The US$7 billion Frieda River copper-gold project is one of the largest in Papua New Guinea’s development pipeline but may take another decade to come into production. Business Advantage PNG looks into why its developer, PanAust, considers it worth the wait.
The Kainantu gold mine in Eastern Highlands Province has been in continuous expansion since its acquisition by K92 Mining in 2015. CEO John Lewins shares his company’s aspiration to become the PNG’s mining sector’s largest taxpayer – and the investment underpinning it.
Papua New Guinea has faced ongoing fuel supply challenges since August 2023, as a result of issues related to its largest fuel importer, Puma Energy. Islands Petroleum is one of a number of fuel companies that have ramped up capacity to help meet demand. Chief Executive Nathan Bluett says the company is now looking to grow further.
After a decade focused on existing minerals and hydrocarbons production, Papua New Guinea is gearing up for an anticipated wave of large new investments in its resources sector. We hear from some of the key players.
Less than one year after acquiring Papua New Guinea’s largest gold mine, Newmont Corporation is pushing ahead with plans to increase grades and mine life at Lihir. On the eve of finishing his term as Newmont PNG Managing Director, Alwyn Pretorius took Business Advantage PNG inside the transition and shared the plans for the island mine’s future.
In this exclusive interview, Barrick Gold’s President and Chief Executive Mark Bristow talks about the deal he made to restart the Porgera gold mine, the road to returning it to full production, and why addressing law and order is critical.
Wapu Sonk, Managing Director of Papua New Guinea’s state-owned oil and gas company Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited, spoke about the way forward with the TotalEnergies-led Papua LNG project and the “unexpected blessings” its delay could bring at this month’s 2024 Business Advantage PNG Investment Conference. Watch his exclusive fireside chat.
Last month, Twinza and Mineral Resources Development Corporation signed agreements which will see MRDC acquire a major stake in Pasca A, Papua New Guinea’s first offshore gas project. Twinza Executive Chairman Stephen Quantrill tells Business Advantage PNG the deal also paves the way for further cooperation.
Newmont Corporation’s Tom Palmer tells Business Advantage PNG that Papua New Guinea fits well within company’s strategy, but cautions that the prospective Wafi-Golpu copper-gold project will need to compete for capital with other projects in portfolio.
The Porgera gold mine is operating without restrictions, following the tragic Papua New Guinea landslide which hit nearby. Meanwhile, New Porgera Limited and other PNG businesses are contributing to relief efforts, reports Nadav Shemer Shlezinger.