The operators of the Papua project are expected to make a financial investment decision on the project in 2019. But now that Papua New Guinea has ‘proven itself’ as a good manager of major global projects, it should be able to negotiate less generous terms with the operators of the second LNG plant, say economists and investment analysts.
A ‘cash culture’ in Papua New Guinea is beginning to change and there is more willingness to buy shares, according to Aiabba Minerals Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Moses Mondowa. He tells Business Advantage PNG it is a significant shift for the future success of the country’s resources and business sectors.
Oil prices are up and copper is also strong, but LNG has weakened. Business Advantage PNG’s monthly review of Papua New Guinea commodity and financial markets.
The fourth Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) report, compiled by consultants Ernst & Young, shows that the sector dominates exports and is a major part of the nation’s GDP, but it is less of a contributor to employment and government revenue.
Oil prices continue their rise but LNG prices have eased. Cocoa and palm oil prices are slightly stronger. Business Advantage PNG’s monthly overview of commodity and financial markets.
Perth-based explorer Kalia Ltd has begun geological surveys on its two licence areas, after winning exploration licences under the new Bougainville Mining Act. Managing Director Terry Larkan tells Business Advantage PNG that, while the licence areas’ resources are unknown, the licences have ‘the right address’.
The long commodity bear market is coming to an end, according to Richard Yetsenga, Chief Economist for the ANZ Banking Group. He also observes that, in a world growing more sceptical about globalisation, there is growing competition for foreign direct investment.
The Managing Director of PanAust, Fred Hess, has announced a rethink on the company’s proposed Frieda River mine project. ‘It is no longer just a mining project’—it is a development project for the Sandaun and Sepik provinces, he told the Papua New Guinea Mining and Petroleum Conference in Port Moresby.
The next decade could be a ‘golden’ one for the mining sector, believes Roger Gunson, Executive Manager, Regulatory Operations at the Mineral Resources Authority. But he has called for changes to Papua New Guinea’s government policy to better protect mining tenements.
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, told the PNG Mining and Petroleum Conference yesterday that there would be no new taxes for the resources sector. Meanwhile, presentations by the major industry players suggest the next 12 months will be critical in determining the future growth of the sector.