Port Moresby tour arranged by Wisdom Travels Limited on 29 August 2026.

Mr Peter Smith said he came to PNG for work but also wanted to understand the nation beyond what is shared on social media. He specifically requested to visit Bomana War Cemetery, the National Museum, Parliament House, Nature Park, Koki Market and Ela Beach.

He was picked up from his hotel and taken on a tour of Port Moresby. He described the experience as emotional, particularly his visit to Bomana War Cemetery.

Mr Smith said the National Museum was the most important place to learn about Papua New Guinea’s culture.

“From there, I learned that Papua New Guinea is not just Port Moresby. It has a long, rich and beautiful history that is unique in the world, with more than 800 languages and diverse tribal cultures and ways of life,” he said.

“That is something we have forgotten in the West, and it makes me want to experience more of Papua New Guinea, not just the capital.”

Reflecting on his experience, Mr Smith encouraged visitors to get out and explore.

“From what you hear on social media, you get one picture. But Port Moresby is a city that is still growing. It is spread out, and the only way to really feel it is to get out and take a tour of different places,” he said.

He thanked Wisdom Travels Limited for organising the tour and taking him to the places he wanted to visit.

Mr Smith said he plans to return to Papua New Guinea to experience more of its culture, with a particular interest in visiting the Highlands.

Papua New Guinea’s primary industries sector is seeking an urgent update on outstanding Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds and tax credits, with some major businesses reportedly still awaiting payments dating back to 2018, 2019 and 2020.

The Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association (HFSA), led by President Wilson Thompson, OBE, ML, has issued a circular asking members for details of their tax returns and most recent refunds.

The association has previously raised the issue with the Chief Secretary, Secretary for Treasury and the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) Commissioner General, including during discussions around the 2025 Budget Lockup.

According to the September 6, 2026 circular, HFSA first wrote to the IRC on December 2, 2024, before following up with the Acting Commissioner General, who provided figures on tax refunds. However, information from members indicates that several businesses have yet to receive outstanding refunds.

HFSA is now seeking to reconcile member records with those held by the IRC. Businesses have been asked to provide their Taxpayer Identification Numbers, dates of their latest GST, Salary and Wages Tax and Corporate Income Tax returns, and the month in which their last GST refund was paid or credited.

The request spans a broad range of primary industries, underscoring the potential scale of the issue across agricultural production, processing, exports, livestock and related services.

Industries identified include oil palm, rubber, coconut, cocoa, coffee, livestock, horticulture and fresh produce, grains and rice, as well as farm supply and service companies. Listed businesses include Hargy Plantations, Ramu Agri Industries, Agmark NGIP, Outspan, PNG Coffee Exports, Olam International, Mainland Holdings, Trukai Industries, Goodman Fielder and Chemica, among others.

Provincial and industry organisations, including Morobe Resource Holdings, HFSA and the Poultry Industry Association, are also covered by the circular.

GST refunds can directly affect cash flow, particularly for export-oriented and capital-intensive businesses. For primary producers and processors, delayed tax credits can tie up working capital needed for operations, inputs, suppliers and expansion.

The matter therefore extends beyond tax administration, with implications for investment, business liquidity and the wider performance of PNG’s agriculture and primary production sectors.

HFSA said member information would be treated confidentially and provided to the IRC to obtain an updated position from its records. Members have been asked to respond by September 15, 2026, with individual updates to follow.

The circular has been copied to senior government agencies and officials, including the Chief Secretary, Secretary for Treasury, Department of Commerce and Industry, IRC Commissioner General, and the Secretaries for Agriculture and Livestock and International Trade and Investment.

The initiative reflects continued private-sector engagement with government on tax administration issues. Resolving long-standing GST refund claims could strengthen working capital and improve confidence in the tax system across PNG’s agriculture and resource-based business community.

Papua New Guinea is open to Chinese mining and exploration investment, but projects must deliver fair benefits for landowners and the country while protecting the environment, Mining Minister Solen Loifa says.

Loifa made the remarks during an address to potential investors at the China Mining Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Tianjin, China, on Sept. 11.

He said the government welcomed investment that created returns for investors while also supporting the welfare of communities, the country’s economic interests and sustainable environmental outcomes.

“Mining should be done with win-win co-operation for the government, the people and investors,” Loifa said.

His message reflects Prime Minister James Marape’s position that Papua New Guinea welcomes investment when it delivers a fair share of benefits to the country and its people.

Loifa said the government was preparing for the next generation of mines by strengthening systems, improving regulatory processes and pursuing legislative reforms to address challenges in the sector and support economic growth.

The reforms include the establishment of a one-stop shop for mining and minerals investment. The government plans to realign policies and institutions to create an integrated service centre that centralises licensing, permitting and compliance processes.

The initiative is intended to reduce the fragmented departmental processes currently faced by explorers and miners.

The government also plans to extend the tenure of exploration licences from two years to five years. Loifa said the change would provide greater stability for high-risk, technology-driven exploration programmes.

A new retention licence category is also proposed. The licence would allow companies to retain discovered mineral deposits during periods of unfavourable market conditions or when further technical work is required to establish viability.

For projects of national significance, the government is moving towards a merit-based and strategic allocation of mineral tenements rather than relying solely on the first-in-time application process.

Loifa said the proposed approach would prioritise genuine operators in highly prospective areas. Existing licence holders and applicants seeking to explore areas not reserved for strategic purposes would not be affected, with first-in-time and merit-based applications to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The government also plans to reduce administrative delays by increasing staff capacity and moving towards an electronically automated system. Proposed regulations would introduce stricter timelines for licence renewals to prevent projects from being delayed by administrative processes.

The Mineral Resources Authority, the government agency responsible for regulating Papua New Guinea’s mining sector, is undergoing a strategic realignment as part of the reforms. The authority is expected to serve as the main gateway for the proposed one-stop shop mining and minerals investment initiative.

“Our message to the global mining community is clear,” Loifa said. “We have heard your concerns regarding regulatory uncertainty and administrative delays. We are removing the hurdles that have historically slowed discovery while ensuring that the people of Papua New Guinea benefit equitably from our resource wealth.”

Madang Port is set to receive a new purpose-built pilot boat following the arrival of Musangu II, further strengthening Papua New Guinea’s maritime infrastructure and port operations.

The fourth of five pilot boats delivered through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) is undergoing final safety and registration checks before entering service.

Australia is partnering with PNG Ports through the Ports Infrastructure Investment Programme (PIIP) to deliver coordinated port infrastructure upgrades across Papua New Guinea. The programme aims to enhance the safety, resilience and performance of the country’s ports for communities, businesses and maritime users.

Musangu II replaces an ageing pilot boat and will enhance safety by providing PNG Ports with a modern, reliable means of transferring marine pilots to and from ships calling at Madang Port.

Pilot boats play a critical role in port operations, helping vessels navigate safely through local waters. The arrival of Musangu II will strengthen these services in Madang and support the smooth movement of cargo and trade.

PNG Ports Chief Executive Officer Neil Papenfus said the vessel would help ensure PNG Ports continues to provide reliable services at Madang Port.

“PNG Ports has a responsibility to ensure our ports operate safely and efficiently for all users. The addition of Musangu II strengthens our marine pilotage capability and helps us continue providing safe and reliable services to vessels calling at Madang Port,” Papenfus said.

The new pilot boats deliver significant improvements in reliability, safety and operational performance, helping to minimise disruptions and ensure the continued safe movement of vessels through Papua New Guinea’s ports.

Another benefit of the fleet upgrade is the standardisation of pilot boats, replacing legacy vessels of varying ages, designs and capabilities. This will simplify crew training, maintenance and spare-parts management while improving operational flexibility.

All five vessels were manufactured by Norman R. Wright & Sons in Brisbane and are specifically designed to provide safe, reliable and efficient pilotage services in Papua New Guinea’s rugged operating environment.

Once final safety checks are complete, Musangu II will be transferred to Madang Port and begin service. Taubar II, the fifth and final pilot boat, is in the final stages of testing in Brisbane and is expected to arrive in Port Moresby in late September 2026.

PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNGPCL) is Papua New Guinea’s national ports authority. It manages 15 of the country’s 23 declared ports and handles 100 per cent of the nation’s seaborne trade.

PNGPCL is a fully corporatised entity owned by the State and is the successor company to the PNG Harbours Board. Kumul Consolidated Holdings is the sole shareholder, holding shares in the corporation on behalf of the State of Papua New Guinea. The corporation’s management and operations are governed by relevant port and shipping regulations, as well as policy directives issued by the National Executive Council through the Ministry of State Enterprises.

PNG Ports Corporation Limited was officially launched on 13 November 2006. The organisation has operated under several names: Papua and New Guinea Harbours Board (1963-69), Papua New Guinea Harbours Board (1970-2002), PNG Harbours Board Limited (2002-06), and PNG Ports Corporation Limited from 2006.

PNGPCL operates and manages 15 of Papua New Guinea’s 23 declared ports: Aitape, Alotau, Buka, Daru, Kavieng, Kieta, Kimbe, Lae, Lorengau, Madang, Oro Bay, Port Moresby, Rabaul, Vanimo and Wewak. These ports handle more than 5.8 million tonnes of cargo annually, representing 100 per cent of Papua New Guinea’s seaborne trade. They also serve as the main gateways to more than 300 scattered islands.

The corporation provides berthage, wharfage, storage, pilotage, harbour management, surveillance and other port-related services. Pilotage services are supported by pilot launches stationed at PNGPCL’s main ports.

Port-related tariffs are regulated by the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission.

The Central Music Arts and Culture Festival, or CMACF, has opened in Bereina, Kairuku District, showcasing how cultural tourism, small businesses and community enterprise can contribute to Central Province’s local economy.

The festival began on Sept. 11, 2026, drawing a large crowd for traditional performances, contemporary music, local small and medium-sized enterprise displays, and community engagement.

The event provides a platform for local businesses and entrepreneurs to promote their products and services while bringing visitors and communities together through music, arts and cultural performances.

Beyond the entertainment programme, the festival grounds featured SME stalls, government agencies and commodity organisations engaging directly with the community. Representatives from the Papua New Guinea Cocoa Board, National Fisheries Authority and Internal Revenue Commission conducted public-awareness activities throughout the opening day.

Their participation added an economic dimension to the festival by connecting communities with information on agriculture, fisheries, taxation and opportunities in the formal economy.

Culture as a tourism asset

Kairuku District Administrator Henry Oa welcomed visitors and dignitaries, thanking Central Governor Rufina Peter and the Central Provincial Administration for selecting Kairuku as the host location.

Oa said the festival was about more than music and dancing. It was an opportunity to showcase Papua New Guinea’s heritage, beauty and talent to the country and the world.

“This festival is not just about music and dancing; it is about our heritage and showing PNG and the world our beauty and talent,” Oa said. “Unity is what binds us together.”

The festival offers an opportunity to position Central Province’s cultural heritage as part of its wider tourism offering while enabling local businesses to benefit from increased visitor activity.

Acting Provincial Administrator Bala Kapa emphasised the importance of preserving traditional knowledge as younger generations become increasingly exposed to modern technology and changing lifestyles.

Kapa challenged elders to pass on their knowledge, including traditional songs, tattoos, tapa-making, canoe carving, and local languages such as Motu, Roro and Mekeo.

“You are our library. If you close, we lose everything,” Kapa said.

He also encouraged young people to take pride in their cultural identity and use music and the arts to strengthen their connection to their communities and heritage.

Preserving and presenting these traditions can also support cultural tourism by giving visitors opportunities to experience local music, art, craftsmanship, language and traditional practices.

Governor Peter formally declared the festival open, commending the youth, local leaders and organising committee for bringing the event to life.

“This festival exists because of you,” Peter told the crowd.

“It is your colour, your song and your strength that make Central Province shine. The festival is more than an event—it is memory. It is the drumbeat of our ancestors speaking to us today.”

The opening day concluded with musical performances that kept the audience engaged into the afternoon. Gaire musician Hitsy Golu headlined the programme, alongside Martin Rawali, Igo Otto of Rearea, the Kanakas of Erima, the Rapids of Sogeri, and Bereina’s Iva Ovia and the Vmates, who closed out the first day.

The turnout and combination of cultural performances, music, SMEs and public-sector engagement showed how community festivals can bring together tourism, culture and local economic activity.

The festival continued through the weekend in Bereina, creating further opportunities for communities, performers, entrepreneurs and visitors to celebrate Central Province’s culture and creative economy.

A major water infrastructure rehabilitation and expansion project is set to launch in Ward 1 of the Moresby North-West electorate in Papua New Guinea’s National Capital District, aiming to improve service reliability, reduce water losses and strengthen revenue accountability.

Moresby North-West MP Lohia Boe Samuel announced the project, which will serve communities including Hanuabada, Elevala, Gabi, Mirigini (Badihagwa), Tatana-Araira, Baruni, Koukou and Sasivaga.

The initiative follows a 2021 assessment that identified ageing infrastructure, inadequate distribution networks, water rationing and significant water losses as key challenges in the electorate.

The project will replace and upgrade ageing distribution pipelines, expand the network, and refurbish water tanks and pump stations. It is designed to meet projected demand and provide Ward 1 households with more reliable access to potable water as the population grows.

Reducing water losses, improving revenue

One of the project’s key priorities is reducing water losses in the existing system.

The affected communities are currently classified as unbilled consumers, meaning water is supplied without an effective metering and billing system. The project aims to transition these villages to a metered water supply.

Metering is expected to provide more accurate consumption data, improve billing and strengthen revenue collection. It could also support a more financially sustainable water supply system by helping service providers better understand demand and plan infrastructure investments.

The upgrade comes as communities across the National Capital District, including Moresby North-West, face growing demand for essential urban infrastructure. A reliable water supply is critical for households, businesses and community facilities, while rationing and service interruptions can impose costs on residents and economic activity.

The project will also target higher-elevation communities, where maintaining water pressure and reliable supply can be particularly challenging. Fire hydrants will be installed throughout the upgraded network, providing an added public-safety benefit and improving communities’ capacity to respond to fire emergencies.

Further upgrades planned

The Ward 1 project is expected to form part of a wider programme to improve water infrastructure across the Moresby North-West electorate.

The electorate office said Wards 7, 8, 10 and 11 would follow after the successful completion of the Ward 1 project, extending improvements in water reliability, network coverage, metering and revenue accountability to more communities.

For Moresby North-West, the investment is more than an upgrade to ageing infrastructure. It is an investment in the essential services needed to support population growth, economic activity and improved living standards in Port Moresby.

Its success will depend on delivering a reliable 24/7 water supply, reducing system losses, improving metering and billing, and establishing a sustainable model for maintaining and expanding the network as demand increases.

Suggested tags: Water Infrastructure, National Capital District, Port Moresby, Moresby North-West, Water Supply, Urban Development, Service Reliability, Water Metering, Revenue Collection, Public Infrastructure, Papua New Guinea

Central Province has rejected the proposed Papua LNG benefit-sharing arrangements, seeking a 55-45 split with Gulf Province and arguing that its role as a co-host warrants a greater share of the project’s economic benefits.

Central Gov. Rufina Peter presented the province’s Tier 1 position paper at the Papua LNG Forum in Port Moresby on Sept. 4, 2026. She later handed the document to Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina.

The Papua LNG benefit package under discussion is valued at K6.605 billion. It includes legislated benefits such as royalties, equity and development levies, as well as negotiated benefits including business development grants, infrastructure development grants and high-impact infrastructure projects.

The benefits would be shared among landowners, provincial governments, district development authorities and local-level governments in Gulf and Central provinces.

Central has rejected the director’s proposed allocation of 70% of legislated benefits to Gulf and 30% to Central, as well as an 80-20 split of negotiated benefits. Instead, it wants Gulf to receive 55% and Central 45% across all benefit streams.

Central challenges benefit calculations

The director’s proposal was based on project-impacted population, the number of affected clans, the physical area affected and capital expenditure. Central said those factors produced a 66-34 split, rather than the proposed 70-30 allocation for legislated benefits.

After reviewing the data, the province said it identified missing information and inaccuracies, including the population of Kairuku LLG, the number of clans in Central and the allocation of midstream capital expenditure.

Central said including Kairuku’s population of 29,485 increased its project-impacted population to 47,906, while the number of affected clans rose to 101.

It also disputed the allocation of midstream capital expenditure. The province said the component was recorded at US$2.465 billion but estimated that only US$783.4 million should be attributed to Central, based on 5% of the project’s total capital expenditure of US$15.6687 billion.

Central said its revised calculations produce a 58-42 split, which it considers a more equitable, data-based allocation.

Peter said Papua LNG should not be assessed solely by the location of gas resources and other physical impacts. She said the project extends from the wellheads to the export facilities, making Central a co-host rather than simply a project-impacted province.

Central’s case also rests on the use of existing PNG LNG facilities at Caution Bay, which will be integrated into Papua LNG. Peter said this integration has helped make the project economically viable and is expected to save developers about US$3.5 billion.

The project’s estimated cost was initially about US$18 billion before being reduced to approximately US$14.5 billion following the re-scoping and re-tendering of engineering, procurement and construction contracts, according to the position paper.

Central argues that the economic value of hosting processing, liquefaction, storage and export facilities should be reflected in the benefit-sharing arrangements.

The province is also seeking K2.2 billion for a 25-year infrastructure programme, citing population growth, migration and increased pressure on infrastructure and services. Peter said Central’s role as a gateway to the National Capital District means the investment would benefit residents as well as people who live, work and travel through the province.

Central proposes wider economic participation

Central wants the K1.228 billion reserve benefits package included in the current negotiations and divided equally between Gulf and Central. It is also seeking a 50-50 split of the 40% commercial equity associated with Papua LNG.

The province wants the commercial equity known as “Lakatoi Equity,” reflecting the historical relationship between Gulf and Central through the Hiri Trade.

Central is also seeking greater participation in opportunities arising from the project’s 5% domestic market obligation, or DMO. It proposes that Gulf and Central have the first opportunity to participate in DMO-related businesses through a joint-venture special purpose vehicle.

The province has further called on the state to share 20% of the 2% production levy with Central. Peter said the additional revenue would help fund infrastructure needed to serve the province’s growing population and the wider national community.

Another proposal is a dedicated Papua LNG-Central GST code through the Internal Revenue Commission. Central said the mechanism would allow it to capture GST generated by businesses operating in the province during the project’s construction and operational phases, including businesses based in the National Capital District that conduct substantial activity in Central.

Central also wants stronger governance and accountability measures in the Development Agreement. It has called for business development grants, infrastructure development grants and high-impact infrastructure projects to be clearly allocated according to the agreed Tier 1 arrangements.

The province also wants the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative included in the agreement to strengthen transparency in the disbursement and management of project funds.

It has proposed an umbrella company for plant-site villages to participate in project contracts, along with a new trust entity under the Mineral Resources Development Company for those villages.

Peter said Central presented its position in good faith and wants negotiations with Gulf Province and the National Government to proceed amicably. She called for Tier 1 negotiations to conclude quickly so that Tier 2 and Tier 3 talks can begin before the Dec. 15, 2026, final investment decision deadline.

Central’s position seeks not only a larger share of Papua LNG benefits, but also longer-term participation through equity, domestic gas opportunities, GST revenue, infrastructure funding and stronger governance arrangements.

National Superannuation Fund Limited (Nasfund) has been delivering its Superannuation (Supa) Education Sessions in schools across PNG since 2024, as part of its commitment to preparing young Papua New Guineans for their future financial journeys.

The program is a superannuation education and awareness initiative designed to help students understand superannuation, retirement savings, and personal financial planning.

The initiative equips participants with essential knowledge, including how superannuation works, the role of Nasfund, the importance of starting to save early, strategies for growing retirement savings, and the value of making informed financial decisions throughout life.

As part of this ongoing initiative, Nasfund Member Experience Manager Melisha Sindiwan conducted three Supa Education Sessions over the past two weeks at Port Moresby Grammar School. The sessions provided Grade 12 students with a practical introduction to superannuation and long-term financial planning.

The sessions were highly engaging and focused on building awareness of superannuation, encouraging students to begin thinking about financial planning well before they enter the workforce. Students were introduced to the basics of superannuation, its role in supporting financial security and retirement savings, and the benefits of developing saving habits.

This marks the third consecutive year that Nasfund has partnered with Port Moresby Grammar School to deliver the Supa Education Program as part of the Grade 12 school enrichment program, reinforcing the Fund’s commitment to investing in financial literacy and empowering future generations with the knowledge needed to make sound financial decisions.

Speaking on the importance of the program, Port Moresby Grammar School Director of Curriculum for Senior School Brenda Kekeao said the Supa Education Sessions align closely with the school’s future financial planning module.

“For this module, we looked at other organisations, but the school chose Nasfund because of the long-standing relationship it has with the company,” Ms Kekeao said.

“We hope these sessions will help educate students about their future financial planning.”

Ms Kekeao further acknowledged that the sessions serve as valuable enrichment opportunities for students, complementing classroom learning by providing expert knowledge from industry professionals.

“The sessions could also be regarded as enrichment programs because teachers are not specialised in superannuation. Experts like the Nasfund team are invited to conduct these sessions and provide students with practical knowledge and real-life financial insights,” she said.

The Supa Education Sessions also complement topics covered in the Grade 12 Business Studies curriculum, helping students connect classroom theory with practical financial concepts they will encounter throughout their lives and careers.

Australian gold miner St Barbara has agreed to sell its remaining interest in Papua New Guinea’s New Simberi Gold Project to Lingbao Gold Group for A$410 million in cash, plus a further A$43 million repayment of construction capital.

St Barbara said on 10 September it had signed a binding agreement with Lingbao under which the Chinese gold company will acquire St Barbara’s remaining ownership in Tabar Islands Holdings, which currently owns New Simberi and the Tabar Islands exploration licences.

The transaction is expected to deliver A$453 million in cash to St Barbara, comprising the A$410 million purchase consideration and approximately A$43 million representing St Barbara’s funding of construction capital for New Simberi between April 2026 and the signing of the agreement. Lingbao will also fund St Barbara’s share of capital requirements through to completion.

St Barbara will retain exposure to the project through a 2.75% net smelter return (NSR) royalty on 100% of future gold and silver production from New Simberi, as well as a 1.5% NSR royalty on 100% of future minerals production from the Tabar Islands exploration licences. The royalties are due to commence on 1 July 2027, with Lingbao providing a parent company guarantee for its royalty payment obligations.

Simberi ownership transition

The sale follows St Barbara’s agreement announced in December 2025 to sell a 20% interest in New Simberi to Eda Minerals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kumul Mineral Holdings, for A$100 million.

That transaction is intended to establish the New Simberi Gold Joint Venture. Once completed, St Barbara’s attributable interest in New Simberi would fall from its current 50% to 40%, while the A$100 million purchase price and Kumul’s share of capital expenditure would be repaid from future sales by the joint venture.

The latest agreement would see Lingbao acquire St Barbara’s remaining ownership in Tabar Islands Holdings, consolidating Lingbao’s position in the project alongside Kumul’s 20% interest once the earlier transaction is completed.

Completion of the Lingbao transaction is targeted for the March quarter of 2027 and remains subject to conditions including regulatory approvals in Papua New Guinea and China, as well as shareholder approvals by St Barbara and Lingbao where required.

New Simberi royalty valued at A$212m

St Barbara said the retained royalty provides continuing exposure to what it considers a significant development project.

Under the New Simberi Initial Life of Mine Plan, the project is forecast to produce 2.2 million ounces of gold, including 2.0Moz payable, over an initial 13-year mine life.

Using a gold price assumption of US$4,000 an ounce and a 5% discount rate, St Barbara estimates the New Simberi NSR royalty has a net present value of A$212 million. The company's sensitivity analysis puts the royalty's NPV at between A$156 million and A$267 million at a 5% discount rate, depending on a gold price ranging from US$3,000/oz to US$5,000/oz.

The royalty cash-flow table on page 4 of St Barbara's announcement estimates annual royalty receipts beginning at A$11.1 million in 2027, rising to A$34.1 million in 2032 under the company's assumptions. The forecast assumes a gold price of US$4,000/oz and silver at US$35/oz.

St Barbara to focus on other projects

St Barbara managing director and chief executive Andrew Strelein said the transaction would crystallise value for shareholders while allowing the company to concentrate on its other assets.

“This transaction will crystallise substantial value for St Barbara shareholders and allows the Company to focus on the development of the Nova Scotia gold projects and the attractive exploration portfolio surrounding the 15-Mile Processing Hub,” Strelein said.

He said St Barbara recognised New Simberi as “an outstanding development project” and would continue to participate in its future through the royalties and exploration interests in the Tabar Islands.

The company said the divestment would simplify its portfolio, with the Touquoy Restart planned to commence by December 2026, while allowing St Barbara to focus on its Nova Scotia Gold Projects.

Subject to completion, St Barbara's pro-forma assets are expected to include approximately A$880 million in cash, the 15-Mile Processing Hub Project and exploration portfolio, the Touquoy Restart Project and its royalty portfolio, with no debt or hedging.

The company is also considering an additional fully franked special dividend of approximately A$0.13 per share following completion of the transaction. This would be in addition to the A$0.05 per share fully franked dividend declared on 28 August.

St Barbara has separately reaffirmed that it is considering an on-market share buy-back of up to 100 million shares, with a decision expected after the updated Pre-Feasibility Study for the 15-Mile Processing Hub Project, due at the end of September.

The proposed dividend and buy-back remain subject to future decisions by the board, market conditions, St Barbara's share price and capital requirements, and are not guaranteed.

The transaction is subject to satisfaction or waiver of the agreed conditions precedent, with completion targeted for the March quarter of 2027.

Prime Minister James Marape has challenged communities in Eastern Highlands to translate the government's multibillion-kina investment in the Highlands Highway into increased coffee production, businesses, jobs and household incomes.

Marape made the call at Bena, where he commissioned the new K20.2 million Bena Bridge and launched the Goroka Four-Lane Road Project toward Korofeigu.

He said improved roads and bridges should generate greater economic activity and help communities take advantage of better access to markets.

“This is the economic lifeline that keeps our economy growing,” Marape said. “The money we are putting into this road is not a misplaced allocation. It is the correct allocation in terms of our strategy to grow the economy.”

Marape urged communities along the highway to increase coffee and agricultural production, saying improved transport infrastructure would make it easier to market their products.

“I want you to deliver coffee bags to repay the money we are investing in building infrastructure,” he said.

He also encouraged unemployed Papua New Guineans to pursue agriculture and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) rather than wait for formal employment or government assistance.

“If you are unemployed, I point you back to SME and agriculture as an SME option,” Marape said.

He called on provincial and district leaders to use government funding to help communities become economically productive.

“Teach a man how to fish; don’t just give him fish,” he said. “Let us lead our people into self-employment activities so that this road can contribute to improving their lives and, collectively, the economy of our country.”

Highlands Highway upgrade

The K20.2 million Bena Bridge is a new 100-meter, two-lane permanent bridge replacing the former single-lane Bailey bridge.

The bridge was constructed by China Wu Yi Company Limited and funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Sustainable Highlands Highway Investment Program.

Under Tranche 2 of the program, rehabilitation and modernization work covers 71 bridges along the Highlands Highway corridor — 35 between Nadzab and Henganofi, 19 between Henganofi and Mangiro, and 17 between Mangiro and Kagamuga.

Marape thanked the ADB, Department of Works and Highways, Department of Treasury, Department of National Planning and Monitoring, China Wu Yi, the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government, district authorities, local-level governments, development partners and communities involved in the program.

“Building modern infrastructure is part of building a modern country,” he said.

He also welcomed the construction of roadside market and sanitation facilities, urging communities to use them to capture economic opportunities created by the upgraded highway.

The Goroka Four-Lane Road Project toward Korofeigu is expected to increase road capacity as population, traffic and economic activity grow, while improving the movement of coffee, fresh produce and commercial freight.

With Papua New Guinea approaching its 51st Independence Anniversary, Marape said the country's development would require a stronger culture of work and personal responsibility.

“The drive we took over the last two days is just a symbol of ‘can do’. We can do it,” he said.

Marape also urged communities to protect new infrastructure and ensure public investment translates into increased economic activity.

“When you improve, the country improves. Together, we all grow,” he said.

Papua New Guinea has signed a K26 million, three-year agreement with TechnologyOne to advance the government's public financial management system through cloud technology and artificial intelligence.

The agreement marks the next phase of the government's digital transformation of its Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) and was signed during PNG's 51st Independence anniversary year.

Acting Chief Secretary to the National Government Ivan Pomaleu OBE said the agreement represented a major step in modernizing how the government manages and accounts for public resources.

He said the focus was shifting from the deployment of basic software toward long-term operational sustainability, financial sovereignty and institutional capability.

The IFMS is now operating across all 22 provinces, connecting 43 national departments, 21 provincial health authorities, 89 districts, more than 313 local-level governments and 26 statutory bodies, according to the government.

The system provides a unified public finance platform with real-time financial tracking and banking capabilities across national and subnational government entities.

Pomaleu said the TechnologyOne agreement would support the Medium Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV) 2023–2027, particularly Strategic Priority Area 7 on National Revenue and Public Finance Management and Strategic Priority Area 8 on Digital Government, National Statistics and Public Service Governance.

The modernization program is expected to strengthen internal fiscal controls, improve revenue management, reduce administrative delays and help prevent financial leakages.

A key component is TechnologyOne Plus, described as an enterprise-grade agentic artificial intelligence system governed under ISO 42001:2023 standards and a “human-in-the-loop” framework.

The system will enable public servants to interact with complex financial data through text and voice commands, including checking budget availability, tracking expenditures and streamlining approval workflows.

Pomaleu said embedding cloud technology and AI into government operations would help ensure public funds are deployed more efficiently and transparently in support of national development priorities.

He recognized Finance Secretary Samuel Penias, IFMS Board co-Secretary Andrew Oaeke, other central agency officials and the IFMS implementation team for their role in establishing the system nationwide.

He also called on public finance officers to embrace the technology as the government begins Phase 2 of its software upgrades and capacity-building programs.

The modernization is aligned with the government's target of building a K200 billion economy and improving public service delivery under MTDP IV.

The government said the investment is intended to establish a more transparent, resilient and sovereign financial management system capable of supporting Papua New Guinea's development priorities over the long term.

 The Bank of Papua New Guinea and 15 financial institutions have signed the PNG Empower Finance Code, committing to identify and reduce the ways financial products and services can be used to control, exploit or harm customers.

The voluntary Code was signed on the margins of last week's Alliance for Financial Inclusion Global Policy Forum in Port Moresby, which brought together central bankers and financial regulators from 79 countries.

BPNG Governor Elizabeth Genia said financial abuse can undermine financial inclusion, economic participation and confidence in the financial system.

“A person is not genuinely financially included if access to financial services makes them more vulnerable,” Genia said.

Financial abuse can include taking control of another person's income, creating debt in their name, restricting access to money, misusing passwords or accounts, or using financial services to intimidate or control another person.

The Code was co-designed with the financial sector through the PNG Empower Finance Community of Practice, established by BPNG in May 2026 with support from the International Finance Corporation, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's PNG Women Lead, and the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion.

The initiative brings together banks, savings and loan societies, finance companies, superannuation funds and payment service providers.

Signatories have committed to four areas: working together to identify and address risks; building financial capability and awareness; promoting safer financial services; and learning from experience and reporting progress.

The Code does not create new legal or regulatory obligations. Instead, participating institutions will join the Community of Practice, increase staff awareness, assess how their products and systems could be misused and implement practical improvements.

Genia said BPNG was, to its knowledge, the first central bank or financial regulator globally to bring financial institutions together to co-design a voluntary industry code specifically addressing financial abuse.

The Code was presented to central bankers and regulators attending the AFI forum, with Genia encouraging other countries, including Pacific neighbours, to consider similar approaches.

CEFI is developing financial-abuse training for participating institutions, with the aim of progressively incorporating awareness of financial abuse into broader financial education programmes.

“Signing the Code does not mean that every organisation is expected to already have all the answers,” Genia said. “It means they are committing to learn, identify risks and make practical improvements.”

Ok Tedi Mining Limited has completed its first direct charter flight between Tabubil and Brisbane, establishing the Australian city as a new hub for the company's fly-in, fly-out workforce.

The inaugural flight departed Tabubil on September 4, 2026, marking a milestone in Ok Tedi's 42-year operating history and reducing travel time for employees and business partners travelling between its Western Province mining operations and Australia.

Ok Tedi managing director and chief executive officer Kedi Ilimbit said the direct service would eliminate three to four hours of airport delays and make travel more convenient for employees.

“It cuts off three to four hours of delays at airports and makes travel more convenient for our employees. It has been a successful inaugural flight, and I am very pleased,” Ilimbit said upon arrival in Brisbane.

He said the service would become the new hub for Ok Tedi's FIFO operations.

“After 42 years of operations, we have made it into Brisbane. This will become the new hub for Ok Tedi FIFO operations.”

The direct connection is expected to improve travel reliability and support workforce mobility between Australia and the Star Mountains mining operation in Western Province.

Ilimbit thanked charter operator Pacific Direct, the flight crew and Australian border, quarantine, customs and immigration authorities for facilitating the inaugural service.

The milestone comes ahead of Papua New Guinea's 51st Independence Anniversary and adds to Ok Tedi's international operating footprint, with the company maintaining a marketing and logistics facility in Brisbane.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited is a majority state-owned company operating an open-pit copper, gold and silver mine in Western Province. The company exports copper concentrate to smelters and refineries in Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, India and Germany.

The company has also expanded its growth strategy beyond Western Province through its acquisition of Gallipoli Exploration Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian-listed Kingston Resources Limited, for the Misima mine in Milne Bay Province.

Ok Tedi's registered office and senior operational management are based in Tabubil, with a representative office in Port Moresby and its Brisbane marketing and logistics facility.

Stella Ipang, a PATH Outstanding Member and leader in Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), has been named the 2026 Overall Winner of the Westpac Outstanding Women Awards (WOWA), receiving a PGK10,000 grant in recognition of her work strengthening inclusive healthcare across Papua New Guinea.

Stella, who also won the Private Sector Category, was recognised for her leadership in embedding GEDSI principles into Papua New Guinea’s immunisation sector. Her work has helped make health programmes more inclusive, accessible and accountable for women, children and marginalised communities.

At a celebratory cheque presentation at Westpac’s head office at Harbourside West, Stella was presented with a ceremonial cheque acknowledging her contribution to advancing inclusion and improving health outcomes across the country.

Through her work with PATH, Stella has helped integrate inclusive approaches into immunisation programmes, including the development of a GEDSI Action Plan and scorecard assessment for Provincial Health Authorities. These practical tools support health teams in assessing programmes, identifying gaps, strengthening accountability and improving access for communities that may otherwise be left behind.

Beyond her professional achievements, Stella is also the creator of the GEDSI EmpowerMe Puzzle, which has been showcased internationally, and the author of My Action Words. These creative resources make inclusion, empowerment and agency easier to understand and apply across different audiences, including health workers, communities and young readers.

“Receiving this award is an honour,” said Stella following her win. “I am grateful to do work that has a positive impact on our community. I hope this recognition encourages more women and young girls to pursue their ambitions, embrace leadership opportunities and believe in their ability to make a difference.”

Westpac Pacific Managing Director Emma Low congratulated Stella on her achievement, saying, “Stella’s commitment to advancing inclusion and improving health outcomes has created tangible benefits for communities across Papua New Guinea. Her achievements stood out among an exceptional group of finalists and reflect the spirit of these awards.”

Westpac PNG Chief Executive Andrew Cairns said the awards continue to recognise women whose leadership and service are helping shape a stronger future for Papua New Guinea.

“At Westpac PNG, we are proud to recognise these outstanding women and the positive impact they are making across the country. Their leadership, courage and commitment show what is possible when people step forward to serve their communities and help build a stronger Papua New Guinea. I congratulate all the finalists and winners and thank them for the difference they continue to make.”

Stella’s recognition follows a strong 2026 awards programme, with more than 200 nominations received from across Papua New Guinea. The awards celebrated seven category winners across Entrepreneur, Not-for-Profit, Private Sector, Public Sector, Sports & Arts, Sustainability and Young Achiever.

The 2026 category winners were:

• Entrepreneur Category — Martha Raka
• Not-for-Profit Category — Jacqueline Mary Boga Garoau
• Private Sector Category — Stella Ipang
• Public Sector Category — Elizabeth Tandoa
• Sustainability Category — Emma Oliver
• Sports & Arts Category — Wosi Kaeyo
• Young Achiever Category — Getta Kambar

As Overall Winner, Stella will receive a PGK5,000 grant and will attend an Australian executive leadership symposium in 2026 or 2027.

The Westpac Outstanding Women Awards (WOWA) is Papua New Guinea’s premier programme celebrating the achievements and leadership of exceptional women across the country. Commencing in 2002, the awards are designed to recognise and empower women who are making significant contributions in their communities, workplaces and industries.

Digicel PNG and Vodafone PNG have signed a Tower Sharing Licence Agreement that will enable both telecommunications operators to share tower infrastructure across Papua New Guinea.

The Tower Sharing Licence Agreement represents a strategic infrastructure-sharing partnership aimed at achieving more efficient network expansion, resulting in improved connectivity and the delivery of greater value in mobile and broader ICT services to customers across Papua New Guinea.

Under this partnership, both operators will be able to install equipment on suitable tower sites owned by either party, subject to technical, operational, safety and commercial requirements. The framework establishes a consistent process for co-location while allowing each company to maintain independent network operations.

Digicel PNG Interim Chief Executive Officer Brett Goschen said the agreement reflects a practical and forward-looking approach to delivering connectivity across Papua New Guinea.

“Connectivity plays a critical role in Papua New Guinea’s social and economic development. This agreement is a practical step towards delivering better outcomes by overcoming the many costly challenges that mobile network operators face in delivering mobile and ICT services in PNG. By sharing existing tower infrastructure where appropriate, we can expand network reach faster, reduce duplication and costs, and maximise the value of investments already made across the country." Goschen said.

“This is a positive example of industry collaboration that benefits customers, communities and the broader telecommunications sector. We look forward to working with Vodafone PNG to help improve access to reliable connectivity for more Papua New Guineans," he added.

Vodafone PNG’s Regional Chief Executive Officer Pradeep Lal said the agreement represents an important milestone in strengthening telecommunications infrastructure and supporting the continued expansion of connectivity across Papua New Guinea.

“This partnership provides an opportunity to make greater use of existing infrastructure and support the continued expansion of mobile services across the country," Lal said.

“For Vodafone PNG, the agreement complements our ongoing investment in network coverage, capacity and customer experience," he added. "We are pleased to partner with Digicel PNG on this initiative and look forward to contributing to greater connectivity, digital inclusion and the long-term development of Papua New Guinea’s telecommunications sector.”

Digicel PNG is a leading telecommunications provider dedicated to delivering reliable mobile, broadband and digital services that connect people, empower communities and support Papua New Guinea’s growth in the digital age.

Vodafone PNG is a telecommunications provider delivering mobile voice, data, broadband and digital connectivity services to customers across Papua New Guinea. Vodafone PNG is committed to expanding access to reliable and affordable telecommunications services, investing in network coverage and capacity, and supporting Papua New Guinea’s continued digital transformation.