Issue 1

Papua New Guinea’s energy and resources sector is poised for a defining year, as major petroleum, mining, and infrastructure initiatives converge to reshape the country’s investment landscape. Issue 1 2026 of your PNG Business News highlights both the promise and complexity of this transformation, underscoring how resource wealth—particularly in natural gas—continues to anchor the nation’s economic trajectory.

Beyond extractives, technological advancement is emerging as a parallel growth driver, as we explain in our cover story. TE (PNG) Limited has launched the country’s first compliant trial of OneWeb low Earth orbit satellite services in Port Moresby, marking a milestone in connectivity. As digital infrastructure expands, it is expected to support both industry operations and broader economic inclusion across Papua New Guinea.

In his commentary, Michael “Mick” McWalter notes that while petroleum is often narrowly understood as crude oil, in Papua New Guinea it is natural gas that dominates the resource base. The country’s reserves are largely gas-rich, with associated liquids such as condensate and natural gas liquids offering additional commercial value. This distinction is critical, as PNG positions itself as a leading liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter in the Asia-Pacific.

On the policy front, the government is advancing an ambitious reform agenda aimed at revitalizing investor confidence. Mining Minister Solen Loifa announced a comprehensive overhaul of mining laws under the “Reset@50” framework, targeting a streamlined regulatory environment within nine months. The reforms, unveiled at the PDAC Convention in Toronto, are designed to make PNG one of the most competitive mining jurisdictions globally.

At the same time, Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed that the Papua LNG and Wafi-Golpu projects remain central to the country’s development strategy. Following high-level engagements at the World Economic Forum in Davos, both projects have secured renewed backing from international partners, signaling strong momentum for execution in 2026.

Collaboration across the petroleum sector is also gaining traction. Kumul Petroleum Holdings, alongside partners including Twinza Oil, has signed a memorandum of understanding to explore gas aggregation opportunities in the Gulf Province. The initiative could unlock efficiencies in resource development and strengthen downstream integration. This and other stories you can find in your PNG Business News – grab a copy for FREE today!