If its two mining ‘mega projects’ – Wafi-Golpu and Frieda River – are delivered on schedule, Papua New Guinea will become one of the world’s major copper producers over the next thirty years, according to Jerry Garry, Managing Director of the country’s Mineral Resources Authority. However, he warns, PNG’s dependence on mining exports looks set to come to an end shortly thereafter.
The broadband satellite operator Kacific Broadband Satellites Group was created to deliver affordable and reliable internet to the Pacific and South East Asia. Business Advantage PNG spoke with CEO & Founder Christian Patouraux to discuss the future of satellite connectivity in the Pacific.
Better infrastructure and a higher volume of onshore processing are the key tenets of Papua New Guinea’s new Fisheries Strategic Plan, which aims to transform the industry over the coming decade. Business Advantage PNG speaks with National Fisheries Authority Chairman Ango Wangatau to find out more.
The progress of Papua New Guinea’s next major gas project, Papua LNG, appears on schedule as operator TotalEnergies announces the project is entering its front end engineering and design (FEED) stage. The company is promoting the project’s low carbon credentials.
In late 2021, PNG’s largest superannuation find, Nambawan Super, increased its holding in Paradise Company Limited, owner of Paradise Foods and Laga Industries, to 100 per cent. Michael Penrose, Paradise’s CEO, tells Business Advantage PNG how the fund’s support is helping the food manufacturer expand.
Mayur Resources’ first three mineral projects in Papua New Guinea are now ‘shovel-ready’ and ready for financing, according to a letter to investors issued by Managing Director Paul Mulder this week. Mayur’s low share price remains an issue, however.
Global supply chain issues are having a major impact on many businesses in Papua New Guinea. Business leaders tell Business Advantage PNG that delivery delays and higher costs are causing some projects to be slowed or even postponed in key sectors. There are signs, however, that the global situation is improving.
Papua New Guinea’s independent power producers are owed in excess of K200 million by state utility PNG Power, which itself is facing revenue challenges, according to industry association, IP3. The situation is being made worse by rising global fuel costs.
Australian miner St Barbara has deferred an expected final investment decision on expanding the Simberi mine in Papua New Guinea and has announced a strategic review into the mine that could see it sold.
The prospect of instantaneous settlements on Papua New Guinea’s stock exchange, PNGX, has moved a little closer with a new agreement to explore blockchain technology to support its trading system. PNGX Chairman David Lawrence tells Business Advantage PNG the technology could ‘turbocharge’ PNG’s capital markets.