Record attendance at PNG Expo

Papua New Guinea Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo) wrapped up last week and saw its largest attendance ever. Over two full days, more than 560 delegates attended the event held at the Stanley Hotel and Suites in Port Moresby on July 2-3.

The attendees — 60% of which were local to PNG — were able to connect, network and engage with colleagues from across the industry on the exhibition floor and at various networking functions.

Across the two days, PNG Expo created a space for mines around PNG to connect with Australian companies and businesses, facilitating a marketplace where serious business was done.

PNG and Australia have a well-established relationship, with mining activity forming the backbone of both countries’ economies. The geographic proximity between the two nations and the presence of multinational mining companies makes PNG an important market for Australian mining equipment, technology and services (METS) companies.

By convening the major players from the regions’ resources sectors in one key place, PNG Expo continues to further build on Papua New Guinea and Australia’s established economic relationship, strengthening bonds between the two nations and their associated industries.

Attendees to this year’s event included representatives from major industry names including Harmony Gold, K92, Newmont (ASX: NEM), OK Tedi, Simberi Gold Mining, the Mineral Resources Council (MRC) and PNG Power.

A standout program

Alongside the exhibition floor, attendees were invited to learn from sector experts and build their knowledge on the latest products and services at the PNG Expo conference.

With presentations and exhibitions showcasing key themes including fuel and renewable energy, keeping up community relations and the significance of community development agreements, the importance of building and maintaining safer workspaces and more, experts offer attendees the opportunity to sharpen their industry knowledge and gain valuable insights.

More than just a dedicated hub to connect industries and facilitate business, PNG Expo offered an unrivalled conference program, giving delegates the space to build their knowledge and understanding of the industry.

Harness Energy training operations manager Ruth Kaima and Harness Energy chief executive Rory Duff combined their decides of industry experience to deliver an enlightening presentation titled Staffing: how to train and retain the best.

The conference program saw panel discussions take on key issues such as training and staff retention strategies as well as how enhanced safety measures can drive productivity and cost savings.

Other conference highlights included a case study discussing a major VPA filter upgrade by Ok Tedi presented by Metso technical sales support Stephen Mansell.

In a spotlight session, Orica digital specialist Tori Mcquaker and Orica PNG territory manager Nic Bell explored key takeaways from the company’s past and present projects.

The networking functions open for delegates to attend enhanced the overall atmosphere and supported the real business being done. The networking kicked off with a poolside welcome event, sponsored by TriCab, the evening before day one of the conference.

Held on the open-air fifth floor deck, with views of the surrounding area, the event was a great way for exhibitors and delegates to get to know each other in a relaxed setting before the busy days to come.

At the conclusion of day one, the official dinner gave exhibitors the chance to strengthen existing relationships and make new connections over an evening of great food and fantastic entertainment.

Prime Creative Media operations manager Lauren Chartres delivered a welcome address, before passing to PNG Expo’s charity partner Project Yumi.

Project Yum PNG president Arleena Kukari gave an insightful address on engaging communities across PNG and developing partnerships that benefit both sides.

PNG and Australia’s relationship

Australia is PNG’s most significant trade partner with over $5b of bilateral trade in 2022-23. More than 5000 Australian companies operate in PNG, most significantly in the resource and manufacturing sectors.

PNG mining activities generate globally significant amounts of gold, copper, silver and cobalt, and present potential for many more large-scale developments. Australian METS companies are well-positioned to provide solutions and technologies to further advance and develop PNG projects for the benefit of both nations.

As PNG continues to develop infrastructure to support mining projects, the region faces numerous operational challenges, and Australia is leading by example.

Lack of regulatory governance and enforcement in PNG can lead to lower transparency in mining operations. This makes it difficult for governments to regulate activities to control environmental and human right violations.

In Australia the resource sector is heavily regulated at both the state and federal levels of government. Companies must adhere to mining legislations and seek licensing and permit approval to operate. Several agencies are involved in regulation of the resource sector including the Federal Government’s Australian Minerals, Safe Work Australia, Minerals Council of Australia and Transparency International Australia.

The issue of regulatory governance contributes to further social challenges for the greater PNG community. Adequate consultation with stakeholders is often lacking and can lead to conflict between the community and mining companies as unequal benefit distribution can occur.

Stakeholder collaboration is at the core of operational success for mining operations in Australia. The country has a unique model for integrating community consultation and Traditional Owner engagement to create transparency between and equal benefit between stakeholders.

The lack of regulation also leads to environmental impacts that affect local communities. Mine tailings disposal is a significant challenge faced by the industry as large-scale discharge into rivers and oceans presents a serious water pollution threat. Contaminated waterways affect fragile marine ecosystems and make drinking water unsafe for the local population.

Australia is a world leader in ESG standards and has developed solutions to challenges like those faced by PNG. By implementing advanced water treatment technologies, water recycling and efficient tailings management the Australian mining industry continues to contribute to safe and sustainable water management practices.

By leveraging industry experience in successful stakeholder collaboration, First Nations community partnership, ethical mining, environmental and sustainability practices, Australia is uniquely positioned to foster continued growth in the PNG resource sector.

PNG Expo’s curated agenda is designed to address the most critical issues and opportunities in the mining sector, creating significant opportunities for Australia’s industry.

The resources sector’s interest is already building for the events return in 2026.

For the latest information and updates on next year’s event, visit pngexpo.com/get-involved/