The Chief Executive of Papua New Guinea’s Ok Tedi mine, Peter Graham, tells Business Advantage PNG that the company is now in the top quartile of global copper producers. He says revised company estimates indicate the mine—for many years one of PNG’s major sources of foreign exchange—should have a longer life.
The way banks operate will change dramatically over the next five years, according to Kina Group’s Syd Yates. Banks will need to be quasi-technology companies.
K92 Mining is preparing for its first export of gold concentrate from Kainantu mine and plans to ramp up to full production around April this year, company Chief Operating Officer, John Lewins tells Business Advantage PNG.
Changes in ANZ’s Asia-Pacific strategy could provide benefits to Papua New Guinea, ANZ’s Managing Director in PNG, Mark Baker. He also tells Business Advantage PNG he sees growth potential from PNG’s rising middle class, while mobile phone banking has moved past traditional PC based internet banking services.
Barrick Niugini’s Mining and Petroleum Industry Investment Fund provides relocated landowners with a superior financial outcome, according to Chris Trainor, Manager of Commercial Services. He believes it is a model for other Papua New Guinea mining companies to follow.
Bank South Pacific has adjusted well to the slowing economy, Chief Executive Robin Fleming tells Business Advantage PNG. He says the bank is looking to lend to the growing middle class in Papua New Guinea, especially for housing.
World demand for energy will double by 2050 according to Professor Peter McCabe, Head of the Australian School of Petroleum at the University of Adelaide. But he believes more efficient recovery methods and the increasing role of renewables will keep a lid on prices.
Commodities markets appear to have entered a holding pattern, with stability evident in the oil market and metals. Business Advantage PNG’s monthly overview of Papua New Guinea’s commodity and financial markets.
Superannuation company Nasfund continues to deliver positive returns to its members, Chief Executive Ian Tarutia tells Business Advantage PNG. But weak economic conditions in Papua New Guinea, foreign exchange restrictions and rising unemployment mean the organisation has to be agile.
Large scale gas projects suit multi-operators, says Gerea Aopi, President of the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum. He tells Business Advantage PNG that this allows operators in Papua New Guinea to spread the fixed costs, which is one way that the industry is looking for productivity improvements.