PNG Expo’s unmissable return

Papua New Guinea (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.

Australia is PNG’s most significant trade partner with over $5b of bilateral trade in 2022-23. More than 5,000 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.

Regulatory and governance challenges

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.

Social challenges

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.

Environmental challenges

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.

St Barbara (ASX: SBM) is one Australian company that is setting the standard for operations in PNG.

The company’s Simberi operations consist of an open cut gold mine on the northernmost island and an upcoming sulphide project.

The Simberi operations are fully integrated into the local community with high local employment rates and ongoing community support and involvement. The operations continue to create sustainable business opportunities for local families, businesses and suppliers.

Newmont (ASX: NEM) operates one of the world’s largest producing gold mines in PNG, the Lihir project.

Operations at Lihir present important economic opportunities for PNG as the site employs more than 5,000 local people and utilises local suppliers and businesses.

Newmont continues to honour agreements with the local government and landowners by building public infrastructure, provide access to health services and supply power and water to local villages.

In 2024 Newmont invested $19m into community operations throughout PNG such as the Kokoda Track Foundation and its Archer Leaders Development program. The program has been developing future leaders in PNG since 2011.

Creating a space for Australian companies to strengthen relationships with PNG stakeholders and engage in development opportunities, PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo) makes its long-awaited return.

From 2–3 July, PNG Expo will transform the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby into a hub of networking, thought leadership and professional development.

Across two full days, PNG Expo will connect mines around PNG with Australian companies and businesses, facilitating a marketplace where serious business is done.

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.

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

As the PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference draws near, PNG and Australian industries are gearing up for two days of intensive networking and strategic business development.

Facilitating professional connections

PNG Expo has something for everyone and with less than two months to go, attendees can anticipate a full agenda of activities with the clear goal of helping delegates maximise their time at the event.

PNG Expo enables the easy conducting of business, with sideline events designed to connect delegates with personnel from across the region, condensing weeks of international travel and meetings into two days of intensive networking and professional development.

Delegates are invited to rub shoulders with the who’s who of the industry at poolside welcome drinks. Scheduled for the night before the exhibition commences, delegates can connect with industry peers in a laid-back setting with the Port Moresby skyline as a backdrop.

A gala dinner will also offer an opportunity to further solidify professional relationships with fellow attendees and peers over a night of excellent food and high-quality entertainment.

The Stanley Hotel is conveniently located close to the airport and prioritises the welfare of its guests, offering a safe and secure stay. With the exhibition, conference and sideline events across the two days all taking place within walking distance on Stanley Hotel property, delegates can feel secure that the

Negating the need for travel between locations means PNG Expo attendees can prioritise business, maximising their time on site as PNG Expo brings the industry to them.

Unlocking the future

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

Visitors will have the opportunity to sharpen their industry knowledge and gain valuable insights from key experts at the comprehensive conference, with 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.

Delivering an expansive exhibition floor alongside a thought-leading conference program and a stacked agenda of networking opportunities, PNG Expo 2025 is not to be missed.

Join key players in Port Moresby from 2-3 July: pngexpo.com/get-involved/