PNG Business News - Issue 1, 2024

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REPORTING ON PNG’S BUSINESS SECTOR

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ISSUE 1 2024

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CONTENTS

COMMENTARY

How Papua New Guinea Became an Oil Producer and then an LNG Producer > 10

Autonomous Bougainville Government Focus Areas for 2024 > 36

A PNG-Australia Security Framework: Not a Treaty but Solid Nonetheless > 22

NISIT Signs Memorandum of Understanding with SIRIM > 38

BUSINESS

PM Marape Addresses Business Community, Apologises for January 10 Events > 26 Minister Daki Happy with Visit by Japanese Investors for Joint Public Private Economic Mission > 28 PM Marape Holds Discussions with New US Ambassador on PNG-US Relations > 28 Honorary Trade Commissioners for Australia, Philippines Appointed > 30 PM Marape Advocates for South Korean Model of Growth for Papua New Guinea > 32 PNG, Philippines Ministers Agree to Historic Trade Meeting > 36

Steamships, Laba Team Up to Form Hebamo Transport - New Logistics Company Specifically Designed to Support Papua LNG > 40

MINING

Sir Ano Hands Over Mining Ministry to Minister Dilu > 42 Sir Ano Pala: Gov’t Taking Strategic Measures to Address Depleting Resources > 42 Mining Minister on the Sector’s Updates and Outlook > 44 PM Marape Witnesses First Gold Pour at Porgera Mine > 48 OTML Generates K684 Million for December 2023 > 50 K30 Billion in Benefits Expected from Ok Tedi Mine Life Extension > 52

ON THE COVER

Steamships Unveils Harbourside South - Port Moresby’s Newest Mixed-Use Development > 34 BCL Granted Five-Year Extension of Panguna Exploration Licence (EL01) > 52 Kumul Minerals Takes the Lead on ESG in PNG > 54 PM Marape Welcomes Milestone Agreement Between Ramu Nico Management Ltd, Kumul Minerals Holdings Ltd > 56 Transforming Flowsheets with Innovative Technologies > 58

OIL & GAS

PNG Government, Partners Sign Fiscal Stability Agreement for P’nyang LNG Project > 62 Santos’ Perspectives at the 17th PNG Resource & Energy Investment Conference > 66 Santos Launches Locally Staffed Papua New Guinea Hub to Support Global Operations > 72

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Check out our sustainability highlights

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CONTENTS PRL15 Landowners, Leading Field Service Provider Form New JV Company to Service Oil and Gas Industry > 74 Moy Mamarua – 40 Amazing Years > 76 Steamships Strengthens Position as Papua LNG’s Energy and Resource Partner of Choice > 80

AGRICULTURE

Central Province Seeks to Make Major Agri Impact by Funding Cattle, Onion Projects > 82 Trukai Donates Village Sustainability Kits to Milne Bay Farmer > 84 Vanilla World Association to be Formed > 86 Increased Production, Export for Central Coffee > 88

ENERGY

AG Group Starts Dialogue for E-Methanol Production in PNG, Spearheading ZeroCarbon Ambitions > 90

AIFFP Pledges US$150M for Energy Infrastructure in PNG > 94

Reinforces Commitment to PNG’s Development > 106

Australia Partners with Papua New Guinea in Renewable Energy Drive > 96

Swire Shipping Expanding its Footprint; PNG Gets Access to More Reliable Connections to/from US > 108

NEA Conducts 2nd Consultation of Decentralised Electricity Supply Policy Workshop > 98

TOURISM

TPA CEO Appointed Deputy Chairman of Kokoda Track Committee > 100

FINANCE

PM Marape Announces Historic Appointment of Ms. Elizabeth Genia as the First Woman Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea > 102 PM Marape Welcomes Reopening of IMF Resident Office in Port Moresby After Two Decades > 104

COMPANY

Papuan Coast Maiden Voyage: Consort Express Lines Invests in Expansion of its Fleet,

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Atlas Steel PNG – Now a OneStop-Shop Steel Fabrication Business > 108 Seafarer Graduates Snapped Up by Maritime Companies > 110 Ark Camps Dominate World’s Largest Gas Field Development > 112 Bridging Solutions Made in PNG > 112 Redback™ Drilling Tools & Manufacturing: Pioneering Innovation > 114 Remington Group Announces Top Candidates for Development Programs > 118

Monier Limited: Providing Quality High-Standard Development Products and Services in the Construction Industry for Over 60 Years > 120 Bishops Release Exciting New Catalogue > 122 Unveiling Zad Zeal Limited > 122 Recompression Facility Important to Commercial Divers in PNG > 124 Wan PNG Expands Reach with Launch of iOS App > 126 Local Caterer Gives Soldiers Well-Deserved Christmas > 128 Businesses for Health: TB & HIV Project on World TB Day in PNG 2024 > 132 Crown Hotel Offers a New Look with Pondo Bar and Bistro > 134

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COMMENTARY

How Papua New Guinea Became an Oil Producer and then an LNG Producer EDITOR’S NOTE: Michael McWalter, former Director, Petroleum Division and Adviser to the Government of Papua New Guinea and erstwhile petroleum adviser to the Governments of Ghana, Liberia, Cambodia, Sao Tome, and South Sudan comments on the evolution of Papua New Guinea’s oil and gas industry and how Papua New Guinea has fostered the industry into some of its largest investments in LNG production.

Michael McWalter is a certified petroleum geologist and technical specialist in upstream petroleum industry regulation, administration, and institutional development.

Second of Two Parts In Part I, we read about the signs of oil and gas throughout Papua New Guinea that enticed many oilmen to look for large oil and gas fields over many decades, and we read about the first commercial oil discovery at the Iagifu 2-X well and how the Kutubu field was successfully developed. We now pick up the story where subsequent exploration wells found mainly gas fields rather than oil fields.

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hen Papua New Guinea realised that its petroleum endowment was not so full of oil, but was comprised substantially of natural gas resources, it was recognised that gas would be difficult to develop in the absence of any domestic gas demand from households, commerce, or industry, and all the more so being remote from the gas markets of other nations.

So, in 1992, the Government through the newly-established Petroleum Branch, commissioned a study on all the discovered oil and gas fields of Papua New Guinea. This

work was conducted by the US firm, Scientific Software Intercom in collaboration with the officers of the Petroleum Branch and sought to assess the extent of the petroleum resources and reserves to proper and systematic standards of reserve reporting then published by the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Based on summations of the reserves, an economic study was undertaken applying the then prevailing Papua New Guinea petroleum fiscal regime. The results were presented to the National Executive Council (the Cabinet) showing that if the production from the gas fields discovered to date were aggregated, there could conceivably be a commercially viable gas development based on the export of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to East Asian markets, but more work would be needed to obtain better quantification of the gas field development costs and the construction costs of a LNG plant and export facilities.

The Government liked the idea of gas development and embarked on examining its policies for such and began fostering the notion of gas development. Economic and policy Publisher Elizabeth Galura Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle info@pngbusinessnews.com Journalist Miriam Mandibi mupalia20@gmail.com

studies were conducted and extensive discussions between gas field owners and promoters ensued.

In 1995, the Government tabled a White Paper on Natural Gas Policy before the Papua New Guinea Parliament. The policy laid down the

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Figure 1: The story of the tragic Aitape tsunami and its aftermath are told

by Prof Hugh Davies in his 2007 book: the Aitape Story.

Page 12 >

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Printed in Papua New Guinea by Biz Print • Commentaries and contributed articles published in this magazine are the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of PNG Business News – our main role is to provide our readers in PNG and the region with a digest of business news in various sectors of Papua New Guinea.

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COMMENTARY

< Page 10 regulatory and fiscal terms that the Government was willing to consider for the encouragement of investment in gas development. Key features were the introduction of Petroleum Retention Licences (PRLs) to allow the companies to keep their discoveries beyond the period of tenure provided by a normal Petroleum Prospecting Licence. This would be allowed in consideration of an acceptable programme of gas field appraisal and delineation, conduct of commercial studies and development promotion by the licensees. So long as a field was currently not commercially viable, the PRLs would allow retention for up to 15 years.

The gas policy also introduced a single ring-fence for the field development, gas pipeline infrastructure, LNG Plant and marine facilities.

And based on considerable economic modelling, the Government landed on a concept of 50/50 sharing of the net value between the developer and the Government. The income tax rate for gas operations was set to 30% of net profits and the State decided it would keep its right to take up to 22.5% equity in the entirety of any development, including the LNG plant and associated facilities. Royalty rates were left at 2% of the wellhead value.

With the foundations for the gas development defined by the revised gas regulatory and fiscal regime, Exxon and BP pursued their LNG development plans based on the large Hides gas field with notions of taking the gas to the Papua New Guinea north-coast and a deep water plant site at Madang. However, these plans faltered due to the Asian financial crisis in 1997 and the consequent sudden reduction in East Asian LNG demand and the terrible tsunami that occurred in 1998 at Aitape on the north coast. An account of the tsunami was made by Prof. Hugh Davies of the University of Papua New Guinea in his book Aitape Story published in 2007. He attributed the devastating waves to movement on a sea floor fissure arising from a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. That movement caused a slump of seabed bottom sediment which would have generated the wave.

The tsunami demonstrated that whilst placing any LNG facilities nearer to markets, any north coast-lo-

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cated LNG facility would have to be built to much more exacting standards to cater for the additional seismic risk, as compared to the south coast. The Petroleum Division, mindful of the seismic hazards of the New Guinea part of Papua New Guinea, had earlier commissioned a Papua New Guinea Seismic Hazard Study, prepared by Dr Horst Letz, a renowned seismologist, which was completed around the time of the tsunami. It clearly defined the risk and indicated that a southern coast location for a LNG plant and facilities would be preferable.

When the amendments to the Petroleum Act were being prepared for gas development pursuant to the 1995 Gas Policy, the results of policy studies on landowner benefits (both royalty and equity sharing), strategic access to pipelines and processing facilities and elementary domestic gas business provisions became available, and an effort was made to incorporate these matters into the amendments.

The Government was intent in providing statutorily defined benefits to communities hosting any future oil and gas development together with a proper process of consultation and liaison with communities. For such benefits, the Government devised the idea of a separate Development Agreement between the community parties and the State, which would be agreed in a formally convened Development Forum after proper research had been made as to land matters through the conduct of social mapping and landowner identification studies carried out by the licensees.

Significant and specific political lobbying arose from the Southern Highlands Province (home to the major oil and gas fields) for the Government to consider making a separate Gas Act for gas operations.

In the resulting compromise, the Government agreed at the political level to introduce some of the reforms suggested by the Province, but only if the Act would remain intact, though it was now agreed that the new Act would be rebranded as the Oil and Gas Act, whilst still referring to petroleum for the most part.

Thus, the Oil and Gas Act, No 49 of 1998 was born. It represented a major restatement of the former Petroleum Act, covered much new ground and paved the way for im-

proved participation by communities and their sharing in benefits.

Later, BP withdrew from Papua New Guinea and took their ideas about Papua New Guinea LNG development to West Papua in Indonesia where they successfully launched the Tangguh LNG Project.

Then, Chevron, realising that they were handling increasing volumes of associated gas in their operation of the Kutubu oil fields, re-injecting as much as 400 million standard cubic feet of gas per day bought out the commercial notions that the International Petroleum Corporation (the early Lundin company) had about developing their offshore Pandora gas field in the Gulf of Papua, and sending that gas to Townsville in Queensland, Australia to supply a 200-megawatt power plant.

A period followed when all development notions were focused on transmitting gas to Australia from the producing oil fields, plus the undeveloped gas fields. With Kutubu oil production declining, Chevron departed the venture, selling its Papua New Guinea interests to Oil Search and over the course of several years, the schemes waxed and waned.

The Papua New Guinea Gas Project, alias Papua New Guinea Gas to Queensland Project or Gas to Australia Project ended up with over 4,300 kilometres of trunk gas pipe-

Figure 2: The cover of the Oil and Gas Act, 1998 consolidated to 2007, though there have been many more amendments since.

This copy is battered and torn due to extensive use by the writer!

Page 14 >

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COMMENTARY

< Page 12 lines and lateral pipelines hanging off the Papua New Guinea gas sources.

Most of that infrastructure was in the north-eastern quadrant of Australia and was to be expensed against the supply of gas to a wide and quixotic range of Australian gas customers.

With low gas prices, high steel prices and the emergence of coal seam methane development notions in Australia, finally it was realised that Papua New Guinea might end up giving its gas away for nothing and that the only value For Papua New Guinea might remain in the natural gas condensates extracted in Papua New Guinea. The Papua New Guinea Gas Project for the supply of gas to Australia thus failed.

An abrupt turn was made to change all the development ideas toward supplying a LNG plant to be located on the Papuan South coast and an effort made to market the gas as LNG to East Asian markets. The dependence on external infrastructure and specific gas demands in Australia was also not seen as either politically attractive or sustainable. Thus, was born the Papua New Guinea LNG Project, more familiarly known as the PNG LNG Project.

Figure 3: The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, the late Right Hon. Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare signing the Papua New Guinea LNG Project Gas Agreement with ExxonMobil et al on 22 May 2008

PNG LNG has many factors in its favour as a distinct source for LNG for supply to East Asian markets.

Papua New Guinea is a non-aligned Christian nation; it is not an Islamic nation. Papua New Guinea is desirous of investment and keen for development based on commercial oriented fiscal terms. Papua New Guinea as a nation has open-ocean access from its shores to customers and does not rely on any strategic straits. It has a

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Westminster-style Government and observes the principles of law and contract.

Papua New Guinea is favourably positioned to supply the Australasian region, but can reach out to serve Asian, Pacific and American markets.

With diminishing oil production and the absence of new oil finds, Papua New Guinea’s explorers needed to capitalise on prior exploration investments that failed to find oil.

Gas in the new century was no longer a hindrance and could be profitably developed even extending the life of the oil fields.

The PNG LNG project was projected to export LNG at a heating value of 1,135 BTU/SCF gas and the liquids were forecast to sell at US$ 60/ barrel. Anticipated LNG prices were: US$ 8.07 per MSCF: equivalent to US$ 10.20 per MMBTU, or US$ 9.69/GJ. The original plant design was upgraded early on from.6.3 million tonnes per annum to 6.9 million tonnes per annum for production over a 30-year period. Gross income was estimated to be ~ US$ 74.3 billion.

Even at US$ 50/barrel oil, the project was still forecast to yield US$ 61.9 billion in LNG sales. The gas is rich in natural gas liquids, so at just 20 BO/ MMSCF, some 210 million barrels of natural gas liquids were forecast to yield an additional US$ 12 billion of sales revenue.

And so, in May 2014, Papua New Guinea became an LNG exporter, and is now producing about 8+ mta LNG per annum to customers in Chi-

na, Japan and Taiwan - well above the original nameplate capacity of the LNG Plant. It got there because of fine operatorship on the part of ExxonMobil of a coherent joint venture. ExxonMobil was able to market the gas to top quality customers and obtain superior project financing.

The only major disappointment has been the collapse several times in the crude oil prices below projections, and hence the LNG prices due to the indexing with crude oil. For the first year, some elevated prices were obtained, but clearly the fall of crude oil below US$ 30 per barrel in 2015 hurt the project economics, as did the see-sawing of prices in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic when prices plummeted to less than US$ 3 per MMBTU only to soar to over US$ 60 per MMBTU later. The markets have calmed down now.

Access to lands for the project development came with resounding landowner consent after an enormous development forums were held at project level in Kokopo in New Britain and at licence level in each licence area. During the forums, the sharing of the benefit streams of the 2% royalty, 2% free equity from the State, 2% development levy, and other project grants including business development grants and infrastructure grants were discussed.

Oddly, whilst some grants have been paid, some of the royalties and equity benefits have yet to be distributed due to some remaining uncertainties about landownership, and/ or challenges based on rivalry. But notwithstanding this situation, the

Figure 4: The PNG LNG Project at Caution Bay about 20 kilometres north-west of Port Moresby

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COMMENTARY

< Page 14

landowners have been extremely patient and have remained stoical. Indeed, the landowners have negotiated with the Government for the vendor financing of additional equity in the PNG LNG Project of about 4.2% that was promised to them in the main development forum in Kokopo.

These equity holdings will be most valuable once the project finance has been paid down. The fact that the landowners see that value, needs to be recognised.

What is next? There are plans for additional LNG trains being added to the existing location for further LNG output.

In 2008, a significant gas discovery was made at the Elk-4 well of InterOil Ltd drilled in the Gulf Province. This was appraised by further drilling and the reservoir intersected in this well shown to be part of a much larger and better-quality reservoir by the drilling of the nearby Antelope 1 well. Gas reserves of this field are estimated to be about 6.2 TCF (equivalent to about 1.2 billion barrels of oil).

InterOil was a small entrepreneurial company with little experience, and whilst they tried to consider developing what became known as the Elk-Antelope gas field, they eventually sold down their assets to major international companies – Total of France and ExxonMobil of the USA, and to Papua New Guinea’s local oil and gas company – Oil Search, which merged with Santos in December 2021 in a A$ 22 billion deal.

Total, now rebranded as TotalEnergies, is the operator of the Papua LNG Project which seeks to develop this gas field separately, but in synergy with the PNG LNG Project. After

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Figure 5: The Antelope 2 appraisal well was tested by then licensee and operator, InterOil Ltd at a record, if not astonishingly, high gas flow rate of 705 million standard cubic feet of gas per day in 2009 (after PNG BN).

considerable delays, finalising a Gas Agreement with the State, they agreed upon outstanding issues and are now very much resolved to proceed with the project. TotalEnergies, as operator, submitted their application for the licences required for the Papua LNG Project on 28th May 2023.

The Papua LNG Project will develop the Elk-Antelope gas field and transmit the gas by a new pipeline to the Caution Bay site occupied by ExxonMobil.

There Total will have four new electric driven LNG processing trains built, each of 1 million tonnes per year capacity next to the current trains of the PNG LNG Project. It is planned to place the remaining gas through ullage within the existing LNG plant of the PNG LNG Project, owned and operated by ExxonMobil and its partners. The condensate would be exported through the Caution Bay site at a separate loading facility, whilst some existing facilities of ExxonMobil will be utilised such as the site utilities, camps and the jetty, and some will be upgraded for consequent greater use. The Papua LNG Project aims to produce about 6 million tonnes LNG per annum (mta).

The FEED (Front End Engineering and Design) work for the upstream field facilities started in July 2022 and was awarded to French firm Technip Page 18 > ISSUE 1, 2024 – www.pngbusinessnews.com

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COMMENTARY Figure 6: The Papua LNG Project will produced gas from the Elk and Antelope gas field and transport it to liquefaction plant adjacent to the PNG LNG Project liquefaction plant (after TotalEnergies).

< Page 16 Energies NV. The FEED work for the downstream LNG plant started in March 2023 and was award together with the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to JGC Corporation in partnership with Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. TotalEnergies has publicly confirmed that the project remains on track for a Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2024 with the first LNG production anticipated in late 2028/early 2029. The project is estimated to cost about US$12 billion and it is expected to expand Papua New Guinea’s GDP by 50%, or so. At present, there has been no announcement of project financing or LNG sales and purchase agreements that might underpin the project, though TotalEnergies remains confident, and perhaps a little, but appropriately, tight-lipped on such matters!

The shareholders in the project are TotalEnergies (operator) with a 40.1% stake; ExxonMobil (following the acquisition of InterOil in Feb. 2017) holding 37.1%; Santos Ltd. (following the acquisition of Oil Search Ltd in Dec. 2021) with 22.8%; while the Papua New Guinea government retains the option to exercise a back-in right for up to a 22.5% interest at the time of the grant of the project licences.

In an innovation of a kind, the development of the P’nyang LNG Project for which the Government has negotiated, agreed and signed a Gas Agreement with the companies is now planned to take place after the construction of the Papua LNG Project starting in 2028, and again lasting for about four years.

This project will not involve the building of any new liquefaction facilities, but will rather transmit its produced gas to the nearest trunk gas pipeline of the PNG LNG Project. The gas will then be transported by the PNG LNG Project for a commercially agreed tariff and delivered to the PNG LNG Project LNG plant where it will be tolled through the facilities and exported.

The P’nyang gas will therefore be what is known as “back-fill” gas for the PNG LNG Project LNG plant when it has already depleted and processed the gas from its project dedicated gas fields.

P’nyang gas will therefore optimise gas throughput of the PNG LNG Project pipeline and facilities extending their life and making further income both for the companies and the Government.

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This obviates the need for new facilities and represents a significant capital saving.

The P’nyang LNG Project is estimated to cost about US$ 9 billion and seeks to develop about 4.4 TCF of gas reserves (about 860 million barrels of oil equivalent) and should extend the useful life of the PNG LNG Project facilities by about 10 years to around 2046.

Gas development beyond what is described above depends on linking other discovered gas fields that are smaller and more remote to the infrastructure and the development of yet-to-be- discovered gas fields. Exploration density in Papua New Guinea is very low due to limited infrastructure and access to petroliferous areas, so one can reasonably anticipate that if exploration drilling is encouraged significantly more gas reserves might be identified.

With the combined processing capacity of the ExxonMobil-led PNG LNG Project (8.3 million tonnes per year) and the TotalEnergies-led Papua LNG Project (4 million tonnes per year), there will be an aggregate capacity to process 13.7 million tonnes of LNG per year (equivalent to about 300,000 barrels of oil per day).

Some have dared to talk that a LNG output of 20 million tonnes per annum is possible for Papua New Guinea in the foreseeable future. However, a few hurdles remain, primary amongst which is a lack of new wildcat drilling to find new gas fields, perhaps due to uncertain and undefined petroleum sector policy.

Figure 7: Gas Agreement for the P’nyang gas field development is signed 23 February 2022

Papua New Guinea can still be successful in producing oil and gas well into the future, but it has to learn that it takes more than oil and gas reserves to create a viable and sustainable production industry. A review of its past successes should indicate what it needs to do. It has the natural gas resources in volumes enough to keep the current and planned trains filled, and perhaps more trains, but it must continue to be proactive in all aspects of gas development planning, promotion and participation. Importantly, the promised benefits to landowner in particular and to the wider public need to be delivered by the Government.

Any lapse into baseless self-indulgent or impractical schemes could readily spoil what is essential a very good framework for continued gas development investment, notwithstanding the plans to change the regime structure to one of production sharing. The future of PNG’s gas industry is firmly in the hands of the Government with excellent operators to assist it.

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COMMENTARY

A PNG-Australia Security Framework: Not a Treaty but Solid Nonetheless Henry Ivarature is the Deputy Director at the Australia Pacific Security College, Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University.

This article appeared first on Devpolicy Blog (devpolicy.org), from the Development Policy Centre at The Australian National University. Henry Ivarature is the Deputy Director at the Australia Pacific Security College, Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University.

O

n 7 December 2023, the prime ministers of Australia and Papua New Guinea signed an historic security agreement in Canberra. It has taken approximately three years to conclude since both countries signed the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership on 5 August 2020, which committed the parties to develop a bilateral security treaty.

Titled “Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Papua New Guinea on a Framework for Closer Security Relations”, it is described as a “framework”, so not quite what Australia had hoped for, which was a treaty. Nevertheless, I think, it is as reasonable and pragmatic as it could be in addressing PNG’s serious internal security challenges. Australia has certainly prevailed in working with PNG to get this security framework over the line.

The security framework is largely developmental in nature.

It covers defence, police, law and justice, violence against women and children, national security, border, maritime and aviation security, cyber security, health security and biosecurity, as well as infrastructure, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and climate change and environment.

Its implementation depends on PNG’s political and bureaucratic thought leaders, especially its security sector leadership, who will

22 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

need to take real ownership of the above-listed “common security interests”, as set out in Article 3 of the agreement, in order to realise the security outcomes Prime Minister James Marape seeks for PNG. Otherwise, the agreement’s noble security and developmental intentions may not be fully realised.

Internal security appears to be the focus of the agreement. Sadly, PNG is a country plagued by endemic law and order problems including tribal violence and horrible sorcery-related crimes against women. In recent years, tribal violence has increased in frequency, getting more violent

and destructive, and is exerting enormous pressures on an already under-resourced police force.

This state of lawlessness not only makes life unsafe for everyone, especially women and children, but also frightens away potential foreign investors. In this respect, Australia’s investment in policing and the law and justice sector more generally is a pragmatic and necessary step toward addressing a problem that is long overdue for f ixing.

Accord ing to my ow n sources, t he protect ion of PNG’s sovereig nt y, par t icularly in relat ion to Aust ra l ia’s request for t he g rant ing of pr iv i leges

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 23

COMMENTARY

< Page 22 and immunit ies for Aust ra l ian pol ice of f icers, was a content ious point in t he negot iat ions.

Immunit y prov isions are notably absent from t he secur it y framework. However, t his could be dea lt w it h under subsid iar y ag reements in t he future. Wit h respect to possible cross-border deploy ments to engage in secur it y cooperat ion, A r t icle 4 of t he ag reement states t hat t he operat ing framework w i l l be prov ided by t he ex ist ing Agreement between Au stralia and Papua New Guinea regarding the Statu s of Forces of Each State in the Ter ritor y of the other State, sig ned in 1977. T he secur it y ag reement has been kept broad and by sidestepping t he content ious quest ion of immunit ies has reduced any perceived impact on PNG’s sovereig nt y.

A lthough sovereignty issues might have slowed progress on the agreement, in hindsight it is probably better to have had these matters thoroughly addressed. It

is also better to avoid adopting a security framework that skirts around unresolved issues which may later come back to haunt both countries, especially in the “land of the unexpected”. In this respect, credit is due to PNG’s negotiators for not allowing themselves to be rushed, and for waiting until all contentious issues they considered to have implications for national sovereignty were satisfactorily addressed.

Kudos, also, to the patient Australian negotiators working on “PNG time” since August 2020.

Prime Minister Marape’s next challenge will be to navigate the allegations of inadequate consultation from the Chair of the Foreign Af fairs Committee, Belden Namah, and reactions from the general public over the coming days and weeks. A lthough Namah welcomes the security framework, he says Prime Minister Marape’s government is repeating the same mistake it made with the PNG-US defence cooperation agreement – that is, not adequately consulting parliament.

On a broader level, and in this period of intense geopolitical contestation in the Indo-Pacific region, the security framework marks another signif icant milestone in Australia’s ef forts to thwart China’s security interests in the Blue Pacif ic. It comes less than a month after Australia and Tuvalu signed the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty at the Pacif ic Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Cook Islands. Australia has extended its hand to other Pacif ic states after signing the Treaty with Tuvalu, the f irst of its kind.

Both developments, nonetheless, will further fuel geopolitical competition in the region. China will likely attempt corresponding measures to maintain its inf luence. I think that, for now, Australia should be relieved that it has signed a security framework agreement, if not a treaty, with PNG. The security framework at least establishes a broad foundation for building closer security relations with Australia’s closest neighbour.

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BUSINESS

PM Marape Addresses Business Community, Apologises for January 10 Events

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rime Minister and Treasurer Hon. James Marape has extended his gratitude and apologies to all businesses that have supported Papua New Guinea over the years in an address to the business community during the annual Back-to-Business Breakfast sponsored by Kina Bank in Port Moresby, The Prime Minister’s speech comes in the wake of the events of January 10, 2024, and other challenges the business community may have encountered.

“Thank you for all you have done to our economy this far, and I also want to apologise, not just for the events of January this year, but any downside,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“If you feel that your government, or your country, has not been a good host to you who pay your share of taxes, I want to say we are sorry. We apologise to all of you who pay taxes to Papua New Guinea.”

The Prime Minister reassured the business community of Papua New Guinea’s resilience in the face of adversity. He referenced the country’s history of overcoming challenges, including the Bougainville Crisis, and affirmed the government’s commitment to investigating the incidents of January 10, especially the absence of police services.

In efforts to fortify the nation’s security and justice systems, Prime Minister Marape highlighted his recent visit to Canberra, Australia, where he engaged with government officials and visited security facilities.

“We hope to do justice to you as continuous taxpayers to our country as we move forward into the future,” he stated, promising a “bright future” for Papua New Guinea.

The Prime Minister emphasised the government’s focus on removing economic impediments to foster business growth and declared law-and-order as the top priority.

He outlined the agenda for the upcoming session of Parliament, which includes restructuring the court system to expedite justice delivery, thereby enhancing the economy.

Prime Minister Marape underscored the government’s support for the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and outlined policies aimed at supporting businesses, including infrastructure development, utilities support, and agricultural price and freight assistance.

Ref lecting on the country’s economic

26 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

growth, Prime Minister Marape noted the increase in the economy’s size from K79 billion in 2019 to K110 billion today, highlighting the government’s goal of achieving a surplus budget by 2027 and debt elimination by 2034.

The Prime Minister urged the business community to focus on their contributions to the economy, promising that the next 10 to 15 years will be pivotal for Papua New Guinea, with major resource projects on the horizon.

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 27

BUSINESS

Minister Daki Happy with Visit by Japanese Investors for Joint Public Private Economic Mission

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he Minister for Commerce & Industry, Win Bakri Daki through the Papua New Guinea Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) has praised the 50- member delegation from Japan who visited the country recently seeking business and investment opportunities.

Minister Daki told the investors that even though Papua New Guinea has been hitting the media for the wrong reasons recently, these issues did not deter the plans and intentions of the business delegation to come to PNG. “We are honored and humbled to have you with us during our challenging times. Your visit signals a great message to the outside world that PNG’s problems are not unique to what’s happening around the world, and it adds to our endeavor to rebuild investors’ confidence and demonstrate that PNG is still open

for business.” Minister said.

He was pleased with the discussions held during the forum and as Minister responsible for Commerce and Industry he said he was confident that the B2B, B2G and G2G discussions would be beneficial for both the Japanese and PNG side.

“I will be working with my Ministry after this forum to ensure that there is continued dialogue to maintain trade and bilateral arrangements between PNG and Japan.

I will also use this forum to propose to the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Honorable James Marape for a business delegation to accompany him to Japan when he attends the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) later this year. This is the commitment I intend to take up as the Minister responsible for Commerce and Industry in Papua New Guinea.”

The theme of the public private economic mission was: Co-creation by the Japanese and PNG private sectors for a balanced promotion of various industries that contribute to sustainable economic development in PNG. The sectors of interest from the Japanese side include Energy, Infrastructure, Tourism and Environment and Agriculture. For agriculture, discussions will be on cultivating distinctive agricultural products and building resilient supply chains to increase profitability and revitalize local communities. In tourism, the focus will be on fostering a sustainable tourism industry in collaboration with the environmental industry, aiming to preserve and harmonize with the rich natural environment and culture of PNG.

PM Marape Holds Discussions with New US Ambassador on PNG-US Relations

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rime Minister Hon. James Marape held discussions with the new United States Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Ann Marie Yastishock, recently at his Sir Manasupe House office in Port Moresby.

Prime Minister Marape, in welcoming the ambassador, said PNG is a friendly country with a robust democracy.

Prime Minister Marape informed Ambassador Yastishock on the need for detailed discussions on implementing the recently signed PNG-US Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA).

Ambassador Yastishock highlighted that the US government is keen on progressing this and proposed a meeting with officials from both countries later this year in Port Moresby.

Prime Minister Marape also noted that the US has stepped up its interactions with the Pacific in recent years, such as the last two US-Pacific Island countries meeting in Washington.

He said whilst it is good, the out-

28 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

comes must be seen by the Pacific Island countries.

“For our PNG-US relations, PNG has a huge youth population with school leavers seeking further studies and employment opportunities, and that needs to be addressed in the next five to seven years.

“That is why we are in the conversation on downstream processing. If we can get US investors into downstream processing in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, this could help create employment opportunities for our citizens,” said Prime Minister Marape.

He also reiterated the need for scholarships for PNG students to study in the United States.

“Ambassador, under your time, if we could further expand on this scholarship for our PNG students, it would do a great deal in alleviating some of the unemployment and training needs of our young citizens coming out of our school system.

“The number of spaces in our

higher institutions of learning and those graduating have limited employment opportunities, so, if the US can help facilitate scholarships for PNG students in the US, would be great,’’ he said.

Last year, the top performing students from PNG’s National Schools of Excellence were offered scholarships in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in US universities.

Further, Prime Minister Marape also discussed the issue of reciprocal visa on arrival arrangements for both PNG and US citizens.

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BUSINESS

Honorary Trade Commissioners for Australia, Philippines Appointed

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he Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, recently announced that the National Executive Council (NEC) has approved for Trade Commission Service to officially start.

This begins with the appointment of Mr. Rex Paki as the Papua New Guinea Honorary Trade Commissioner to Australia based in Brisbane and His Excellency Dr. Bienvenido Tejano as Papua New Guinea’s Honorary Trade Commissioner to the Republic of the Philippines based in Manila.

“They are people of high repute and have extensive network and we feel they will best represent our interest. We are now looking at making similar appointments for other countries with priority being Indonesia,” Minister Maru said.

“One of the prerequisites of the appointments is that those who will be appointed must be residents of the countries that we are appointing them to represent us.

These appointments are very significant because Papua New Guinea is now moving from having foreign relationships based on diplomatic relationships to now having relationships anchored on trade and investment,” he added.

“We are appointing people who have knowledge and skills to help advance our two-way trade and investment relationships with major countries of the world including securing markets for our LNG gas, mining products, and products from the agriculture, forestry and the fisheries sectors,” said Minister Maru.

Minister Maru further stated: “The primary responsibility of the appointed Trade Commissioners will be to look for export markets for Papua New Guinea goods and to promote trade and investment opportunities in Papua New Guinea especially to attract foreign direct investments and attract investors in our Special Economic Zones.”

“They will also be instrumental in helping us to arrange trade and investment conferences around the world like the recent one that was staged in Hong Kong last year.”

“The appointed Trade Commissioners are private citizens with their own office and setup. They will represent Papua New Guinea in handling all trade and investment enquiries and they will report directly to the Minister for International Trade & Investment and the Secretary for Department of International Trade & Investment

30 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

in the discharge of their duties.”

“Papua New Guinea will save K5 million a year by appointing Honorary Trade Commissioners who are not paid by the Government of Papua New Guinea and not a staff of our Diplomatic Service, however, they will work very closely with the Papua New Guinea Heads of Missions and diplomatic staff in all our high commissions and embassies throughout the world,” Minister Maru added.

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS

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BUSINESS

PM Marape Advocates for South Korean Model of Growth for Papua New Guinea

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rime Minister Hon. James Marape says Papua New Guinea can learn from countries like South Korea in terms of quality government service delivery and significantly improving the living standards of its citizens.

Prime Minister Marape, upon emphasising the importance of quality delivery of leadership and service for the country to enable an efficient public service and a robust economy for the future, made a specific comparative analysis with the country of South Korea on Thursday, March 21, 2024, during a meeting with heads of government departments and agencies in Port Moresby. Also present were several ministers.

He highlighted that South Korea was among the poorest nations of the world in 1953, with 67 dollars per capita, but today it is the 11th largest economy globally.

Prime Minister Marape said in 1973, when PNG gained self-government, South Korea had 407 dollars per capita, compared to Papua New Guinea having 486 dollars per capita at the time, in which PNG was ranked slightly higher than South Korea in per capita terms.

As the 11th biggest economy in the world today, South Korea now has 33,147 dollars per capita, while PNG has just surpassed 3,500 dollars per capita.

“If South Korea can transform economically through sig nif icant

change in government ser v ice deliver y mechanisms and policy frameworks w ithin a short per iod of t ime from being one of the poorest nat ions in the world to becoming the 11th biggest economy now, Papua New Guinea can do the same or better, g iven our vast natural resources and massive land area. PNG is four t imes the size of South Korea,” he told the departmental and agency heads.

Prime Minister Marape strongly urged ministers and public servants throughout the country to effectively deliver on their job expectations, aiming to meet global standards. He reminded the ministers, departmental heads, and agency leaders on their duty expectations, which were issued in January this year.

“The first quarter of the year is winding up; it is time to ref lect upon what is being achieved and identify the critical needs for progress and development going forward in the public sector,” he said.

“We, as leaders in government, must deliver to maximum expectation and output, as determined by our key result areas and job specifications . I encourage all public servants, especially those of you here in leadership positions of government, to be committed to your work for through you, we will see the difference for our country to thrive,” said Prime Minister Marape.

Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso also expressed concern regarding public sector performance towards enabling efficient delivery of services to the people, especially majority of the population who are in the rural areas of the country. “We as leaders in the public service have a duty to serve our people. And we must carry out this duty with due diligence and excellence,” he said.

Chief Secretary to Government Ivan Pomaleu, in a response statement on behalf of the public service, acknowledged the challenge and call by Prime Minister Marape for public servants throughout the country to execute productive service in their lines of duty. The Chief Secretary also highlighted key deliverable projects this year for the Public Service including the National Census.

Primes Minister Marape addressing heads of Government departments and agencies.-PM’s Office Media

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BUSINESS

Steamships Unveils Harbourside South - Port Moresby’s Newest Mixed-Use Development

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teamships and Pacific Palms Property were proud to celebrate a significant milestone, officially opening the f lagship development, Harbourside South, Harbourside Precinct’s newest property located in Port Moresby’s CBD. The momentous occasion was attended by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, Governor Hon. Powes Parkop, Barnaby Swire, Chairman of the Swire Group, Marriott Group Executives Tristan Cooper and Scott Lowe, and the Steamships board of directors. Designed to meet the evolving needs of the National’s capital, Harbourside South stands as a beacon of progress, innovation, and opportunity.

The mixed-use nature of this building offers unparalleled versatility and promises to reshape urban living, workspaces, and recreational experiences.

“Steamships and its businesses are deeply committed to the development and growth of Papua New Guinea,” said Managing Director Rupert Bray. “Our investment into the precinct has brought in new international brands such as the Marriott, highlighting Steamships’ reliability and confidence as a joint-venture partner and business leader in PNG.” Harbourside South features include a retail f loor with thirteen outlets and three A-grade commercial f loors (2,400m2) all of which are fully tenanted. The building is also home to the country’s first Marriott Executive Apartments, with an impressive eighty-eight suites. The spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments are fully equipped with a kitchen, laundry, 24-hr security and a luxury, “At Your Service” concierge team to assist with your every need. The Mariott Executive Apartments also offer three penthouse suites, all with wrap around balconies and magnificent views of Fairfax Harbour. Guests have the option of earning loyalty points through Marriott Bonvoy, which also offers guests free wifi member rates and mobile check-in. The Marriott

34 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

Executive Apartments are available for short and long-term rentals with a minimum 1-week stay.

A pedestrian link bridge connecting Harbourside South to the existing culinary hub of the Harbourside East and West development offers tenants and customers safe and secure access to both sites.

A private member’s lounge is situated on the 11th f loor, offering Marriott Executive Apartment tenants, and its members exclusive access to a luxury spa, conference spaces, private lounge and dining experiences, a roof top pool, a chil-

dren’s recreational area and state of the art gymnasium, equipped with a lap pool and fitness studio.

Harbourside South is also in the process of obtaining an EDGE certification, a recognition which all Steamships properties are aiming to achieve, as part of the company’s commitment to sustainable operations.

With its mixed-use concept, sustainable design, and commitment to innovation, the building is poised to become an iconic hub of progress, fostering growth, and propelling the nation onto the global stage.

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 35

BUSINESS

PNG, Philippines Ministers Agree to Historic Trade Meeting

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fter 50 years of diplomatic relationship between the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Republic of the Philippines, the Trade Ministers of both countries have agreed to the first-ever Trade Committee Meeting between the two countries to be held in Manila on June 17-18, 2024.

The PNG Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, and the Filipino Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, Hon. Alfredo Espinosa Pascual, agreed to this historic Trade Committee Meeting during their meeting in Manila in March.

Minister Maru said: “The Trade Committee members of both countries will include all key sectors and agencies responsible for trade and investment between our two countries, including the Department of International Trade and Investment, and the Department of Foreign Affairs.”

“Myself and Minister Pascual will be in attendance to officiate this important and historic meeting. The

agenda for the meeting will include negotiating and signing a very comprehensive Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement between our two countries at the earliest opportunity, including developing and signing a Free Trade Agreement between our two countries.”

“This critical agreement will provide the political will on both sides to progress initiatives to strengthen and deepen the trade and investment relationship between our two countries.”

Minister Maru further stated: “In terms of two-way trade between our two countries, in 2022, PNG exported USD132 million to the Philippines and the Philippines exported USD20.5 million to PNG -- the trade is in our favor.”

“They have a big market with 120 million people to feed and have been enquiring to buy rice from PNG if we are able to grow enough rice to feed ourselves and have rice available for export. They also need energy to supply their growing energy needs and have enquired about buying LNG gas from PNG.” “We also have attractive in-

vestment opportunities for them like investing in our mining and petroleum industry, agriculture, fisheries, energy, tourism and hospitality, health, skills training, and so much more.”

“We can also learn from the lessons they have learnt from their development challenges and experiences coming from the same background as ours. We have over 37,000 Filipinos living in PNG, and they are also a Christian country like us, and it is easier to relate to them,” added Minister Maru.

Autonomous Bougainville Government Focus Areas for 2024

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his year’s two primary tasks for the Autonomous Bougainville Government are progressing Bougainville’s Independence Mission and reopening the Panguna Mine.

Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama said 98 percent of Bougainvilleans desire for an independent sovereign state to be firmly established by the results of the 2019 Bougainville Referendum.

President Toroama added that while the referendum results spell out the desire for Bougainville’s sovereignty, the government and the people must work together to empower Bougainville’s socioeconomic capacity to support its future as an independent nation.

36 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

“The Panguna Mine is a multi-billion-kina resource that has remained dormant for almost 40 years now,” President Toroama said.

“Its mineral resources have the potential to transform the lives of Bougainvilleans through high-impact infrastructure development projects and improve and increase the human resource capacity of our people,” President Toroama stated.

“The fate of the Panguna Mine became entwined with Bougainville’s quest for independence when the Bougainville revolution began in 1989. Our Late Revolutionary Leader Francis Ona incentivized the Mine as the key to funding Bougainville’s Independence when we took up arms against our oppressors,” President Toroama said.

President Toroama said that if the Panguna Mine could fund Papua New Guinea’s independence, it should rightfully fund Bougainville’s independence and development.

The post-referendum consultations between the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government are still progressing, he added.

With the National Government failing to ratify the referendum results last year, this process will likely be taking place this year.

President Toroama also explained that while his government focuses on reopening the mine this does not mean it will ignore the development of other industries in the economic sector such as tourism, agriculture and even manufacturing.

ISSUE 1, 2024 – www.pngbusinessnews.com

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 37

BUSINESS

NISIT Signs Memorandum of Understanding with SIRIM

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he Papua New Guinea National Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology (PNG NISIT) has officially signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) Berhad in the field of science and technology on the 29th of February 2024, in Malaysia.

SIRIM President and Group Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Indera IR Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad said the deal would now strengthen standardisation and enhanced industrial activities in Papua New Guinea with SIRIM providing a range of services such as testing, education and medical assistance.

“This cooperation will inadvertently safeguard Papua New Guinea against unsafe and subpar products, promote measurement and technical standards for commerce and industry in PNG and improve the country’s industrial efficiency,” he said.

Leading team NISIT to Malaysia was Acting Director-General Mr Victor Gabi with Executive Managers Mr Noah Sapak and Mr Benzamine Zairo with other support staff.

The Secretary for Department of Commerce and Industry Mr David Ganai, who attended the ceremony, said this vital deal from abroad will help the country especially in the field of commerce and industry.

Mr Ganai said with NISIT being the implementation arm of the government, this deal would help improve commerce and industry.

The ceremony occurred in the city of Shah Alam, which is where the headquarters of SIRIM is located.

Mr Gabi said “Our country needs to grow the industry because many businesses there do not have a proper sight to do cross-checking and balancing, and we hope the MOU can help to advance the industrial development to a higher level.”

The deal is to promote cooperation between the two parties in areas of: • Natural Sciences; • Engineering and Technology;

38 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

• Medical and Health Sciences; • Agricultural Sciences; • Social Science and Humanities; • Promoting Technology Transfer and Commercialisation corporation; and, • Other research areas, as mutually agreed by the Parties.

The partnership will serve as a forum for collaboration between NISIT and SIRIM for joint interest vis-à-vis a strategic alliance to: • Joint technical setup, research projects and development projects; • Exchange of researchers, scientists, engineers (“RSEs”) technical experts and consultants participating in execution of joint Parties and for facilitating the exchange of knowledge and information of target groups; • Organising and participating in scientific meetings such as symposia, seminars, courses, workshops, exhibitions and conferences on topics of mutual interests of the Parties; • Exchange of metrological, scientific and technical research results, information, documentation, and material arising from the bilateral scientific and technology cooperation; • Joint use of research and devel-

opment facilities and scientific equipment; • Joint publication; • Promoting technology transfer cooperation; • Industry standard development, calibration, measurement, conformity assessment and testing facility services to establish quality infrastructure; • Networking in industry research development, technology transfer and quality infrastructure services; and, • Other activities as mutually agreed upon in writing by the Parties.

The MOU between NISIT and SIRIM was initially planned for signing in Port Moresby last year but that did not happen due to some challenges faced, hence SIRIM took the initiative to host the event this year.

The relationship between SIRIM and NISIT has been growing strong since 2017. The signing of the MOU officiates and defines well this relationship.

The partnership is for two years and during that time NISIT and SIR IM hope to achieve all goals set in the MOU, if and where possible.

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 39

BUSINESS

Steamships, Laba Team Up to Form Hebamo Transport - New Logistics Company Specifically Designed to Support Papua LNG

S

teamships Trading Company Limited’s Managing Director, Rupert Bray, and Isikeli Taureka, Chief Executive Officer of Laba Holdings Limited, executed a Memorandum of Understanding that will lead to the creation of a new joint-venture company, Hebamo Transport.

Hebamo Transport will focus specifically on logistical support to the resource industry.

By combining Laba’s local presence at the PNG LNG gas site with EastWest Transport extensive experience in land logistics services, the joint venture establishes a Papua New Guinean majority owned specialist in LNG logistical support.

Hebamo Transport seeks to provide unparalleled logistics services tailored to the needs of the energy and mining sectors, specifically catering to the downstream requirements of the Papua LNG project.

“Today marks a significant mile-

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stone as we celebrate the signing of the MOU between Steamships and Laba Holdings creating our joint venture, Hebamo Transport. This collaboration ref lects both companies’ deep commitment to not only foster economic growth but also to ensure that the benefits of resource extraction are rightfully filtered back to the landowners,” said Steamships’ Managing Director, Rupert Bray.

“At Steamships, we are proud to be the partner of choice in this venture, standing as a testament to our ongoing efforts to create impactful and inclusive business models that positively impact communities and drive meaningful progress.”

Both companies look forward to working closely together to finalise the incorporation of the joint venture and are excited about the positive impact this collaboration will have on the local Papa Lealea economy and the broader Papua New Guinean community.

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS

41

MINING

Sir Ano Hands Over Mining Ministry to Minister Dilu

M

ining Minister Honourable Sir Ano Pala in January officially handed over the Mining Ministry to the new Mining Minister Honourable Muguwa Dilu.

Hon. Dilu was appointed as Mining Minister in a Cabinet reshuff le that saw Sir Ano appointed as the National Planning & Monitoring Minister.

The hand-over ceremony was attended by the Acting Managing Director of the Mineral Resources Authority (MR A), Jerry Garry; the Secretary of the Department of Mineral Policy & Geohazards Management (DMPGM), Harry Kore; their respective staff members, MR A board representatives, and representatives from the mining industry.

During the occasion, Sir Ano highlighted that the priority projects for the government were the Porgera and the Wafi Golpu projects.

He told Minister Dilu that most of the work on these two projects had been done.

The Porgera project had been officially declared open with the compensation agreement almost complete.

The Wafi Golpu project is at an advance permitting stage for development, pending conclusion of negotiations of the Mining Development Contract (MDC).

However, Sir Ano said there were other projects around the country that would need his political leadership and guidance.

He expressed confidence in Minister Dilu, adding that he was a young, dynamic, competent leader and would provide good leadership for the sector.

Sir Ano assured Minister Dilu that the MR A and the DMPGM were two of the best state agencies.

He expressed confidence in staff members of these organisations, saying that the staff were highly trained and are professionals in their respective roles. He urged Minister Dilu to support them and provide the necessary political leadership.

Sir Ano said that during his

tenure, he allowed the MR A and DMPGM staff to perform their roles independently without his involvement in their internal affairs.

He said his job was to make decisions based on competent advice from the two organisations.

He congratulated Minister Dilu on his appointment and wished him well in the future.

Photo: (L-R) Mr Garry, Hon Dilu, Hon Sir Ano, and Mr Kore during the hand-over, takeover ceremony.

Sir Ano Pala: Gov’t Taking Strategic Measures to Address Depleting Resources

T

he National Government is taking strategic measures to address the depleting mineral resource inventories and decline in mineral exploration.

Major operating gold and copper mines in the country would potentially reach the end of their mine lives by about mid-2050s and mid-2060s respectively, the Ministry of Mining said.

Outgoing Mining Minister Hon. Sir Ano Pala – who would hand over the reins to MP Muguwa Dilu in January 2024 – said this during the 17th PNG Resources & Energy Investment Conference in Sydney, Australia last December.

“In a nutshell, Hidden Valley may close in 2027, followed by Simberi in 2030, Ok Tedi, Porgera and Ramu may possibly close by about 2040, and Lihir by about 2055. Frieda River

42 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

and Wafi-Golpu may close around 2065,” Sir Ano said.

Considering the potential closure of these mines and the declining exploration activities over the last five years, two major intervention programs have been initiated by the government, Sir Ano said. The programs are: 1. Investment in research for new mineral deposits; and 2. Investment in diversification into growing the Renewal Economic Sector. Investment in research for new mineral deposits in new frontiers To dovetail with efforts to excite exploration and discovery for new mineral deposits to sustain mining industry in PNG, the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) commenced identification of gaps in the National Geoscientific datasets.

The MRA is now designing and

implementing a National Work Program to cover gaps and in specific areas of National Interests.

More importantly, the MRA will perform research and exploration for 1. Strategic Minerals to meet global demands required for transition energy; and 2. Deep-seated orebodies, in particular, conceptual porphyry copper-gold targets.

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 43

MINING

Mining Minister on the Sector’s Updates and Outlook By: MARCELLE P. VILLEGAS

H

on. Muguwa Dilu, MP, Minister for Mining, has given an update on the PNG’s mining sector. On his recent public statement, he highlighted the priority sectors of the government. The minister stated that he is committed in supporting policy initiatives that benef it the interest of all parties involved.

“The extractive industry has always accounted for more than 80% of the total export revenue of PNG. It plays a signif icant role in supporting skills development, wage income tax, employment opportunities, and community project developments.”

He mentioned that according to the 2019 PNG Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) Report, there was a total of PGK 32 billion in contributions from the extractive industries that year. However, only 18.5% (PGK 6.14 billion kina) of that sum was received by PNG entities. Out of which, only 3.7% (PGK 1.2 billion kina) went to the National Government.

“In that year, mining alone contributed about 44% (PGK15 billion) of the total export revenues and the extractive industries collectively contributed 86% of the export volume out of the country. However, only 7% of that went to government revenue.”

“This is a signif icant concern in line with the theme ‘TAK E BACK PNG’. Are we being responsible to the people of Papua New Guinea in comparison to other jurisdictions throughout the world? Why is there a huge disproportionate return for the State against a huge volume of our resources being exported out of the country?”

Regarding mining regulatory framework developments, the minister enumerated two important changes that were made under the administration of Prime Minister Hon. James Marape.

The f irst one is the Mineral Data Repository Hub for the National Government. In 2020,

44 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management (DMPGM) made an amendment to the Mining Act 1992 which mandates all operating mines to submit live extraction and export data in real-time to a central hub at the Mineral Resources Author-

ity (MR A).

The second one is the A lluvial Mining Policy, a policy change in 2021 that restricts and reserves alluvial mining activities for Papua New Guineans only.

He said, “A majority of our people are active participants in

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 45

MINING

< Page 44 the alluvial mining sector.

Therefore, this Government has reserved all alluvial mining activities for Papua New Guinean artisanal and small-scale miners only. This also extends to the buying and export of alluvial gold from PNG with the exception of existing foreign operators who are exempted by the State.”

Additionally, the Minister noted three priority areas or key government priorities, namely: Porgera Gold Mine, Waf i Golpu Mining Project, and Frieda R iver Project.

“To adva nce t he PNG m in ing indust r y, I have underscored t he fol low ing key pr ior it ies as t he new M in ing M in ister. T h is emphasi zes t he Nat iona l Gover nment’s comm it ment to t hese out st a nd ing comm it ment s.”

For Porgera Gold M ine, t he a im is to ensure t he successfu l conclusion of t he Porgera Compensat ion A g reement in order to faci l it ate t he resumpt ion of gold product ion at Porgera.

For Wa f i Golpu M in ing Project, t hey w i l l work on t he conclusion of t he project negot iat ions a nd t he per m it t ing of t he Wa f i Golpu project s before t he end of 2024.

L ast ly, for Fr ieda R iver Project, t he t a rget is t he adva ncing of t he Fr ieda R iver project l icense appl icat ion t hrough to project negot iat ions w it h t he St ate.

T he M in ister a lso ment ioned add it iona l pr ior it ies for t h is yea r in ter ms of leg islat ive a nd pol icy pr ior it ies, na mely t he M in ing Act 1992 rev iew, t he rev iew of t he M in ing (Sa fet y) Act 1977, Product ion Sha r ing Reg ime, Gold Bu l l ion Ba n k, suppor t for t he A l luv ia l M in ing Sector, New Pol icy In it iat ives, a nd Geoha za rds Ma nagement.

On t he Geoha za rds Ma nagement, M in ister Di lu sa id, “Pr ior it y w i l l be g iven to t h is a rea wh ich per for ms a ver y v it a l funct ion under t he M in ist r y t hat under t a kes 24/7 mon itor ing a nd assessment to sa feg ua rd a nd protect t he l ives of our people in a reas prone to volca n ic er up t ions, ea r t hqua kes, t suna m is,

46 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

a nd la ndsl ides.”

“Major pr ior it ies w i l l be t he relocat ion of t he R abau l Volca no Obser vator y, t he replacement of obsolete mon itor ing equ ipment, a nd t he conclusion of t he Geoha za rds Ma nagement Pol icy.”

“T he impor t a nce of col labo rat ion a mong a l l st a keholders w it h in t he m in ing sector is v it a l in t h is indust r y. A s t he M in ister responsible, I st a nd comm it ted to suppor t ing pol icy in it iat ives t hat benef it t he interest s of a l l pa r t ies involved.”

A s a n over v iew of PNG’s M inera l Product ion, over t he last f ive yea rs, t he average a nnua l met a l product ion has been t he fol low ing: Gold 2.4 m i l l ion ounces; Copper 84,50 0 tons concent rate; Nickel 33,50 0 tons; Coba lt 3,0 0 0 tons; a nd Chro m ite 123,0 0 0 tons concent rate.

For an outlook on the minerals, PNG expects strong total annual copper production, averaging between 500,000 tons to a maximum of 700,000 tons per annum for a period of more than 30 years, after Waf i Golpu and Frieda R iver projects are commissioned as operating mines.

“T hese mega project s w i l l t a ke 5 to 7 yea rs for const r uct ion a nd hopefu l ly by 2030, t hese project s may become operat ing m ines. Indeed, PNG w i l l become a sig n i f ica nt copper

producer for cr it ica l m inera ls in t he globe, possibly for over a per iod of t hree decades.”

He a lso repor ted t hat gold product ion from PNG decl ined from over 2 m i l l ion ounces gold to about 1. 3 m i l l ion ounces gold per a nnum since closure of t he Porgera m ine.

On t he ot her ha nd, n ickel a nd coba lt product ion out put s may increase to up to 9 0,0 0 0 a nd 9,0 0 0 tons per a nnum, respect ively i f R a mu MCC’s proposa l to double it s product ion out put w i l l push t hrough a nd i f t he Ma mba re (Oro Nickel) is st a r t s it s product ion.

T he M in ister a lso ment ioned t he potent ia l closure of major m ines a nd deplet ion of m inera l resources in PNG. He sa id, “…it is wor t hy to note t hat t he potent ia l end of m ine l i fe for ex ist ing major m ines in PNG, for gold m ines by 2053 a nd copper m ines by 20 65.”

Reference: [1] ht t ps://mra.gov.pg / w p - content /uploads/2024/03/ M I N IST ER I A L -U PDAT E - ON-T H E -M I NI NG - SECTOR .pd f [2] M R A Ad m in (1 Ma rch 2024). “Of f ice of t he M in ister for M in ing Press St atement”. ht t ps://mra.gov.pg /2024/03/01/ of f ice- of-t he-m in ister-pressst atement / ISSUE 1, 2024 – www.pngbusinessnews.com

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 47

MINING

PM Marape Witnesses First Gold Pour at Porgera Mine

P

rime Minister Hon James Marape, recently witnessed the first gold pour of the New Porgera Mine, since the expiry of the Special Mining Lease (SML1) in 2019.

The event signifies that it will be all systems go come July when full operations are expected to commence.

The PM was on-site accompanied by the Governor for Enga Province Hon Sir Peter Ipatas, Mining Minister Hon Muguwa Dilu, Member for Laiagap Hon Amos Akem, Country Manager for Barrick Niugini Limited Karo Lelai, Managing Director of the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) Jerry Garry, and Managing Director of Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited (KMHL) Sarimu Kanu.

PM Marape said this was an historical event that marked the beginning of a brighter future for the country, especially landowners and stakeholders. He said when his government got into office in 2019, it embarked on a mission under the banner ‘Take Back PNG’ to ensure that the country must get a fair share of benefits from all its natural resources including benefits from mineral resources. However, he said his government was also mindful and respectful of the fact that investors’ must also make their return on investments so that it is a win-win for all parties.

MRA MD Mr Garry said he was happy that the project had come this far. He said it had been a huge challenge for the MRA, in terms of ensuring that the application for SML13 by New Porgera Limited (NPL) in 2023, met all regulatory requirements and were compliant with laws.

He said another challenge had been to effectively manage landowners’ and stakeholders’ expectations.

“As far as the MRA is concerned, all regulatory requirements under the Mining Act 1992, have been fully satisfied,” said Mr Garry.

He said the regulatory process begun from the time, the operator New Porgera Mine Limited (NPL) applied for the SML13, followed by the conducting of Wardens Hearing, the technical assessments, the Mining Advisory Council (MAC) deliberations and recommendations for grant to the Mining Minister.

The MD said the Community Development Agreement (CDA) process had almost been completed, and that stakeholders were now preparing to go into CDA negotiations proper.

48 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 49

MINING

OTML Generates K684 Million for December 2023

O

k Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) generated a record K684 million (USD$184 million) for the month of December in 2023, the highest recorded monthly revenue for the year.

This result comes off the back of increased production and favourable metals prices, which were above budget for the month.

Other factors contributing to the record revenue include strategic business improvements, operational efficiency, cost management, and uninterrupted copper shipments to buyers.

OTML produced Copper Concentrate of 45Kdmt to push up sales in December generating USD$107 million (K398 million). Additionally gold generated USD$75 million (K278 million) and Silver generated USD$2.4 million (K8.9 million).

OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit, said “We saw productivity improvements throughout the entire production chain from mine to mill and port. In addition, improved uptime and reliability on

50 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

our crushing and processing plants compounded with exceptional operational efficiencies in the mine saw more quality ore being processed during the month.”

He said, “Support functions in the business including supply, logistics and power systems all worked in sync with the production team to deliver this exceptional performance. Effective cost controls were put in place by the Dry Weather Incident Management Team (IMT) including fuel conservation, contractor management, and rationalisation of critical supplies.”

Mr Ilimbit emphasised that this result underscores the success of the ‘restore, reset, and reinvigorate’ strategy implemented in 2023 to overhaul the business.

“We are continuously looking at transformational strategies to improve overall production efficiency whilst being cost effective.

With these foundations, OTML will continue to generate revenue, remain profitable, and deliver to its shareholders and the rest of Papua New Guinea.”

Additionally, OTML continues

to meet its environmental, legal, and social obligations.

“Maintaining a positive relationship with the mine impacted communities who give OTML the social license to operate, provides the company with the stability necessary to prioritise production and deliver benefits to its shareholders,” said Mr Ilimbit.

OTML recently declared a f inal dividend of K350 million to its shareholders, bringing the total dividend for the year 2023 to K450 million. This builds on the initial interim dividend payment of K100 million made earlier in the year.

With the Board’s approval for the Mine Life Extension up to 2050, OTML envisions sustainable growth well into the future. The company is actively pursuing strategic growth projects, aligned with the current Strategic Business Plan, which are progressing successfully and anticipated to generate an impressive K30 billion (US$8 billion) in social benefits which include taxes, royalties, and dividend payments, over the next 27 years.

Aerial view of the Mt Fubilan Mine Operation at Ok Tedi

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS

51

MINING

K30 Billion in Benefits Expected from Ok Tedi Mine Life Extension

O

k Tedi Mining Limited projects over K30 billion (US$8.0 billion) in Social Benefits, which includes taxes, royalties, and dividend payments, over the next 27 years.

This is based on the company’s current Strategic Business Plan which includes Life of Mine (LOM) extension to 2050, ushering in significant sustainable development for mine operation impacted communities, Western Province, and Papua New Guinea.

OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit, revealed this today (12th December) at the 17th PNG Energy & Investment Conference in Sydney Australia.

Mr Ilimbit said what will underpin these benefits are several strategic undertakings which began in 2023 driven by our new vision: ‘We operate with excellence, maximising the value of our mineral resource, in an environmentally responsible way, to deliver sustainable economic and social benefits to our communities and the people of PNG.’ “This year was a transformative one for OTML marked by the appointment of a new Board Chairman

in Jeffrey Innes, and my appointment as MD & CEO. This change in leadership was the catalyst for a comprehensive overhaul of restoring, resetting, and reinvigorating the entire business with a senior leadership team restructure, strategic emphasis on business improvement, cost efficiencies and liquidity, stakeholder engagement, long-term planning, and implementation of Tax Credit Projects aligned to the National Government Strategy.

Mr Ilimbit highlighted strategic key projects which include the East Wall Cut Back, Engineered Waste Rock Dump 2, and the Tails Storage Facility (TSF), and no underground operations. This approach is expected to generate a robust K28 billion (US$7.5 billion) in cash flow.

Looking ahead, OTML envisions sustainable growth up to 2050, with a particular focus on energy transition.

“Key enablers for these strategic projects include the East Wall Cut Back, Cleaner Safer Haul Truck Re-fleeting, Engineered Waste Rock Dumps (EWRD), the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF), and the Support Infrastructure Renewal (SIR) where

we are committed to cleaner, safer power generation, energy-efficient housing and accommodation, and environmentally conscious transportation,” said Mr Ilimbit.”

Meanwhile, Mr Ilimbit also said OTML is currently monitoring the current El Nino weather pattern and has an Incident Management Team that meets regularly to plan around the dry weather impact.

“Whilst the challenges of the El Nino phenomenon are real and have affected our operations recently, we are optimistic our operations will continue and we look forward to delivering benefits to our shareholders,” said the MD and CEO.

OTML MD & CEO, Kedi Ilimbit, speaking at the 17th PNG Resource and Energy Investment Conference in Sydney, Australia.

BCL Granted Five-Year Extension of Panguna Exploration Licence (EL01)

B

ougainville Copper Limited (BOC) has confirm that the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has decided to award a five-year extension of the Company’s EL01 exploration licence for the Panguna project in Central Bougainville.

At a ceremony in Buka to mark the granting of the extension, Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama said Panguna was a “high impact project for Bougainville” and that issuance of the licence would pave way for redevelopment.

This will commence with advanced stage pre-feasibility and feasibility stage exploration activities over the coming years.

Panguna is one of the world’s largest known copper deposits and BCL Chairman Sir Melchior Togolo said

52 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

the Company was excited at the prospect of leading the redevelopment work.

“This is a result of constructive collaboration, underpinned by mutual respect, with a common goal to make Bougainville economically strong, create opportunities for business development and for employment of our people,” he said.

“The ABG, Landowners and Bougainville Copper have been working on resolving differences since the refusal of EL01 extension in January 2018.

Today marks the successful culmination of these joint efforts. Panguna promises to be a transformative investment for Bougainville that will support greater levels of economic self-reliance for the region,” Sir Melchior added.

The ELO1 extension clears the way for BCL to increase its activities in the Pa-

nguna project area in accordance with the Bougainville Mining Act 2015.

“The Company has a well-established presence in Bougainville and has forged strong community relations.

This provides a very solid foundation for increased activity as we work with mutual respect towards Panguna’s redevelopment,” Sir Melchior said.

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 53

MINING

Kumul Minerals Takes the Lead on ESG in PNG

K

umul Minerals Holdings Limited (K MHL), the National Minerals Company of Papua New Guinea has announced that it will take the leading role on the introduction of sustainable mining practices in Papua New Guinea.

K MHL has engaged K PMG-PNG to assist in developing its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework, which will include disclosure of key performance metrics of its subsidiaries and setting targets for improving this performance.

As part of this initiative, K MHL hosted an ESG education session on 19th February which was attended by representatives from 14 organizations across the Government and its agencies, resources industry peers, f inancial institutions and environmental agencies. This session was followed by stakeholder interviews to gain an objective understanding of the environmental, social and governance concerns relevant to K MHL. The information gathered will then be used in the development of an ESG Policy and production of annual sustainability disclosures.

Sarimu Kanu, Managing Director of K MHL, expressed enthusiasm about K MHL’s role in promoting ESG within PNG. “Our objective is to establish a robust K MHL ESG Education and Sustainability Plan, potentially the f irst of its kind in PNG,” he stated.

“A s t he Nat iona l Minera ls Company, Kumul Minera ls Hold ings L imited ta kes pr ide in its commitment to susta inabi l it y and appreciates t he act ive par t icipat ion of a l l sta keholders. We have a rea l oppor tunit y to ensure t hat PNG minera ls projects are developed w it h t he highest standards of susta inabi l it y pract ices, and so to capture t he most va lue of PNG minera ls for t he people of PNG whi le at t he same t ime hav ing t he lowest possible impact on t he env ironment and af fected communit ies.”

“Kumul Minerals’ vision is to be a world-class mineral resource company that delivers value to its shareholders, stakeholders, and the nation. K MHL’s mission is to develop and operate its mineral assets in a sustainable, responsible, and prof itable manner.”

54 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

KMHL Managing Director, Sarimu Kanu addresses key stakeholders at Kumul Minerals Haus.

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 55

MINING

PM Marape Welcomes Milestone Agreement Between Ramu Nico Management Ltd, Kumul Minerals Holdings Ltd

P

rime Minister Hon. James Marape expressed his satisfaction recently at the signing of a groundbreaking agreement between Chinese company Ramu Nico Management Ltd and Kumul Minerals Holdings Ltd. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signifies a significant step forward in fostering mutual trust and cooperation between China and Papua New Guinea, particularly in the realm of downstream processing of nickel and cobalt.

The MOU, signed by Ramu Nico Management Ltd Chairman Wang Zhou and Kumul Minerals Holdings Ltd Managing Director Sarimu Kanu, solidifies the collaboration to engage in the downstream processing of nickel and cobalt within Papua New Guinea. Ramu Nico Management Ltd, as the majority partner in the world-class US$1.2 billion (K4.12 billion) Ramu nickel-cobalt mine near Madang, is at the forefront of this transformative venture.

Prime Minister Marape, who witnessed the signing alongside Chinese Ambassador H.E. Zeng Fanhua, emphasised the historical significance of this development. He recalled his State visit to China last October, during which he met with President Xi Jinping, and highlighted

56 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

the commitment made during those discussions to encourage Chinese involvement in downstream processing in Papua New Guinea.

“Our government has been resolute in its desire to transition from being a raw produce exporter to an exporter of finished products,” Prime Minister Marape stated.

“I am pleased to see this vision materialise through the swift response and commitment shown by Ramu Nico Management Ltd, following instructions from the Chinese Government.”

During his meeting with President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Marape received assurances that China takes seriously the practical needs of Pacific island countries, affirming that “China does not make empty promises”.

He expressed gratitude for China’s prompt response and underscored the country’s readiness to engage in

downstream processing across various sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, and forestry.

Prime Minister Marape extended his appreciation to Ambassador Fanhua and Chairman Wang, considering this agreement as the starting point for Papua New Guinea’s journey towards becoming a downstream processor of its raw produce. He urged more Chinese companies to join hands in this transformative endeavor.

“I thank the Chinese Government and Chinese companies for recognising the imperative for Papua New Guinea to build a robust and diversified economy through downstream processing,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“I extend an invitation to more Chinese companies to come and partner with us in the downstream processing space.”

Prime Minister Marape with Chinese officials and Papua New Guinea Government ministers.

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MINING

Transforming Flowsheets with Innovative Technologies

W

eir’s Chief Strateg y and Sustainability Of f icer Paula Cousins recently spoke at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates about the importance of harnessing innovative technologies to make mining more sustainable.

In a panel discussion hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and moderated by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development ( WBCSD), Cousins talked about a recent study that highlights a signif icant opportunity to reduce energ y use and emissions in comminution.

The study is the f irst to utilise the WBCSD’s Avoided Emissions Guidance to examine mining processes and the results have been independently assured by SLR Consulting Limited.

Three of Weir’s technolog y combinations were evaluated against a conventional comminution circuit design for an archetypal mine processing 15 million tonnes of copper ore per year in Chile.

Each circuit was based on a ‘rock to recovery’ system boundary – that’s to say, reducing rock direct from the mine to a size that enables the mineral to be recovered.

The four conf igurations were: 1. Conventional comminution circuit based on a Semi-Autogenous Grinding (SAG) mill and ball mill.

2. Weir’s Enduron® High Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR) replacing the SAG mill at the initial grinding stage.

3. Enduron® HPGR, plus Swiss Tower Mills’ (STM) vertical stirred mill replacing the ball mill.

4.Addition of a Eriez’s HydroFloat® coarse particle f lotation (CPF ) unit.

The study shows that replacing conventional technolog y with innovative new solutions can cut energ y use by 40%, while also avoiding 50% of CO2e emissions.

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The world needs more transition metals to achieve net zero, but the mining industry needs to extract these using signif icantly less energ y and water, Cousins explained.

‘Our new, externally assured study highlights the potential for energ y savings of 40% and for 50% of CO2e emissions to be avoided in comminution, the most energ y intensive stage of mining processes,’ she said.

‘By adopting a systems-based approach to technolog y collaborations, we can help the mining industry scale up and clean up at the same time.’

The full results are published here:

These circuits are prone to increased feed variability, which requires the right combination of size reduction and classif ication equipment to minimise the f luctuation in product quality, as this enables greater ef f iciencies in the recovery circuit, explains Bjorn Dierx, Weir Minerals Global Product Manager Enduron® HPGR and Vertical Stirred Mills.

‘Enduron HPGR s can adapt to changing feeding conditions instantly because the roll speed and grinding force can be changed while in operation; as a result, the most ef fective, minimal stress-intensity force is applied to the particles to ensure they break at the

TRANSFORMATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES

given throughput rate,’ he said.

The STM mill has a vertical mill chamber, with grinding rotors (discs with castellations) installed on the central mill shaft.

The mill feed is a slurry, pumped through the bottom of the mill and discharging from top. The mill chamber is f illed with ceramic grinding media to approximately 60% of its volume.

The grinding media bed moves

Comminution equipment doesn’t operate in a vacuum – it’s part of a wider and deeply interlinked mineral processing plant where the comminution circuit’s overall performance signif icantly inf luences mineral recovery.

Therefore, a holistic review of the overall circuit – from rock to recovery – is required.

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< Page 58

only in the horizontal plane, which ensures energy isn’t wasted. The vertical mill arrangement, combined with bottom feed entry and top discharge, ensures coarse particles don’t short-circuit the mill.

‘The grinding circuit that delivers the highest recovery and the lowest possible energ y consumption is achieved by combining these two proven technologies.

The Enduron HPGR prepares the feed for the two-stage STM vertical stirred mill grinding concept,’ Dierx said.

‘This grinding circuit is followed by Eriez’s HydroFloat CPF technolog y, which allows the use of a coarser, rougher grind size, delivering the operator additional reductions in grinding energ y-requirements.’

The recovery or efficiency of conventional f lotation is strongly related to the particle size of the ore.

‘Er iez’s HydroF loat CPF represents a major step for ward in ter ms of recover y, by extending f lotat ion ef f iciency over a size range t hat is t wo to t hree t imes g reater t han convent iona l f lotat ion machines’ l imit,’ Dier x sa id.

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PNG Government, Partners Sign Fiscal Stability Agreement for P’nyang LNG Project By: MARCELLE P. VILLEGAS

T

he Government and the project partners for the US$12 billion (or K36 billion) P’nyang LNG project in Western signed the Fiscal Stability Agreement on March 18, 2024 in Port Moresby. [1] Prime Minister James Marape was present at the signing at the Government House, Konedobu.

He expressed his gratitude and commendation to ExxonMobil, the project partners, co-venturers, along with the Western Provincial Government for their concerted endeavor and cooperation with the National Government which led to the significant progress of the P’nyang LNG Project. [2] Also present at the signing was the Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae.

Esso PNG P’nyang Limited and Ampolex (Papua New Guinea) Limited (who are both affiliates of ExxonMobil PNG), and Santos and JX Nippon are the project co-venturers.

The signing of the Fiscal Stability Agreement is a milestone step in the advancement of the project, making it potentially the third

62 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

LNG export project of PNG. The signing follows the execution of the P’nyang LNG Project gas agreement in February 2022.

The Prime Minister said the signing of the Fiscal Stability Agreement is a proof of PNG’s dedication to fostering increased economic activities, and to send a positive signal to investors in the extractive sector.

He stated, “You were our anchor managing partner in the PNG LNG Project, entering our country through that project in the early part of this millennium.” [1] “And you fully understand the necessity for our country to benefit more from resource projects, proving yourself as exemplary partners.” [1] Chairperson and Managing Director of ExxonMobil PNG/ Esso PNG P’nyang Limited, Tera Shandro said the development of the P’nyang LNG Project would bring significant benefits to all its stakeholders and further enhance Papua New Guinea’s position as an LNG-exporting nation.

Additionally, Western Province Governor Taboi Awi Yoto,

highlighted the role of ExxonMobil PNG, the Government, and stakeholders, and he emphasised the importance of the province’s involvement in the project negotiations.

“This is unprecedented for provincial governments like ours to participate in the negotiation process of such a critical national resource project,” the Governor said.

The proposed P’nyang LNG Project is expected to bring LNG by constructing new upstream facilities in Western, connecting it with existing infrastructure. The project is still subject to final investment decisions by the co-venturers.

The development of the P’nyang LNG Project is to begin after the Papua LNG Project, in support of economic development in PNG. According to the news report of “The National”, the P’nyang LNG Project would be an independent one, with landowner benefits to be provided under a future benefit-sharing agreement to be negotiated by the State in accordance with the Oil and Gas Act. [1] “The P’yang field is located

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< Page 62 within Petroleum Retention License 3, which covers 105,000 acres (425 sq km). The field is estimated to have 4.36 trillion cubic feet of gas.”

“Esso PNG P’nyang Limited operates the licence and together with Ampolex (Papua New Guinea) Limited, these ExxonMobil affiliates have a 49% interest. Affiliates of Santos and JX Nippon have a 38.5% interest and 12.5% interest respectively.”

Looking back in September 2023, Shandro was one of the speakers at the Petroleum & Energy Conference, Papua New Guinea.

She addressed the roadmap of the country’s bright LNG future.

“Operating in Papua New Guinea is a privilege, and we are guided by our belief that the benefits associated with resource development should be shared by the people of this country.”

“As the single largest business investment in the country, PNG LNG has helped forge a new industry that now directly and indirectly employs thousands of Papua New Guineans. In addition, since first gas in 2014, PNG LNG has deliv-

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ered over 22-billion-kina to the State and its landowners through various tax and royalty streams.”

“We credit robust collaboration will all levels of government, landowners, landowner companies, local businesses, and peers for the success of PNG LNG and Papua New Guinea’s growing LNG industry. Having a strong National Content program underpinned by workforce development, supplier development and strategic community investment ensures our presence positively impacts Papua New Guineans by equipping them with the skills needed to enhance their lives, as well as their future.”

In conclusion, Shandro said, “When we work together, it is truly awe-inspiring to imagine what the potential collective benefit of LNG developments could be for Papua New Guinea and its people.” [3] Reference: [1] (19 March 2024). The National. “State, firm sign K36 billion project”. https://www.thenational. com.pg/state-firm-sign-k36-billionproject/

[2] (18 March 2024). PNG Post-Courier Online. “Prime Minister Marape commends Exxon Mobil and partners for advancing P’nyang LNG project”.

[3] ExxonMobil PNG (14 Sept.

2023). Facebook. https://www. facebook.com/photo/?f bid=6254546 03086200&set=a.435347885430207 &locale=en_GB #PNGLNGProject #ExxonMobilPNG

Tera Shandro, Chairperson and Managing Director of ExxonMobil PNG [Photo credit: Ms. Shandro’s LinkedIn Page]

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Santos’ Perspectives at the 17th PNG Resource & Energy Investment Conference By: MARCELLE P. VILLEGAS

D

uring the 2023 PNG Resources and Energy Investment Conference and Exhibition in Sydney last 11 December, Brett Darley, Santos Executive Vice President for Eastern Australia and PNG, highlighted Santos as one of Australia’s biggest domestic gas suppliers and a leading Asia Pacific LNG supplier.

Darley expressed his gratitude to the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy for hosting the event.

“As the Chamber has said, this is an exciting, yet crucial time to be having a conversation about the future of the Mining and Petroleum sectors in Papua New Guinea. It is important that we all come together to understand PNG’s resource sector now, and to discuss how it will be developed over the next 10 years.

I’m grateful that Santos can be part of this important conversation.”

Darley said Santos has been operating in Papua New Guinea since the 1980s, with interests in PNG LNG and Papua New Guinea producing oil fields and development projects with Papua LNG and the P’nyang Gas Project.

“Since then, our interest and activity in the country has increased. In fact, it was two years ago yesterday when we completed the effective merger between Santos

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and Oil Search. The merger delivered many benefits for Papua New Guinea – benefits that the nation is still reaping,” he said.

MACRO AND INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT He talked about challenges in the industry and critical global events.

“The war in Ukraine is still underway and with more recent conf licts in the Gaza Strip, the geopolitical issues are generating instability on our doorstep. These battles – while thankfully far from home – are affecting our energy markets with increasing volatility.”

“Australia has built a reputation for being a stable, reliable provider of resources for our neighbours. But as the geopolitical threats continue, that reputation is at risk.”

“Currently, we’re seeing concern from our customers as Australia’s position as a leading and trusted gas supplier for energy-consuming economies of Asia is in decline, despite the clear role that gas will play in the region for decades to come.

Which is why, as a resource-rich nation, PNG will continue to be relied upon for its vital resources for its closest neighbours in Asia.”

PNG KEY TO A DIVERSE PORTFOLIO

Darley also noted that on top of the geopolitical instability, the resources industry in Australia is facing threats of its own, referring to the challenges related to the regulatory approvals in Australia.

“Although our sector provides essential services and immeasurable benefits to people who need it most, the agendas of a vocal minority are risking the destruction of an entire industry, complete with the destruction of thousands of jobs.”

“Recognising those issues, Santos is very fortunate to have a portfolio of opportunities that allows us to pivot and look at other opportunities in other jurisdictions.”

“As a company, we are actively prioritising investments in supportive regulatory jurisdictions and with it’s very large resource base and strong and reliable plateau production, PNG continues to be a key to Santos’ diverse portfolio.”

“Now, more than ever, our strategic decisions about sovereign risk and future growth opportunities are being considered in light of the jurisdictional support.”

Brett Darley (center) in a panel session

OIL SEARCH MERGER AND SANTOS FOUNDATION Darley reported that Santos’ merger with Oil Search two years ago has been “remarkably successful” as

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< Page 66 this created greater alignment in Papua New Guinea to support key projects like Papua LNG. This will deliver new jobs, support the local economy, and further encourage investment in PNG, he said.

He added that the merger has not caused any local job losses, and gave his assurance that the PNG workforce will reap the benefits of their global experience.

Last October, Darley said they hired 34 new local apprentices in PNG as part of their apprenticeship program for 2023. They are composed of six women and 28 men in the field of electrical, mechanical and instrumentation – the largest cohort to join Santos in PNG since the program’s inception. They travelled to Malaysia to undergo worldclass technical training as part of the apprenticeship program.

“As part of our commitment to PNG, we will continue to build on the great work of the Oil Search Foundation through the launch of the Santos Foundation.”

“In PNG, over 92% of leaders in Santos Foundation are Papua New Guinean and this includes the first four roles now supporting the expanded Foundation from PNG. Going forward with the Foundation programs, Santos will have strong focus areas around building resilient communities and advancing economic pathways, as we continue to work collaboratively with national and sub-national governments to empower our communities.”

“We have commenced a four-well drilling program in our operated area and are evaluating further opportunities. Our committed spend on the infill wells is about $220M USD (Gross).”

“We will also be looking to tie in one of our operated facilities to export more gas to PNG LNG in the future. (AGO project).”

2024 PLANS “The year ahead won’t be without its challenges; however, PNG will continue to play a key role in Santos’ portfolio,” he said, thus enumerating Santos’ 2024 plans, namely: • To optimise our local assets, maintaining its new high facility reliability performance for oil

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optimisation and gas export.

• To add reserves delivering on its remaining inf ill drill program.

• To continue to evaluate the option to have a Floating Storage and Offtake (FSO) solution to replace the aging Kumul Marine Terminal, which has been around since the late ‘90s to export the highlands liquids – this would be the very f irst facility of this kind in the country.

• To ensure Hides GTE is ready for export, to support Porgera Mine’s re-opening.

• In addition, Papua is scheduled for FID (f inal investment decision) in 2024 with f irst production in 2028.

“We’re using our infrastructure position to get value out of Papua by leveraging our position and reaping the value, not just through the additional gas we produce, our equity share of the Papua production, but also through tolling,” Darley said.

“I am excited to also announce that we will soon launch a pioneering initiative, the Services Centre of Excellence (SCE) in Port Moresby. The program will create new opportunities for the country’s workforce and continue elevating local technical expertise. The project is scheduled to commence in February 2024 and represents a signif icant milestone for PNG and Santos as it promises to bolster employment and harness the potential of local talent.”

In closing, he said: “Santos remains committed to PNG – and the collaboration we have undertaken over many decades is something we want to see continue into the future.”

Present during the session were Prime Minister James Marape,

Sigurdur Jonsson, Santos Vice President, PNG Operation, speaks on day 3 of the 2023 PNG Resources and Energy Investment Conference and Exhibition.

Minister for Petroleum and Energy Kerenga Kua, State Ministers and business leaders.

OPERATIONS UPDATE On 13 December, Sigurdur Jonsson, Santos Vice President, PNG Operation, was a speaker on the f inal day of the conference.

He pointed out the company’s commitment to supplying critical fuels such as oil and gas in a sustainable manner through their decarbonising projects, namely the Moomba and Bayu-Undan carbon capture storage projects. Santos also have a carbon offset project such as the Afforestation/Reforestation project in the Markham valley in PNG. “We became a producer in 1998 in the South East Gobe oil project in the Gulf province, Hides in 1999, and took over operatorship from Chevron in 2003. Over the years we have invested in PNG’s oil f ields and projects such as PNG LNG and Papua LNG with our joint venture partners.”

“We proudly showcase our operated oil position, comprising of the Agogo, Central, and Gobe

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< Page 68 Production Facilities, as well as our operations at the Kumul Marine Terminal, with multiple high-value LNG backf ill projects on the horizon.”

Jonsson mentioned Santos’ successful longstanding operations in the highlands and that through 2023, they have increased oil production based on various strategies, enumerating them as slickline resource management for downhole and zone changes, f low assurance management, and high gas capacity trial to prioritise oil production.

SYNERGY BENEFITS AND RELIABILIT Y

Papua New Guinea.”

He pointed out that to continue the company’s commitment to being a reliable exporter, Santos are evaluating the option of a Floating Offtake and Storage (FSO) solution, replacing the aging Kumul Marine Terminal which has been around since the late 1990s. If the FSO plans are successfully deployed, this would be the f irst of its kind in the country, he noted.

Jonsson also emphasised their dedication to ensure that Hides GTE (Gas to Electricity) Project is ready for export to support the Porgera Mine reopening. Once this is launched, this will contribute to the economic vitality of the region and will highlight the company’s commitment to responsible

resource management.

“In summary, our vision for the future is anchored in continuous optimization, innovation, and sustainability. Through these initiatives, we aim to solidify Santos’ position in Papua New Guinea as a responsible energy partner,” he said.

--Acknowledgment: Celestine Ove, PNG Communications Manager, Santos --Reference and Photo credit: Santos Ltd. https://www.santos.com/news/papua-new-guinea-resources-and-energy-investment-conference-exhibition-2023/

In relation to the Oil Search merger, Jonsson said it has proven to be a “resounding success, aligning interests in Papua New Guinea which in effect has improved the local economy.”

He noted, “For our operating assets, we have delivered substantial synergy benef its. The integration efforts enabled delivery of more the US$115 million per annum of benef its through a number of work fronts.”

“Our commitment to reliability is evident by our delivery of improved facility reliability through integration synergies, leveraging the experience, capabilities, and scale of the merged entity. This has resulted in a notable incremental improvement of +13% in operated facility reliability from 2021 to today. This equates to 0.85mmboe STO production YTD.” Jonsson mentioned some of the plans of Santos for 2024. “As we move forward, our focus remains on optimizing our local assets, ensuring the reliability of our facilities for both oil optimization and gas export. This commitment ref lects our dedication to maintaining operational excellence in the region.”

“A key component of our future endeavours involves adding reserves by completing our active inf ill drilling program. This proactive approach ensures the sustained and eff icient extraction of valuable resources, contributing to the long-term energy needs of

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Santos Launches Locally Staffed Papua New Guinea Hub to Support Global Operations

S

antos is pleased to announce the establishment of its new Global Support Centre in PNG, providing a new avenue for leveraging local talent and promoting them worldwide.

The PNG Global Support Centre was officially launched by Prime Minister, James Marape, in Port Moresby recently through what was described as a milestone achievement for Santos in PNG and around the region.

The facility will operate as a hub for providing critical support services to Santos’ worldwide operations, using local highly skilled workforce.

In his keynote address, the Prime Minister acknowledged Santos for being consistent as a corporate citizen in PNG and for adapting to a call to add value in its core business though investment in human resources.

“We do acknowledge the global outreach Santos has in respect to mobilising not just capital and resources for projects in PNG but more importantly, mobilising opportunities for the Human Resources that work within us,” Prime Minister Marape said.

Santos Executive Vice President of Eastern Australia and Papua New Guinea, Brett Darley, welcomed and thanked the Prime Minister for his presence in witnessing and officiating at a historical milestone for the Santos workforce in PNG as the company continues to fulfil its strategic intent to help position PNG for future growth opportunities.

“Our intent is that this Global Support Centre will be a catalyst for employment opportunities, harnessing the potential of local talent and creating pathways for skills and leadership development for our workforce into the future,” Mr Darley said.

Mr Darley said the launch of the Global Support Centre is a testament to Santos’ long-standing partnership with PNG and its dedication to supporting the country’s economic growth as the company remains committed to investing in PNG and fostering a mutually beneficial relationship for years to come.

Santos Country Chair, PNG, Leon Buskens said the PNG Global

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Camillo Okoa, Santos Operations Superintendent – Productions PNG, speaks to the Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP and a government entourage during the launch of the Santos Global Support Centre in PNG as Brett Darley, Santos Executive Vice President Eastern AU & PNG, Leon Buskens, Santos Country Chair, PNG look on.

Samantha Kiagun, Santos Maintenance Planner, Jacqueline Waka, Santos Manager People & Culture-PNG, Brett Darley, Santos EVP Eastern AU & PNG, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape, MP and Leon Buskens, Santos Country Chair, PNG about to cut the ribbon to officially mark the launching of the Santos Global Support Centre in Port Moresby.

Support Centre initiative and the new roles that come with it will support the broader Eastern Australia PNG asset portfolio resulting in “in-sourcing” of engineering and maintenance activity as the initial phase, from Australia and overseas contractors to PNG and moreover, direct employment of nationals.

“This initiative is consistent with both our commitment to grow local employment in PNG and complements the PNG Government’s aspirations found in its National Content Policy framework,” Mr Buskens said.

The PNG Global Support Centre aims to increase employment, use local talent to generate opportunities consequently, achieving the company’s ultimate objective which is to shape a brighter future for PNG, filled with opportunity, economic

prosperity, and technological superiority.

The primary phase of this project will focus on enhancing PNG’s maintenance and engineering services.

The Global Support Centre project was a multi-year initiative, and the (Centre’s) tag line “One World, One Team” signifies that though Santos operates in different regions in the world, every individual belongs to One world, and are part of the One (Santos) team.

The PNG Global Support Centre will operate initially through a team of six national professionals that will be stationed in Port Moresby, with plans to expand to Santos’ Australian operations by July 2024.

As the initiative gains momentum, more national employees will take up these roles.

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PRL15 Landowners, Leading Field Service Provider Form New JV Company to Service Oil and Gas Industry

J

erilai Pujari Holdings Limited ( JPHL) and OM Holdings Limited (trading as Oilmin Field Services- OFS), have jointly announced their partnership, resulting in the establishment of Jerilai Pujari Field Services Limited ( JPFSL) with an equal 50% ownership stake with equal representatives from both companies sitting on the JPFSL Board.

In 2014, the 11 clans which own the lands comprising PRL15, the licence area for the Papua LNG Upstream Project, formed Koko Nene Henaru Resources Limited (KNHRL) to represent their commercial interests. As the Papua LNG project has evolved, so too has KNHRL, which recently rebranded as Jerilai Pujari Holding Limited. ( JPHL). This new entity continues to represent the commercial interests of the PRL15 clans and has begun seeking out strategic partnerships to deliver meaningful, generational change to the people and communities of PRL15.

Oilmin Field Services originated in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea and has evolved into a prominent leader in the field services sector, Oilmin proudly boasts a track record of over three decades of successfully executing projects for major Oil and Gas clients throughout PNG. A cornerstone in Oilmin’s history can be attributed to its extensive 15-year history operating in the Gulf Region and PRL15. Beginning with Chevron during early exploration, Interoil during initial growth and culminating with TotalEnergies as the current Operator, Oilmin has been a constant presence in the region working with local communities and clients alike. The Oilmin Board recognised the opportunity of a Joint Venture, to further cultivate the enduring trust and shared values that have been developed over the years between Oilmin and the PRL15 communities and its people.

Mr. Jomu Peniai, Chairman of the JPHL Board and a Director on the Board of JPFSL, expressed confidence in the partnership with Oilm-

74 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

in “If you look back; when Interoil was active in the PRL15, Oilmin was already there (as a contractor) even though TotalEnergies has taken over and has now established itself in the PRL15 area, Oilmin still remains as a contractor to the major companies, that shows that Oilmin has set a benchmark that is difficult to compete with” JPFSL has been contracted by TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited (TEPPNG) to provide all Camp Management, Catering, and Maintenance Services for in excess of 400 personnel at its main Logistical Base, Herd Base. This contract also extends to the Supply of Remote Temporary Camps and associated Labour Hire.

Mr. Graham Leo, General Manager of JPFSL, underscored the JPFSL Board’s vision to establish itself as the leading Catering and Camp Management Company with an aim to bring about real generational change to the people and communities of PRL15. JPFSL has successfully obtained internationally recognised ISO Certifications for Food Safety and Quality Management Systems, a ref lection of our commitment to hold our company to a higher standard.

With a focus on the people of PRL15, JPFSL is committed to offering accredited training and development programs designed to equip our workforce with globally

“Mr. Jomu Peniai (first from left) and Members of the 11 clans that make up PRL15 with Mr. Garret Leahy (fourth from right)” “Shareholder/ Director on the Board for O.M Holdings LtdMr. Garret Leahy (first from Left) and Landowner/ PRL15 representative of 11 clans, Mr. Jomu Peniai signing Joint Venture agreement that led to the establishment of Jerilai Pujari Field Services Limited (JPFSL)”

acknowledged qualifications. These qualifications not only enhance career prospects within JPFSL but also provide transferable skills.

For the local communities, the Camp Catering Contract represents a potential avenue for local farmers to supply their produce while also creating opportunities for the expansion and diversification of their business as JPFSL secures additional Catering and Camp Management Contracts.

Mr Leo added “The future of JPFSL is looking promising with the upcoming Papua LNG Construction phase over the next 5 years. The construction phase presents JPFSL with a unique opportunity to continue building capability and lay the foundation for future generational growth for the peoples and communities within PRL15.”

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Moy Mamarua – 40 Amazing Years

T

his is the amazing story of Moy Mamarua, one of BOC PNG’s stalwart employees who celebrated his 40th year of employment in 2023.

Moy commenced his eminent career with CIG in Toniva (Arawa) Bougainville on 15th August 1983.

He completed studies at Port Moresby Technical College, and whilst on holidays in Bougainville became aware of the exciting mining community and applied for his first job as a junior member of the CIG sales team.

Arawa was a mining town with the Panguna Copper & Gold mine, a 30-minute drive away at the top of the hill. This mine was operated by Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) – CRA (Rio Tinto) owned and was the largest mine in PNG. CIG Bougainville had an ASU (air separation unit) and a DA Plant. Moy said, “We had one expatriate manager; our national team included a production manager with 6 plant operators, 3 admin staff, and 3 sales staff.”

Moy said his first boss was a Dutch expatriate regional manager named Henk de Smit, who mentored him and “he saw my potential,” he said.

Henk de Smit later became General Manager for CIG in Lae. “I had other memorable mentors such as, Max Butcher, an Australian who was formerly head of the BCL Training Centre at the Fabrication Workshop at the mine. He taught me welding applications that were specifically certified for the mining industry,” Moy said.

“After 18 months in Bougainville – in early 1985 – and with good results and growth outcomes in my new sales role, I was recommended to join the new CIG venture at Tabubil. Here they were to build a gas plant to include an ASU and DA plants with all Gas cylinders owned by the OK Tedi mine (BHP owned). They invited CIG to run the plants.”

“CIG saw the opportunity to set up a small branch on the mine site – which they did. I had a new manager, and a new mentor – Mr Michael Shearer, he was another welding specialist,” Moy said.

Tabubil is a mining town only a few kilometers from the Indonesian border. “Again, I was in an exciting environment with a lot to learn,”

76 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

Melbourne - April 1988 Cigweld - International Training Seminar – Moy receiving his plaque

Moy said. “I was later appointed to manage CIG Tabubil operations with direct reporting to Port Moresby.”

In 1988 Moy moved to CIG Lae where he was offered a Sales Management position for the Field Sales team. His region included the Northern part of PNG and some Gas Agents across the New Guinea islands.

In 1991, Moy moved to Mt Hagen as the Area Manager to establish the business for CIG in the largest town in the Highlands. Moy said there were some challenging times, particularly with law and order issues.

Moy said: “I Launched CIG’s new safety range, negotiating deals with customers and establishing commercial contracts.” The challenges continued, Moy said, when the Highlands Highway experienced continued land slips, plus deliberate roadblocks by local villagers disrupting business.

“I created initiatives for stock management and contingency plans to supply the mines and to keep the General Hospital supplied with medical oxygen,” he said.

In 1994 Moy moved back to Lae. Later that year, CIG became BOC. Back in Lae for a second time, Moy continued to share his knowledge and experience as a sales manager for the Northern Region of PNG and the New Guinea Islands.

Moy said this part of his career involved a significant amount of leading, coaching, and mentoring staff to improve customer engagement and the constant challenges of supply chain performance.

Major customers dominated Moy’s

Melbourne - April 1988 Cigweld - International Training Seminar Moy – intensely watching the Trainer

Canberra - June 2003 Ramu Sugar Processing Manager (Agui Monagi) & Chris Betts (BOC) - visit to Water Treatment Plant using SO2

Canberra - June 2003 Ramu Sugar Processing Manager & Chemist – site seeing in Canberra

portfolio, including the Porgera Gold mine that was developing quickly, and the oil palm plantations across the New Guinea Islands that needed support with their welding consumables.

“These were exciting times” Moy said. “I was in Lae for 8 years. My 4 children were all born in Lae.”

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< Page 76

Sydney - June 2016 Linde Leading Lights Award – Highly Commended – Customer Experience Article from PNG’s National Newspaper – Post Courier 23rd June 2016

Honiara - 2007 In front of the PSA Plant in Solomon Islands – Moy with son (Cedric)

In 2004 whilst living in Lae. Moy was asked by Barry Burke, managing director of BOC Gases PNG, to assist with the development of BOC’s operations for the Solomon Islands.

The issue was that Moy would have to undertake this role from Lae. The reason for this was that “there had been many years of unrest and lawlessness” there. But in 2003, the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) began, and soon stability returned.

In 2005 Moy was asked to relocate to Honiara in the Solomon Islands as the area’s Country Manager. During the previous period of unrest, BOC’s Oxygen and Acetylene Plants had been shut down, the building and the assets were still intact, and Moy replaced the interim manager.

Moy said: “It was like starting the business from ground zero. We had

to build confidence in all parts of the business community.”

By 2006, Moy oversaw the installation of a PSA Plant, and all other gases were imported from PNG. However, due to the large growth of the business, by 2008 to 2009, Moy oversaw the installation of two 30 tonne tanks for carbon dioxide and oxygen. The PSA Plant was then closed due to high maintenance costs.

Moy said: “I was very proud of my 7 years in Solomon Islands, where I was able to build confidence with our customers and bring the business back to the highest standards.”

In 2011 Moy relocated to Port Moresby as a Major Customer Executive (MCE). At this point, the PNG-LNG project had commenced with the construction phase going through to 2014, generating a huge volume of activity for construction companies

and associated contractors.

Once operational, Moy continued to build relationships across the oil and gas companies to supply specialty gas mixtures, leading by example and demonstrating his wealth of experience.

Moy also led from the front during the Covid period with his unique ability to reach people in all industry segments, and the customers responded by supporting Moy with their commitment to purchase despite the restrictions of customer face to face visits being reduced.

Moy continues to develop and implement sales management plans across BOC PNG and supports the business in every way he can to provide the best outcomes for BOC. BOC PNG thus says THANK YOU Moy for 40 amazing years.

Jan 2023 - Moy stands in front of his first place of employment. This is the former CIG operations in Toniva (just outside of ARAWA) – Bougainville

78 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 79

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OIL & GAS

Steamships Strengthens Position as Papua LNG’s Energy and Resource Partner of Choice

S

teamships’ logistics division has invested more than Kina 80 million (approximately USD21 million) in the acquisition of three tug and barge sets to support Papua LNG projects. These tugs and barges have been transferred into the Papua New Guinean f lag, expanding the availability of high quality locally owned marine assets available to LNG operators and their subcontractors.

This significant investment strengthens Steamships’ position as the preferred partner of choice for logistics solutions within PNG, including the resources sector.

MV Yelia, MV Aird Hills and the two barges, CEL 501 and CEL 502 are already in country and operating for TotalEnergies and others. The third tug and barge set, MV Lolo and CEL 202, is due to arrive by the end of December 2023.

All tugs are equipped with cranes to support the operating capacity of the barges and ensure maximum trading versatility. Furthermore, the tugs are equipped with conventional twin screw propellors and bow thrusters and the vessels are ideally suited to shallow water operations. Each barge is equipped with a powerful bow ramp which allows for easy roll-on/roll-off (RORO) loading of various cargoes.

“Steamships investment in modernising and expanding its tug and barge f leet, supports our vision to be the partner of choice for the Papua LNG project which we believe will help drive the country’s economic development well into the future,” said Steamships’ Chief Operating Officer Chris Daniells.

Steamships was delighted to secure a TotalEnergies contract for a tug and barge set earlier this year.

Commencing operations in October 2023, MV Yelia and CEL 502 have successfully completed two voyages up the Purari River, transporting 1,500-2,000 tonnes of aggregates from Port Moresby to Herd Base on each sailing. She is currently undertaking her third voyage. Meanwhile MV Aird Hills is also operating on the Purari River and is helping with berthing of all project barges, stand-

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by for safety as well as assisting with downstream transits.

“Conditions on the river continue to be challenging due to strong currents during heavy rainfall and shallow water during dry periods.

All stakeholders are working well together to ensure operations run smoothly and more importantly, safely.” said Daymon Pnematicatos, General Manager – Projects, Steamships Logistics Division.

Steamships has focused on ensuring that the benefits of Papua LNG are felt throughout PNG. A key pillar to this approach is Gulf Maritime Services (GMS), a joint-venture formed in June 2023 between Steamships, GFS and the Gulf Provincial Government. GMS will

contribute to the economic development of the Gulf through hiring and training maritime cadets from Gulf Province. Furthermore, GMS has pledged support to Community Grants Projects in health and education.

Steamships Managing Director, Rupert Bray states, “Steamships is pleased to have signed the MOU with GFS and the Gulf Provincial Government to form Gulf Maritime Services. The signing signifies the confidence in which the Gulf Provincial Government, local businesses and landowners have in Steamships as a partner to create opportunities for development within the region and the establishment of sustainable business.”

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AGRICULTURE

Central Province Seeks to Make Major Agri Impact by Funding Cattle, Onion Projects By: MIRIAM MANDIBI

F

or the Central Province, agriculture is at the heart of the economy. Governor Rufina Peter has a background in this field and is well-placed to understand the impact that it can have in the province.

This has moved Governor Peter to fund and support two major agriculture impact projects in the Central Province, and funding for them was presented at the Governor’s Office on the 18th of January.

These are the Yaugala Cattle Farming Project, conducted under the Varagadi Land Group Inc. at Brown River and given funding support of K200,000, and the Bulb Onion training and demonstration plots, to be conducted under the Highlands Potato Connections at Laloki in the Hiri Koiari District.

Another 14 Mile project just outside of Port Moresby was supported with K100,000 also coming from the Central Provincial Government.

“The extent of the impact will depend on the both of you, on how you run your farm business, given that the bulb onion guy has the experience and you raising cattle it’s your first time. You have support from my office with Michael Atuai, who is the Agriculture Projects officer in my office, and there are livestock officers I know we can utilize,” Governor Peter told the recipients.

The funding was given in the presence of Hiri Koiari MP Keith Iduhu, who reached out to both recipients, urging them to align their projects with his. The two projects will tap unemployed youths in the province; already, the Yaugala Cattle Farming Manager, Elliot Mark Yamuje, confirmed that six youths have been employed to assist, with more to be engaged.

“Cattle farming died out in the Central Province. Being part of the landowner group, I want to bring that back, and already we have started with 30 heads of cattle that we bought from our funds from Rumion Farm in Lae. They are grazing on 40 hectares of prime land.

Now with your funding support, we

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can extend a little and now bring in two to three male bulls, and ultimately, we are looking at being the main distributor in the province supplying beef to the Papua LNG Project,” Yamuje said.

The other project set to make a major impact is the bulb onion training and demonstration plots conducted under the Highlands Potato Connections, which will be a model and demonstration farm at Laloki and 14 Mile respectively.

Joshua Lumbalumba from Goroka is the man behind the bulb onion, having his beginnings in the Highlands growing the crop and relocating to the Central Province.

Mr. Lumbalumba claims that Central Province has the best climate to produce world-class bulb onions that can replace the imported variety found in the shops and markets in Port Moresby.

“I am a farmer of different vegetables, but initially I was discovered by the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA), they discovered me

growing my onion as I was the first to plant bulb onion up in Daulo, and hired me to be the village extension worker for FPDA. This is where I shared my knowledge on bulb onion, to train villages in Gembog, and that’s how Gembog onion is all over the market,” he said.

“I have my farm and over the years I developed my knowledge on how to grow marketable sizes of bulb onions. The onions from Gembog contain a lot of moisture compared to the ones at Daulo from where I’m from because there is heat, but I believe Central Province will have the best because the climate is perfect,” Lumbalumba stated.

The Governor’s initial plan is for the Laloki and 14 Mile bulb onion plots to be training and demonstration models, where those interested can learn about how to grow onion and take it back to their various districts in the province and teach others.

Yaugala Cattle Farming Manager Elliot Mark Yamuje (white shirt) (C) receiving his K200,000 Cheque flanked by Hiri Koiari MP Keith Iduhu (L) and Central Governor Rufina Peter (R)

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 83

AGRICULTURE

Trukai Donates Village Sustainability Kits to Milne Bay Farmer

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former Trukai Smart Farmer Program participant has been recognised as a model rice farmer following his initiative and innovation to incorporate best farming practices in his village, making him the recipient of a Village Sustainability Kit (VSK).

The Village Sustainability Kit is a rice farming kit that is given to genuine rice farmers under Trukai Industries’ Small Holder Rice Development Program to encourage them to develop their rice farming ventures.

Noah Taugaloidi from Wamira Village, Milne Bay Province was the proud recipient of the VSK demonstrating Trukai Industries’ significant stride towards sustainable agriculture practices.

Trukai Industries, through its Small Holder Rice Development Program, not only provides the Village Sustainability Kit but also offers technical expertise and paddy market access.

The VSK includes essential tools such as a solar rice mill kit, power tiller, manual seeders, knapsacks, sickles and rice seedlings.

To become a model farmer under Trukai’s Small Holder Development Program, candidates must manage a hectare or more of rice fields, displaying both expertise and a commitment to rice cultivation. In addition, farmers must not only excel in their own fields but also serve as influential figures in their communities, inspiring and guiding their community to adopt best practices.

The Village Sustainability Kits are equipped to cater to the unique needs of rice farmers transitioning from sustainable rice farming to commercial. The company has chosen model farmers like Taugaloidi and his community to act as caretakers of the equipment, with a focus on fostering this transition.

Trukai Industries’ Rice Development Manager, Aina Davis while presenting the kit emphasised on the transformative impact it will have on their farming practices. She urged the farmers to take ownership of the VSKs, emphasizing that the support provided by Trukai Industries would prove beneficial in the long run.

“Wamira, this is the time for you to become commercialized rice farmers and I urge you all to take ownership of

84 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

this farming program and the Village Sustainability Kits, which will help you in the long run,” said Davis.

Taugaloidi expressed his gratitude for Trukai Industries’ support, acknowledging the company’s recognition of their efforts as village rice farmers. He also highlighted the positive impact the village sustainability kit will have on his community and the skillsets imparted by Trukai through its Smart Farmer Program.

“It has been a long time coming, and I know that the Smart Farmer program is a game changer in the agriculture industry, it gives knowledge back to our local people. The Village Sustainability Kits and the knowledge I have gained will greatly impact my community.

CEO of Trukai Industries, Alan Preston, highlighted the importance of the Small Holder Rice Development Program.

“The aim of this program is to support food security by maximising local rice production. It also helps to equip small holder rice farmers as they transition into semi commercial farmers then into commercial rice farmers,” said Preston.

Wamira Village traditionally has an irrigated gardening technique where they have used this to grow taro. By utilising this established technique, the villages now have an advantage to grow rice and the donation of the VSK is an added bonus to assist them with their rice growing.

Paramount Chief of Wamira Village, Watson Taubobori said, “Traditionally our ancestors redirected the main river, which travels miles inland, bringing fresh water that flowed directly to nourish our taro gardens.

This system is still being used today.”

“It was as if we were always meant to grow rice here at Wamira, and now with our Village Sustainability Kit plus the training provided through the Smart Farmer Program, our people can utilize rice farming, eliminating the long travel to go to town to buy just one bag of rice,” said Taubobori. Trukai Industries has distributed VSKs to genuine rice farmers since 2011 under its various rice development programs and it aims to identify more genuine rice farmers through its Smart Farmer Program. This transformative training

is crafted to enhance the capabilities of local rice farmers, guiding them as they transition from conventional dry land to modern irrigated rice farming methods.

Trukai’s profound impact extends over 30 years of significant investment in rice research and technology.

This long-standing commitment underscores the company’s dedication to enhancing the standards of rice cultivation, fostering a resilient and prosperous agricultural landscape in Papua New Guinea.

ABOUT US Trukai is one of PNG’s iconic household name over many years. The organization was initially incorporated as “Rice Growers – Australia Pty Ltd” on February 17, 1970 and later changed its official registered name to Trukai Industries Ltd in October 1998.

Trukai is the leading supplier of rice in Papua New Guinea for 50 years.

The name Trukai originated from a phrase in local Tok Pisin language “trupela kaikai.” When translated it literally means “really good food.”

Trukai Industries is two thirds owned by SunRice Group. It is also proudly owned by the people of Papua New Guinea through the Pacific Balanced Fun (PBF) and its 22,000 national unit holders. Weathermen Capital Advisors is the Interim Trustee of the Pacific Balanced Fund.

For more information, visit our website: www.trukai.com.pg, or contact: Andrea Tagamasau Public Relations & Communications Manager Marketing Department Email: atagamasau@trukai.com.pg Phone: +675 300 0000 Mobile: +675 7193 1580 ISSUE 1, 2024 – www.pngbusinessnews.com

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 85

AGRICULTURE

Vanilla World Association to be Formed

T

he Trade Ministers for Papua New Guinea (PNG), Madagascar, and Comoros have agreed in their three-way bilateral meeting that they would work together to establish a world association for vanilla growing nations.

The meeting was held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the margins of the World Trade Organization (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13).

This association is proposed by Madagascar which is currently the world’s leading vanilla producing country leading the global market with over 60 per cent of exports and generating approximately USD1 billion a year for the country.

Madagascar has over 1 million vanilla farmers out of their population of almost 30 million people.

Madagascar Minister for Industrialization, Trade and Consumption, Hon. Edgard Razafindravahy said: “This organization will address the issue of price instability, sustainable development of the industry, threats to the value chain, search for new

markets, and production of natural vanilla to consumers around the world.”

“The creation of the organization will make it possible to establish a mechanism for setting prices according to quality and in terms of sustainable development, the organization will promote sustainable practices that will not only guarantee vanilla quality but also fair income for farmers.”

“Through this organization we can also strengthen the value chain which includes development of strategic partnership, search for new markets for natural vanilla, and development of the vanilla industry. The organization will also be a powerful tool for promoting natural vanilla worldwide and raising consumer awareness on responsible vanilla consumption.”

PNG Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru said PNG was keen to join the association as one its foundation members if it would look at increasing prices for the farmers to encourage them to plant vanilla and

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grow the industry on a long-term sustainable basis instead of the frequent price fluctuations which have been very discouraging for farmers in PNG. Minister Maru also asked Madagascar as the world’s leading vanilla producing country to assist PNG by proving technical support in terms of farmer training, improving quality of vanilla, and helping to build the industry in PNG. Minister Maru said: “Compared to Madagascar, PNG is a small producer of vanilla. Based on recent research, PNG is estimated to produce 495 tons of vanilla a year, which equates to 10 per cent of the global vanilla supply and the vanilla market in PNG was valued at K29.9 million in 2023.”

“We have a lot of scope for increase in terms of our production of vanilla but the issue that have really undermined the growth of the industry is price instability and regular price fluctuation which has made it difficult to maintain farmer interest.”

“Unlike cocoa and coffee where

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 87

AGRICULTURE

Increased Production, Export for Central Coffee

By: MIRIAM MANDIBI

E

xciting times are ahead for the coffee industry in Central Province with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) and the Central Provincial Government on the 6th of March 2024.

Under the agreement, a new coffee mill will be built in the Central Province within the next four years, which will allow for the processing of parchment coffee to green been (hulling) to take place in Central before the beans are exported to places like Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, where robusta and arabica coffee from Central both have an existing market.

Acting Provincial Administrator Edward Kila welcomed the team from CIC and spoke on the long overdue signing of the agreement.

“The good Madam Governor (Rufina Peter) has challenged us administratively to lead this MoA signing, as she is I am little disappointed that this MoA has been deferred on two occasions, clearly indicating the drive by Madam Governor who wants to commence the implementation of the MoA, given the amount of work that needs to be done to develop the coffee industry in Central Province and its potential impact on the household incomes of coffee farmers and the local economy,” said Mr. Kila.

The importance of CIC working with the Central Province was expressed

by Steven Tumae, its Chief Operating Officer.

“We used to have a coffee mill here at 14-Mile past the old Hugo Cannery, since then it has become nonexistent,” he said.

“The reason why CIC is very interested

to work with the Central Provincial Government is because the PNG Government under the MTDP (Medium Term Development Plans) 3 & 4 development plans has given CIC targets to achieve and, in the Highlands, people are saturated as there is no big land to plant coffee.”

“But in non-traditional coffee-growing areas like Enga, Southern Highlands Province, Hela, Central, AROB, Gulf, Northern, and Milne Bay, these are the areas CIC will fulfill the production and export targets from, so because of the Central Provincial Government’s interest in coffee, we are pushing Central to be prioritized before the other provinces,” stated Mr. Tumae.

Mr. Tumae also revealed that as part of CIC’s drive to push coffee for the Central Province, an extension officer will be added to the existing extension officer on ground for Central, and another such officer will be added for Gulf.

CIC’s Corporate Service Manager, Smith Baba, spoke of the CIC’s strategic plans and what they hope to achieve.

“In our CIC strategic business plan, by the year 2030 we should export 3 million green bean bags and fetch 1 billion kina in foreign currencies. To achieve this, CIC cannot stand alone, we need strategic partners, we need strategic partnerships, and we are happy that with this MoA Central is coming on board,” he said.

“Now to achieve this 3 million green bean bags for PNG, from calculations we need about 400 million coffee trees to achieve that, and currently we have about 17 coffee-producing provinces, Central province is within that 17, so

we if divide 400 million coffee trees to the 17 coffee producing provinces, each province should have about 23,529,412 coffee trees so that we can achieve that 3 million green bean bags.”

“But then, CIC needs to know how many coffee trees are existing, and the balance of coffee trees required,” Mr. Baba said.

According to Baba, CIC records show that Central province has 4 million coffee trees, with the potential production of 32,000 green bean bags annually and to export 100 containers shipped annually.

“So, the current potential economic value for coffee in the Central province is K19.2 million annually injected into the local economy just from coffee alone.

The province now, with our extension work going on the ground, we can reach up to K30 million if we aggressively work on the structure of the MoA going forward, so we are talking serious business here,” Baba stated.

Under the agreement, a local certification and inspection export office built in the Central Province will allow for export processors licenses. This will break the cycle of coffee being sent to Lae for hulling.

Discussions are also taking place for coffee to go into the Japanese market, which signals exciting times for Central Province and the Southern region.

The Governor for Central Province and the Minister for Coffee will sign as witnesses to the MoA at a later date, when CIC organizes 5 to 7 coffee-growing provinces coming together to sign MOAs with CIC Management and the Coffee Minister.

< Page 86

“Another issue is the market for our vanilla. In PNG, we have a land border with Indonesia, so our farmers just walk across the border and sell the beans to Indonesian buyers, but they do not know if they are selling their vanilla beans at the correct price or not because they are not aware of world market prices, who is offering what prices, and how to access those global markets.”

Minister Maru further stated: “This association is only worth forming if the volume and demand for natural vanilla will grow because the most serious threat to the growth of the industry is artificial

vanilla. The association will have to work hard to ensure that people will continue to prefer natural vanilla so that the industry can grow into the future.”

With Madagascar, Comoros, Uganda, Indonesia, and PNG being the only five vanilla producing countries, Minister Maru suggested to his counterpart from Madagascar to invite all Trade and Agriculture Ministers of these countries to meet immediately to have an initial meeting about incorporating and establishing world association for vanilla producing countries and be the foundation members of this association.

we have the world market prices, vanilla prices fluctuate too often and therefore it is not attractive for farmers, and this is a challenge that hopefully the organization that is being initiated will support so we can maintain high prices in order to always maintain the farmer interest.”

“The other area is quality – the higher the quality the better the price. We need processing technology to maintain quality at the highest level and the farmers need to be trained so they do not harvest the beans when they are not ready to be harvested.”

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 89

ENERGY

AG Group Starts Dialogue for E-Methanol Production in PNG, Spearheading ZeroCarbon Ambitions

A

G Group has made history by starting the dialogue in Papua New Guinea for E-Methanol production as a zero-carbon alternative during the recent 17th Papua New Guinea Resources and Energy Investment Conference & Exhibition in Sydney, Australia.

The group’s Managing Director, Mr. Allan Guo, presented several of its projects since the company’s inception as it highlighted its contributions to PNG renewable energy landscape, which aligned perfectly with the recent COP28 Summit in Dubai.

“Among our achievements is the successful commissioning of the 54MW Edevu Hydropower, currently bolstering the Port Moresby grid,” Guo said.

“In a strategic move towards enhancing sustainability, we are in the process of installing floating solar panels on the dam, a project that will contribute an additional 1MW, with plans to scale up to a total capacity of 5MW. This initia-

90 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

tive not only boosts power generation but also aids water retention in the dam during dry seasons,” he added.

In addition to showcasing AG Group’s ongoing hydropower projects in PNG, Mr. Guo provided insights into their trajectory towards a net-zero pathway.

By focusing on Hydro Energy and E-Methanol as green sources of fuel, “we are pioneering efforts to contribute to a more sustainable future,” he said.

A zero-carbon hydro energy system has the capability to produce green hydrogen, which, when reacted with captured CO2, leads to the production of E-Methanol, Mr. Guo added.

This technology has gained significant momentum in recent times, highlighted by Maersk’s strides in 2021 and the recent surge in orders for over 100 methanol-fueled cargo ships (CMA CGM, COSCO, MSC, HMM, etc.), he noted.

“Notably, AG Group is making history as the first PNG-based company

TT360_TT_PNG_Advert_127x181_PARTS_v3.indd 1

opening a dialogue into e-methanol as a zero-carbon alternative. While this groundbreaking move was not the focal point at the PNG Resources and Energy Investment Conference, we firmly believe that PNG possesses the potential to lead the Pacific region in this transformative initiative,” Mr. Guo “We are encouraged by the commitment shown by PNG as one of the 196 countries signing the COP28 accord, signaling a collective effort to transition away from fossil fuels at the recent Climate summit in Dubai,” he said.

“At AG Group, we are proud to be at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions, contributing to PNG’s green energy landscape and embracing a future aligned with global climate goals,” Mr. Guo said.

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ENERGY

AIFFP Pledges US$150M for Energy Infrastructure in PNG

T

he Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific has pledged a grant and concessional loan package totaling USD150 million to Papua New Guinea for the purpose of enhancing and repairing crucial energy infrastructure. This commitment was affirmed during Prime Minister Marape’s visit to Canberra on February 8, 2024.

The funding will be allocated towards various projects including the refurbishment of the Ramu 1 hydropower plant, the construction of the Gerehu transmission substation, and the installation of smart meters in both commercial establishments and residential areas throughout Papua New Guinea.

Additionally, Australia, through its Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership, is also participating in a new initiative focused on solar entrepreneurship. This partnership aims to provide renewable energy solutions to approximately 4,000 households in the Milne Bay and West New Britain Provinces.

These upgrades and investments are anticipated to enhance access to reliable and sustainable electricity for communities residing in urban centres, towns, and remote villages.

This improved access is expected to foster economic growth and provide better opportunities for accessing essential services such as healthcare and education.

FIFTH ANNUAL LEADERS DIALOGUE During Prime Minister James Marape’s visit to Canberra, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Mr Marape convened the fifth Papua New Guinea-Australia Annual Leaders’ Dialogue on February 8 in Canberra.

Discussions centred on bilateral security cooperation, highlighted by the signing of the Bilateral Security Agreement in December 2023. Both leaders welcomed Australia’s AUD100 million law and justice investment over 2024-2027 and prioritized planning for a Police Recruit and Investigations Training Facility in Bomana, among other initiatives.

The leaders reiterated their com-

94 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

mitment to regional peace, prosperity, and resilience, underscoring contributions to collective Pacific security responses and humanitarian efforts.

They also discussed enhanced cyber security cooperation and Papua New Guinea’s fiscal sustainability plans.

Acknowledging the importance of people-to-people ties, both leaders unveiled plans for streamlined visa processes and expanded labour mobility arrangements. They pledged to boost economic growth, critical infrastructure development, and support for agriculture, emphasising inclusive growth and sustainability.

CLIMATE CHANGE, HEALTH AND EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTED Efforts to address climate change were a focal point, with Australia pledging support under the PNG Climate FIRST initiative to access climate finance. Both leaders emphasized the importance of Papua New Guinea’s rainforests as a global carbon sink.

Health and education partnerships

were highlighted, including initiatives like the Partnerships for Improving Education Program and support for health services targeting tuberculosis, malaria, and maternal and child health.

Recognising their shared love for sports, especially rugby league, the leaders looked forward to boosting high-performance rugby league capability through renewed partnerships and participation in sports series.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional unity through Pacific-led and owned regional architecture, guided by the Pacific Islands Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

In anticipation of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary in 2025, both nations pledged to commemorate the occasion by establishing a memorial to honour the role of Australian Kiaps in Papua New Guinea’s nation-building.

Article courtesy of the Australia - Papua New Guinea Business Council ISSUE 1, 2024 – www.pngbusinessnews.com

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 95

ENERGY

Australia Partners with Papua New Guinea in Renewable Energy Drive

A

ustralia has embarked on a collaborative effort with Papua New Guinea to enhance the nation’s access to reliable renewable energy sources, addressing the growing demand for electrification.

According to recent updates from the Australian High Commission in PNG, the partnership involves strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering PNG’s electrification requirements.

One key initiative involves substantial repairs at the Ramu 1 hydropower station in Kainantu, Eastern Highlands Province. This operation has successfully unlocked an additional 17 megawatts of generation capacity for the Ramu grid, significantly improving the power supply reliability in major centres such as Madang, Morobe, and the Highlands region.

Australia’s commitment extends to the Port Moresby grid, where the focus is on installing new capacitor banks and transformers at crucial substations. These interventions are designed to strengthen power stability, mitigating instances of power outages within the region.

Significant strides have been made through refurbishment efforts, notably at the Rouna hydropower stations in Sogeri, Central Province. The completion of improvement works at these stations aims to enhance both the reliability and generation capacity of the grid. Further improvements are anticipated in early 2024, marking a pivotal moment in PNG’s journey toward a more robust and sustainable energy infrastructure.

The collaborative initiatives between Australia and PNG underscore a shared commitment to fortify access and reliability of renewable energy. This partnership signifies substantial progress in meeting PNG’s escalating electrification needs, emphasising the importance of international cooperation in addressing the energy challenges faced by developing nations.

Australia is PNG’s largest trading and commercial partner, with bilateral trade worth AU$ 6.7 billion in 2018.

Article courtesy of the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council

96

PNG BUSINESS NEWS

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 97

ENERGY

NEA Conducts 2nd Consultation of Decentralised Electricity Supply Policy Workshop By: MIRIAM MANDIBI

T

he National Energy Authority (NEA) conducted a one day public/ stakeholders consultation workshop for the second time at the Holiday Inn ballroom on the 15th of March on the Decentralised Electricity Supply (DES) Policy.

This policy will pave the way for the provincial and district administration to develop and participate in the generation, distribution, and retail aspects of PNG’s electricity supply industry.

The DES Policy is an important intervention policy initiated by the Economic Regulation Division of the NEA to address the unstable supply of electricity to towns outside the three main grids in PNG, technically referred to as C-centres.

The policy discussions held during the workshop included the Provincial Administrators, District Administrators, financiers/developers, policy experts, engineers, and other relevant experts.

NEA Managing Director Mr. Ronald Meketa opened the workshop and welcomed all the stakeholders, as experts in

the field of electricity and policy makers engaged in meaningful discussions in creating affordable and reliable electricity to the underlying challenges faced in Papua New Guinea.

He thanked all stakeholders who have worked alongside NEA in providing technical advice on formulating its policy, such as USAID Papua New Guinea Electricity Partnership (PEP), PNG Power Limited, Solar Energy Association of Papua New Guinea, Asian Development Bank, and others.

“PNG is yet to develop the electricity industry, and we are working towards it as a regulator. Some of the key specific policies such as hydro are yet to be drafted, including 21 others. Under the Connect PNG initiative undertaken by the government through road projects, there is also a need for supply of electricity connecting the rural and remote communities,” said Mr. Meketa.

Giving a detailed presentation on the DES Policy was Ms. Bayking Juliette of USAID PEP, with her team giving an overview of the policy.

The DES Policy would allow third parties to participate in their municipal jurisdiction, provide policy guidelines to accommodate the growing demand from stable supply of electricity in provinces and districts, and ultimately ensure accessible, reliable and affordable electricity for these C-centres to meet their respective local demand.

“The energy gap is one of the biggest hurdles faced by the GoPNG, businesses, and civic society, and therefore as the responsible government agency, the NEA is seriously looking at such policy intervention to unbundle the monopolistic arrangement incompatible for PNG electricity industry today,” the agency said.

The workshop ended with a brainstorming session with the respective provincial administration and district administration officials on the DES Policy.

Participants of the second consultation Workshop of the Decentralised Electricity Supply Policy

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 99

TOURISM

TPA CEO Appointed Deputy Chairman of Kokoda Track Committee

I

n a significant development for tourism along the historical Kokoda Track, Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) Chief Executive Officer, Eric Mossman Uvovo, was sworn in as the Deputy Chairman of the Kokoda Track Special Purposes Authority’s (KTA) Management Committee during a ceremony held at Stanley’s Hotel on Tuesday, March 19, in Port Moresby.

The swearing-in ceremony witnessed the appointment of a total of 10 committee members, representing government agencies, local government representatives, and landowner leaders. Among the notable appointments, Jack Deia, the Landowner Representative of the Koiari people, was elected as the Chairman of the KTA committee following a vote by committee members.

The event was attended by dignitaries including the Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Isi Henry Leonard, and the Governor of Central Province, Rufina Peter, along with representatives from government

bodies, Kokoda Landowners, KTA members, and the Conservation and Protection Authority (CEPA).

Addressing the gathering, Minister Leonard emphasized the crucial role of the KTA in promoting tourism.

“The Kokoda track is one of this country’s largest tourism attractions, not just because of its historical significance, but also its natural beauty that attracts many to this iconic site,” said Hon. Leonard.

Governor Rufina Peter echoed Minister Leonard’s sentiments, congratulating the newly sworn-in committee members, and stressing the importance of prioritizing the interests of the landowners.

“I’d like to encourage you all to listen to the landowners and the people – landowners must be happy,” Governor Peter remarked.

She further emphasized the economic potential of tourism, highlighting its role in providing a sustainable alternative to mining and ensuring the preservation of the Kokoda Track’s cultural and environmental heritage.

TPA CEO Uvovo highlighted the significance of Kokoda Track tourism, emphasizing the need to showcase this iconic site to the global audience.

“Kokoda is one of our most important tourism products, and we should be driving this product to the world.

When you talk about conserving the environment and the lush ecosystem at Kokoda, when you talk about sustainability for the landowners and for their many generations to come, then we have to really start talking about tourism for Kokoda,” said Uvovo.

Uvovo’s appointment as Deputy Chairman of the KTA Management Committee signifies a collaborative effort towards enhancing tourism management and sustainable development along the Kokoda Track.

With the collective expertise and dedication of committee members, the KTA is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing tourism initiatives and preserving the cultural and natural heritage of this iconic site for future generations.

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FINANCE

PM Marape Announces Historic Appointment of Ms. Elizabeth Genia as the First Woman Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea

P

rime Minister Hon. James Marape announced recently the historic appointment of Ms. Elizabeth Genia as the first woman Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG). Ms. Genia, who has been serving as the Acting Governor of BPNG since January 2023, was officially appointed by the National Executive Council (NEC).

“I am pleased to announce the historical appointment of Ms. Elizabeth Genia as the first woman Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea,” said Prime Minister Marape.

“This signifies the confidence that my government places in the women of Papua New Guinea. Mrs Genia through her work has progressed up the rank of the bank the last 40 years for her to be picked as a qualified candidate” Highlighting the government’s commitment to collaboration, Prime Minister Marape expressed anticipation for the cooperation between the government and the Bank of Papua New Guinea. He emphasised the focus on addressing persistent issues such as national fuel security, foreign exchange, and the proper organisation of the Credit Guarantee Corporation, launched in 2022, to sustain and boost

the growth of the small to medium enterprise (SME) sector.

“The Government will respect the independence of Central Bank but use the monetary policy to support and grow the economy,” he said.

Prime Minister Marape also told Ms. Genia that BPNG must ensure a steady f low of funds from export revenue, especially from the PNG LNG Project and mines and other export items, to beef up the country’s foreign exchange which is now at K14 billion.

“This will ensure that importers have ready access to foreign exchange to import goods than wait for a long period of time,” he said.

“The bank should also be encouraging resource projects to keep their export earnings onshore.

“One of the country’s biggest problems over the last 10 years has been the foreign exchange issue.”

Prime Minister Marape also told Ms. Genia for BPNG to look at the possibility of using the Chinese ‘renminbi’ as an alternative to the US dollar, given China’s increasing trade with PNG. “I want the bank to look at the possibility of using the Chinese currency, given our increasing trade with China,” he said.

Prime Minister Marape also

wants BPNG to properly organise the Credit Guarantee Corporation, which was launched in 2022, to sustain and boost the growth of the SME sector.

“I want SMEs to be properly linked to the Credit Guarantee Corporation,” he said.

“The government will support with some funding for SMEs as our people want cheap, easy to obtain loans.

“This is also very much of the government’s Medium-Term Development Plan IV where we aim to have jobs created from SMEs.” Prime Minister Marape also told Ms. Genia that the BPNG must operate Central Bank with a PNG character and understanding of PNG people and banking requirements.

Prime Minister Marape meeting with Bank of PNG Governor Elizabeth Genia, Vice-Minister for Treasury Hon. Solen Loifa (left) and Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu.-PM’s Office Media

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FINANCE

PM Marape Welcomes Reopening of IMF Resident Office in Port Moresby After Two Decades

P

r ime Minister Hon. James Marape has war mly welcomed t he histor ic reopening of t he Inter nat iona l Monetar y Fund ( I MF ) Resident Of f ice in Por t Moresby, mark ing its retur n after 20 years of absence. T his sig nif icant event was highl ighted dur ing a press conference held by t he Pr ime Minister a longside t he I MF ’s Deput y Manag ing Director, Bo L i.

The reopening of the IMF Resident Of f ice in Port Moresby is a testament to the enduring partnership between Papua New Guinea and the International Monetary Fund, aimed at fostering economic stability and growth for the nation.

Prime Minister Marape expressed his gratitude and welcomed Mr. Li back to PNG, emphasising the pivotal role of the economy in sustaining the country. “I thank you and welcome you to PNG once again,” he stated, underscoring the importance of a strong, resilient economy that benef its from growth and stability.

Highlighting the value of multilateral partnerships, Prime Minister Marape said, “Papua New Guinea is privileged to have all the multilateral partners in the country, and with the return of IMF, the economy will be supported and stabilised.” He pointed out that the presence of IMF, alongside other critical partners like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, signif ies a comprehensive support system for PNG’s economic development.

Prime Minister Marape ref lected on his government’s proactive approach to invite the IMF to reestablish its of f ice in Port Moresby, aiming to ensure a transparent and accountable assessment of the country’s economic policies and performance. “In case people think Jame Marape and Ian Ling-Stuckey’s benchmark of the economy is from a political spectrum, we told IMF to come and

104 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

assist, assess, look, and advise us,” he said.

Over the past four years, the collaboration between the PNG government and the IMF has led to a concerted ef fort to restructure the economy, with signs of improvement beginning to emerge. Prime Minister Marape shared his optimism about the

country’s progress, acknowledging that there is still a journey ahead.

Prime Minister Marape also took the opportunity to portray PNG as a country with a robust democracy, facing challenges but striving to become a stronger, free-market, capital economy that nurtures business growth.

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 105

COMPANY

Papuan Coast Maiden Voyage: Consort Express Lines Invests in Expansion of its Fleet, Reinforces Commitment to PNG’s Development

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onsort Express Lines (Consort) proudly announces the latest addition to its fleet – MV Papuan Coast. The vessel, formerly known as MV Dili Chief, has now been seamlessly integrated into Consort’s liner operations following its deployment in Consort’s network since November 2023.

The acquisition, completed on the 3rd February 2024 at a total cost of PGK25 million, marks an important milestone for Consort and represents a significant step forward for the company. The Papuan Coast is an 8000dwt multi-purpose vessel that is built to carry 318-TEU and can handle all types of containerized cargo, break bulk shipments, and project cargo. These are the largest vessels in the Consort fleet, which now numbers 20 vessels, and are the largest container vessels trading coastally in PNG. “Our customers have spoken clearly. They want more choice of sailings between Lae and Port Moresby.

The Papuan Coast will help deliver increased frequency and flexibility to make sure goods arrive on the shelves when needed.” says Antony Riley, General Manager at Consort. He adds, “the Papuan Coast will play a pivotal role in meeting the growing demands of customers and further strengthening Consort’s position as a leader in coastal shipping.”

The Papuan Coast will join three other similar size vessels, Bougainville Coast, Gazelle Coast and Niugini Coast in Consort’s liner network and will provide more capacity and better sailing frequency between Lae and Port Moresby as well as covering vital regions such as the North Coast, New Guinea Islands, and Bougainville.

This will allow Consort to provide a weekly service offering on all the main trade lanes and improve its schedule reliability. Additionally, Consort will be operating a modern tug and 5000mt barge CEL 501 to provide a dedicated service between Lae and Kimbe for importers and exporters in these ports.

It is recognised that it has been a difficult period for our customers

106 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

MV Papuan Coast gracefully navigates Port Moresby Harbour on her maiden voyage. This marks an important milestone for Consort and represents a significant step forward for the company.

MV Papuan Coast joins three other similar size vessels, Bougainville Coast, Gazelle Coast and Niugini Coast in Consort’s liner network and will provide more capacity and better sailing frequency between Lae and Port Moresby as well as covering vital regions such as the North Coast, New Guinea Islands, and Bougainville.

as supply chains normalise and an intense program of maintenance was undertaken across Consort’s fleet after the disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Consort is committed to the investment required in supporting our customers’ supply chains and ensure our schedule is marketing leading.

To achieve this, Consort has undertaken a PKG130 million investment program to renew its fleet, enhance its liner service offering and importantly to improve the reliability of its product to better serve its customers.

This includes the PGK25 million acquisition of the Papuan Coast, a PGK87 million investment in additional tugs and barges that are now all operating in Consort’s liner network and a PGK18 million capital

expenditure on dry-docking and maintaining its core liner fleet. ‘’This is a significant investment in Consort’s network and underscores our commitment to providing safer and more reliable services and improving our service proposition to our customers. These recent acquisitions position Consort with a high quality and versatile fleet that offers a comprehensive and integrated network of services reaching all PNG ports” says Vele Rupa, General Manager Corporate Affairs, Steamships Limited.

Consort continues to make strategic investments within the maritime sector, delivering unparalleled shipping services throughout PNG. The company’s vision is to be their customers’ partner of choice in providing innovative supply-chain solutions.

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Swire Shipping Expanding its Footprint; PNG Gets Access to More Reliable Connections to/from US

S

wire Shipping has announced that Westwood Shipping Lines (Westwood), a niche vessel operator specialising in the trade between the Pacific Northwest and Northeast Asia, will change its name to Swire Shipping effective 1 February 2024.

Swire Shipping acquired Westwood in June 2022 as part of a growth strategy to expand its liner network in North America.

The rebranding builds on Westwood’s deep legacy in the Pacific Northwest and Northeast Asia, and enables a more seamless customer experience, leveraging synergies and capabilities in containers, networks, and projects across the global Swire Shipping network to better serve customers throughout North America, Japan, South Korea, and China.

“The integration of Westwood Shipping Lines reflects our continued investment and expansion in the North Pacific. With our shared values of safety, operational excellence, sustainability, and reliability, we are poised to elevate our services and provide an even stronger value proposition for our customers,” said Ben Pike, Chief Operating Officer, Swire Shipping.

Swire Shipping will continue to operate its Puyallup, WA, office as the regional hub for its North America

operations. Seven vessels from the Swire Shipping owned fleet will operate on the Westwood service within the expanded global network, with four vessels retaining their existing Westwood name and green hulls in a nod to its 130-year legacy.

Harry Stones, newly appointed President of Swire Shipping North America, said, “With its reputation for reliability and quality, Westwood has built a loyal following among customers and service partners in North America and North Asia. This marks the start of an exciting new chapter, as we look to expand our capabilities and further establish ourselves within the region as a leading provider of innovative global shipping and logistics solutions. The Westwood service will complement Swire Shipping’s other services in North America with the Sun Chief Express Ocean Service and the US West Coast – Pacific Islands service.”

In recognition of the strong ties with Japanese customers and their supply chains, as well as to strengthen its transpacific reach, Swire Shipping also announced the establishment of a new office in Tokyo, Japan, bringing representation in-house and enabling more direct engagement with customers.

Chris Robertson, General Manager, Asia and Northern Hemisphere, Swire

Shipping, added, “Swire Shipping has a long-standing presence in Japan and South Korea. The rebranding of Westwood Shipping Lines further strengthens our position in these important markets. Moreover, in a move that sets us apart in the Japanese market, we have transferred our representation in Tokyo to our own branch office, reflecting our commitment to customers and our confidence in the region’s growth potential.”

This move allows Swire Shipping to consolidate its agency representations in Japan by bringing agency representations previously held by Ben Line Agencies (Japan) Ltd and Senwa Maritime Agency Ltd in-house. To maintain strong customer relationships and ensure continuity, staff from Ben Line Agencies and Senwa Maritime will be transferred to the new Swire Shipping branch office.

Atlas Steel PNG – Now a One-Stop-Shop Steel Fabrication Business

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tlas Steel PNG has announced that it is now a one-stop shop for steel fabrication in Papua New Guinea.

Before, Atlas Steel PNG would supply raw steel sections to the PNG Steel Fabrication industry. Now it offers a full steel fabrication service to its customers.

Atlas Steel PNG can now fabricate steel from start to finish, and its services are available at both its Lae and Port Moresby factories.

This steel -- be it structural beams, steel plates, or the multitude of other steel shapes that are used in constructing a structure -- come with

108 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

full 100% traceability and mill test certificates.

“All our steel materials are sourced from reputable steel manufacturers throughout Australasia,” the company said in a statement.

Atlas Steel PNG senior management have over a combined 150 years of experience fabricating steel for such prestigious projects as Porgera Gold Mine, Lihir Gold Mine, OK Tedi Copper Mine, Kutubu Oil Field, PNG LNG and Papua LNG, and other large resource projects.

Its fabrication services include full detailed design of a building, steel fabrication workshop drawings, struc-

tural fabrication of all beam sizes, platework fabrication of hoppers and chutes, storage tanks for petrochem-

Page 110 >

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COMPANY

Seafarer Graduates Snapped Up by Maritime Companies

S

eafaring officers are no sooner graduating from their cadetships than being snapped up by maritime companies keen to fill gaps in their workforces. Take for example, recent graduates of the Deck and Engine cadetship programmes of Pacific Towing (PacTow) and Consort Express Lines (Consort). Many of these new ‘Officers of the Watch’ secured employment within one month of their graduation.

The Coastal Shipowners Association confirms that PNG is experiencing a real shortage of maritime professionals, especially when it comes to both junior and senior officers. “This is why cadetship programmes are so important, because they produce new seafaring professionals not only for the companies that develop and run them but for PNG’s broader maritime sector” says Neil Papenfus, General Manager of Pacific Towing.

One example of a programme that has produced new officers who have gone on to work for multiple maritime organisations is PacTow’s ‘Women in Maritime’ programme. Graduating Officers of the Watch (Deck and Engine) have secured employment with programme partner Consort, as well as with Kute Shipping, Lutheran Shipping, P&O, TWL, and YWAM Medical Ships.

Eunice Tuwe (Officer of the Watch – Deck), is one of the young women who graduated from the Women in Maritime programme only last December and were then recruited almost immediately. Tuwe is now working for PNG’s biggest coastal shipping company, Consort. Tuwe also completed some of her practical ‘at sea’ training on Consort vessels.

“It’s been my dream to work at sea” says Tuwe. “I’m grateful to lots of people who’ve helped this dream come true - my family, my lecturers at

PNGMC, various members of crew, PacTow, Aus Awards, and of course Consort. I’m also very proud to join the other women who graduated before me who are helping build a bigger and better maritime industry in PNG.” Also growing and strengthening PNG’s maritime industry are 31 Officers of the Watch who have come through Consort’s cadetship programme which was launched in 2020. Consort have employed 12 of their programme’s graduates with the remainder taking up a range of opportunities with other PNG shippers.

Cadetship programmes are proving their worth across PNG’s maritime sector as the officers they produce are becoming increasingly indispensable to operations. One of PacTow’s most lauded graduates from another of its programmes is Tug Master Emmanuel Simoi. Within just two and a half years of completing his training, Simoi was awarded the command of one of PacTow’s Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tugs (‘Werra’) and has been charged with assisting super-sized suezmax fuel tankers in Port Moresby’s Fairfax Harbour.

“The shortage of seafaring professionals in PNG is being compounded by an upswing in demand for them” says Antony Riley, General Manager of Consort Express Lines. “Businesses, particularly those linked to major developments such as the Papua LNG project need more vessels – especially for project cargo – and these vessels require more seafarers. As such, our home-grown cadets and the programmes that produce them have never been more important.”

Together, Consort and PacTow have offered young Papua New Guineans a further 20 maritime cadetship scholarships in 2024. Other organ-

*** Steamships’ Logistics Division is PNG’s largest operator of transport and logistics, with a more extensive service network than any other logistics provider. To learn more about the cadetship programmes of Steamships’ Logistics Division, as well as its project cargo, charter, and end-to-end logistics solutions: www.steamshipslogistics.com.pg.

< Page 108

AS1554SP and ASME standards, boilermakers are apprentice served trades people, all under the watchful guidance of fully experienced supervisors,” the company adds.

Atlas Steel PNG workshops can comfortably fabricate 50-plus tonnes of medium structural steel per week.

“We offer a full grit blasting service, with professional blasting to international NAC standards 1 to 4, complimented by airless and conventional and industrial painting with industrial paint epoxies, glass f lake and enamel paints,” it adds.

ical use, as well as associated pipe work and more.

The fully equipped workshops can produce large volumes of steel per week, Atlas Steel PNG says.

“Our welders are qualified to

110 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

Recently graduated Officer of the Watch (Deck) Eunice Tuwe undertook critical sea time training on Consort Express Lines’ vessels and is now employed by them.

Young officers such as Tug Master Emmanuel Simoi who completed his cadetship with Pacific Towing are in high demand across PNG’s maritime sector.

isations with maritime cadetship programmes include P&O and PNG Ports Corporation. Gulf Maritime Services (GMS), a new joint venture between Steamships, GFS, and the Gulf Provincial Government, have also announced that they too will be offering cadetships.

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 111

COMPANY

Ark Camps Dominate World’s Largest Gas Field Development

H

undreds of Ark Pacific modular buildings have been assembled across Papua New Guinea resource sector developments since the company penetrated the local camp accommodation market in 2010.

Over the last decade, Ark has substantially increased its international market share in the oil and gas sector – its growth primarily driven by quality and unrivalled production output. By 2030, it is anticipated that Ark buildings will dominate the camp landscape of the world’s largest natural gas field.

In addition to PNG, Ark camps can be found in Argentina and Russia, as well as in Qatar where it has captured 70 percent of the LNG camp accommodation market. Its growth in Qatar is anticipated to escalate given the government’s announcement in March that it will expand output from North Field West (which is part of the world’s biggest gas field) before 2030.

Ark’s first significant project in Qatar was the 2,500-person LGV camp expansion project in 2020. It is currently in the process of manufacturing a 2,000-person senior staff camp for world-leading engineering company, Technip Energies. With another two-years’ worth of buildings in the production pipeline, Ark has truly cemented itself in the accommodation supply chains of Qatar’s oil and gas mega-contractors.

Cass Ruka, GM Ark Pacific, says that the reason Ark became the camp building market leader so quickly in Qatar was its flat pack building system, specifically its “high quality, together with its rapid manufacturing, delivery, and installation, as well as its safety rating, particularly with regard to fire.”

Ruka confirms that “for a 5,000-person camp it takes us a maximum of three months, upon issuance of a purchase order, to have all components delivered to site. We also manufacture and deliver in stages, which means that the first lot of building componentry is on site in less than one month.”

The speed at which Ark can manufacture and deliver its building systems varies little, irrespective of whether the camp is being built in Qatar, PNG, Sudan, or Argentina.

Ark’s unrivalled production output has been facilitated by factory expansion and an ongoing investment in automation over nearly 20 years. Ruka

reports that the company’s automated system of robotic welding for instance, not only ensures the highest quality of welds, but also a 24/7 round-theclock and 365 day-per-year fabrication capability.

Ark’s modular systems enable a multitude of building configurations, across single or multiple storeys, and on diverse topographies, in even the most remote locations and climate extremes.

In addition to accommodation blocks housing literally thousands of workers, some of the other types of buildings Ark has provided its resource clients with, include recreation centres, medical facilities, office complexes, kitchen and dining facilities, commissary buildings, maintenance workshops, and laboratories.

To learn more about Ark buildings in PNG, including its resource sector camp expertise and the advantages of its unique building systems: www. arkpacific.net

Ark’s buildings can be found around the world but primarily in resource developments such as those in PNG as well as in Qatar (pictured) where the company is now the market leader in the supply of camp complexes.

Bridging Solutions Made in PNG

N

iuDeck from PNG Forest Products is a purpose designed and engineered heavy plywood decking system that provides a longlasting, cost-effective solution for bridge re-decking and widening. Quick and easy to install, NiuDeck’s durability and longevity are further enhanced with the application of a bitumen surface.

For situations requiring a whole new bridge structure, PNGFP’s NiuBridge is the ideal solution for bridging installations in PNG for spans of up to 25m, with an installed cost base typically under half that of equivalent concrete or steel.

With a treatment warranty of 50+ years, both NiuDeck and NiuBridge require little maintenance thanks to

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PNGFP’s unique veneer preservation treatment, ensuring complete protection from termites and rotting.

Manufactured from 100% sustainable PNG plantation pine to both AS/NZS 2269 and AS/NZS 1604 standards, these Engineered Wood Products exploit the advantages of natural timber, which is not subject to fatigue failure, unlike other materials such as steel and concrete.

Suitable for a range of load conditions including Austroads T44 and AS 500 Bridge Design, NiuBridge and NiuDeck are widely used by local and state governments in Australia and New Zealand due to the products’ superior strength, light weight, flexibility and durability.

The peak body for the timber industry in Queensland has welcomed these products as a demonstration of the versatility and innovation of using Engineered Wood Products in bridge construction.

“Using prefabricated timber systems in bridges is gaining greater market recognition due to their inherent strength, light weight and low carbon emissions footprint compared to other construction materials”, said the CEO of Timber Queensland, Mick Stephens.

For more information on NiuDeck and NiuBridge, contact the PNGFP team now on 323 5995 or bridgesales@ pngfp.com, or download product brochures at www.pngfp.com.

ISSUE 1, 2024 – www.pngbusinessnews.com

PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) 2024 EVENT CALENDAR PNG RESOURCES AND ENERGY INVESTMENT CONFERENCE DECEMBER 8 - 11 SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

PROSPECTORS & DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA (PDAC) MARCH 3 - 6 CANADA

December

INDUSTRY WIND DOWN – MEDIA MARCH 22 PORT MORESBY

January February

November

March

October

September

EMERGENCY RESPONSE CHALLENGE (ERC) SEPTEMBER PORT MORESBY

April

August

May

July

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING JULY PORT MORESBY

SECURITY SUMMIT APRIL 17 PORT MORESBY

June

RESOURCE WEEK - CANCONEX - CAREER FAIR - HR FORUM JUNE 3 - 5 PORT MORESBY

If you are interested in any of these events, reach out to us via: Phone: (+675) 321 2988 | Email: events@pngcore.org Website: www.pngcore.org

ISSUE 1, 2024 – www.pngbusinessnews.com

PNG BUSINESS NEWS 113

COMPANY

Redback™ Drilling Tools & Manufacturing: Pioneering Innovation Gearhart United and Redback™ Drilling tools are combining to form Redback™ Drilling Tools & Manufacturing.

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earhart United is the premier designer and manufacturer of oilfield equipment and custom manufacturing operating two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Wingfield, South Australia, and Moomba, South Australia. Redback™ Drilling Tools is a leader in Roller Reamer technology and delivers drilling optimisation solutions worldwide.

The unprecedented reliability and quality of the Redback™ Roller Reamer revolutionised the industry and has been the go-to bottom-hole assembly tool for many drilling operations around the world since the late 1980s.

As part of a new strategic direction under the SGS Group umbrella, Gearhart United and Redback™ Drilling tools will be rebranded to unify into one company, Redback™ Drilling Tools & Manufacturing.

UNIFYING TWO COMPANIES UNDER ONE BRAND To unify the brands, the two companies are combining into one, Redback™ Drilling Tools & Manufacturing. The company has over 40 years of experience with a reputation for superior quality combined with unparalleled reliability, proving how valuable innovation and trustworthiness are within the drilling market.

The company has won significant market share in many of the key drilling operations worldwide and earned the preferred supplier status with many of the world’s leading oil companies and major drilling service companies. Its global presence provides products and services across multiple countries, service centres and agents.

PASSIONATE ABOUT INNOVATION By developing specialised reaming and torque-reducing tools, Redback™ aims to push the envelope on drilling performance.

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L – R Clint Russell, Business Manager - Redback™ Drilling Tools & Manufacturing and Bronte Gale, General Manager – Industries, SGS Australia/PNG

Its torque reduction capabilities and resultant vibration reduction capabilities ensures products worthy of their position in BHAs, where they enhance the performance of, and add life to other critical BHA components.

Redback™ commits to excellence with a focus on delivering cuttingedge solutions as shown through their strong presence in PNG. Currently, the company collaborates with 60% of active projects undertaken by leading service companies and exploration firms nationwide. This collaboration involves Redback™ enhancing drilling capabilities by offering their cutting-edge tools and a wide range of services. Their team of design engineers specialises in designing and manufacturing equipment to offer tailored solutions for any engineering project.

“REAFFIRMING OUR COMMITMENT TO INNOVATIVE PRACTICES, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, AND LEADERSHIP.” Bronte Gale, General Manager for Industries, said: “This rebranding initiative is not a simple name or logo

change, it’s a symbol of our reaffirmed commitment to innovative practices, customer satisfaction, and leadership within our market. This rebranding mirrors our ambition to uphold our status as the industry pioneer in Roller Reamer technology, as we have since the 1980s.”

Clint Russell, Business Manager for Redback™ Drilling Tools & Manufacturing, said: “This rebranding will help focus interest on our services, tools and professional personnel that support both traditional and non-traditional energy markets while we continue to drive innovation.”

With the company continuously looking to improve and innovate, the new brand identity will help fortify the trust and confidence that customers all over the world have placed in Redback™. You can count on Redback™ Drilling Tools & Manufacturing to be a trusted partner, supporting your business ventures and driving sustainable growth.

Contact the Redback™ Drilling Tools & Manufacturing team today to learn more about their operations in PNG and how they can best assist you in achieving your goals.

ISSUE 1, 2024 – www.pngbusinessnews.com

Connectivity Anywhere • Sea • Land • Mobile

The first electronically scanning, flat-panel satellite terminal

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COMPANY

Remington Group Announces Top Candidates for Development Programs

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emington Group recently announced the names of the candidates who have been successful in their applications to join their 2024 Technical Apprenticeship and Graduate Development Programs.

The applicants were selected after a long and comprehensive screening process, with well over 200 expressions of interest being received for the Graduate Development and the Apprenticeship Programs. The Remington Group programs have attracted some of the best candidates that Papua New Guinea has to offer in their chosen fields of study.

The three selected candidates for the Graduate Development Program are Megan Bega, Chris Kuras and John Anthony. These three graduates will be attached to our Group Shared Services team on a rotational basis, working closely with our several business units, allowing them to gain a deep understanding of our business.

As for our unique, market leading Technical Apprenticeship Program, we identified four successful candidates and they are Esron Thomal, Leslie Pombo, Tonar Olk and Jack Kalogo. These gentlemen will join our Remington Technology and FX Business Centre Service Teams as Apprentice Service Technicians.

“As we unveil the exceptional talents joining our 2024 Development Programs, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Megan, Chris, John, Esron, Leslie, Tonar, and Jack.

Their dedication and ‘can-do’ attitude align perfectly with Remington’s culture and work ethic. Their success marks the beginning of a transformative journey for them, and I am confident they will contribute significantly to our shared success. Welcome aboard, future leaders!” Remington Group CEO Peter Goodwin.

The programs are developed to provide an opportunity for recent graduates from universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to receive hands-on training and learning experience by providing them with exposure to both corporate and technical spaces. Then our trainees are matched with a mentor who is an industry expert.

Group HR Manager for Remington, Christopher Membung said, “Both programs provide a pathway into building a meaningful career for the successful applicants, as long as they commit to hard work and persistence.”

We congratulate the seven successful candidates as they embark on their professional journey to build the foundation of their career pathway with Remington Group.

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( L-R) Apprentice Trainees; Leslie Pombo, Tonar Olk, Jack Kalogo and Esron Thomas with CEO of Remington Group, Peter Goodwin (centre) and Graduate Development Trainees; Chris Kuras, John Anthony and Megan Bega

ISSUE 1, 2024 – www.pngbusinessnews.com

tailor-made logistics solutions Transport

The iPi Group's vertically integrated logistical operations are as varied as the needs of our many clients.

> Specialist bulk fuels and dangerous goods transportation > General dry freight and line haul transport > Fully integrated Camp Management, Catering and Janitorial Services for the Mining and Petroleum industries > Quality Assured Hospitality delivery across the broader industrial sectors

Catering

> Quality Accommodation for Executives and FIFO workers > Warehousing and dry goods storage

Property

Warehousing

The iPi Group, Level 4 Stratos Tower, Stratos Ave, Waigani, NCD PNG Ph: (+675) 311 3250 Email: iPiGroup@iPiGroup.com.pg

www.iPiGroup.com.pg

iPi Transport JAS-ANZ ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED, iPi Catering ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED and HACCP CERTIFIED across multiple locations

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COMPANY

Monier Limited: Providing Quality High-Standard Development Products and Services in the Construction Industry for Over 60 Years

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hen it comes to producing, supplying and distribution of high-quality construction materials and project construction, look no further, as Monier Limited provides internationally recognized standards of services, contributing to the development of Papua New Guinea over the past 60 years.

What sets Monier apart in PNG is its growth, experience, and expertise in the manufacturering of construction materials direct to its customers, providing safety and mobility of its genuine quality products and services including corporate and government clients of major multi-billion-kina projects.

The company operates a materials testing laboratory that has been independently accredited by the Papua New Guinea Laborer Accreditation Scheme (PNGLAS).

In April 2019, Monier achieved the 3rd Party Certification to its Quality, Environment and Safety Management Systems, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems against International Standards AS/NZS ISO09001:2016, AS/NZ ISO45001:2018.

These are independent certified management systems to give assurance to all their stakeholders that all processes, products, and services delivered by Monier are of highest order.

Business Development Manager

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Mr. Geno Uve, who has been working for Monier Limited for over 35 years, said working for the company has been an evolving journey and loves the good and safe working environment along with the expertise and experience the company has to offer with high quality of services to Papua New Guineans.

“We pride ourselves in providing high quality building materials and are capable to meet international standards of services to our customers and corporate clients.”

“For instance, we were able to meet the American standard of building material specif ications for the construction of the American Embassy in Konedobu Port Moresby providing quality standard to the building project,” said Mr. Uve. Both customers and corporate clients have a wide range of opportunity to purchase various building material products and services including the newly introduced department of mobility services where transportation of building materials are set up on the location of the construction area.

A new inclusion in services provided by Monier is laboratory and technical mobile services that can conduct tests on construction materials and provide technical advice on the type of product as required.

Monier has a new range of mobile batching plants and mobile crushers available for hire that can produce high volumes of concrete in-situ and mobile plant that allows us to set up on site, with machines in sequence to produce concrete aggregates, road base and sub bases such as filter rocks and select fills.

With the establishment of the new mobile department; corporate clients can receive complete package of construction materials on site to suit their individual requirements.

For more information and contact on Monier Limited their head office is located at Saraga Street 6Mile phone: 675 325 3344/71111674 email: admin@monier.com.pg web: www.monier.com.pg ISSUE 1, 2024 – www.pngbusinessnews.com

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Don't have a video yet? No problem. Simply send us your words, photos, and company logo, and our team will create a stunning slideshow video for you FOC (conditions apply).

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PNG Business News offers both print and digital advertising. The online digital magazine is interactive and read by thousands. Your company advert will be hyperlinked to your website, as well as the option to embed a corporate company video.

Weekly interactive newsletter

PNG Business News currently has 13,577 weekly newsletter subscribers. Each newsletter is interactive and all of our advertising partners have their company logo shown with a hyperlink to their website.

Website

Our website had over 280,000+ views in 2023! All advertising partners have their company logo on our website, which is hyperlinked to their website.

Social media exposure

PNG Business News offers social media exposure to our advertisers. PNG Business News had a total of 1,241,520 social media impressions in 2023! As of April 2024, Our LinkedIn has 23,552 followers and Facebook page has 8,900 + followers. Our social media accounts are updated daily with the latest business news in PNG.

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COMPANY

Bishops Release Exciting New Catalogue

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ishops is proud to announce the launch of their highly anticipated updated Industrial & Safety Catalogue. With a commitment to delivering excellence and meeting the diverse needs of customers across the region, Bishops’ new catalogue showcases a wide array of exclusive products and services.

Bishops is PNG’s leading industrial tool and safety equipment supplier, providing high-quality goods and services across six branches in Papua New Guinea. Their wide range of exclusive products and personalised solutions have been tailored to help grow PNG’s industrial output for more than 50 years.

The much-anticipated catalogue features over 15,000 hand-selected products, collated into 15 categories for easy reference and sourced from over 100 leading brands, making it the largest catalogue Bishops has ever produced and a valuable go-to purchasing tool for industry.

Containing detailed product descriptions and specifications, coloured images and Bishops part numbers, researching and ordering products has never been easier.

In addition to their diverse

product offerings, Bishops remains dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and fostering strong relationships within the local community. With a team of knowledgeable professionals and a customer-centric approach, Bishops aims to exceed expectations and remain the go-to destination for premium goods and services in Papua New Guinea.

“This Catalogue was made specifically for Papua New Guinea,” said Len Pianta, General Manager of Bishops, “and is a must have for any purchasing staff, workshop managers or project coordinators.”

The launch of Bishops’ updated catalogue represents an exciting milestone in the company’s journey to remain the largest and most trusted supplier of all the “little things” through quality products and memorable experiences.

Customers can explore the full range of offerings in the catalogue online or visit their nearest Bishops branch to discover exclusive deals and promotions.

For more information about Bishops and to view the latest catalogue, please visit https://www. bishopbros.com.pg/ or find your local branch.

Unveiling Zad Zeal Limited

F

ounded by Zimmah Anton Neinaka, a 20-year-old Papua New Guinean, ZAD ZEAL Limited began operations when Neinaka was 19, and has since expanded to two branches: ZAD ZEAL Ripple (ZZR) and ZAD ZEAL Digital Sales and Marketing (ZZDSM) along with ZAD ZEAL Stocks, Assets, and Proper Management (ZZSAP).

ZZR serves as an online shopping platform that integrates retail products from major outlets in Papua New Guinea and offers a delivery service. It plans to integrate an online tracking module for real-time order tracking.

On its first anniversary, ZAD ZEAL Limited introduced two additional branches: ZZDSM utilizes social media to promote its brand and clients’ businesses, while ZZSAP focuses on managing clients’ assets through reliable stock inventory and monitoring regimes. This enables

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clients to confidently assess property and asset value over time, strengthening their business’s stability.

ZAD ZEAL Limited is committed to distinguishing itself in the domestic market by adopting best practices from successful startups and entrepreneurs. Rather than engaging in direct competition, the company focuses on leveraging its unique talents, skills, and competencies toward continuous growth.

Females comprise about 80 percent of its staff, aged between 19 to 25, as ZAD ZEAL upholds strong principles of equality, trust, self-reliance, innovation, and support among its team members. The company prioritizes creating an environment that fosters personal and professional growth for its employees.

For enquiries, email zadzeallimited@gmail.com, or go to their website zadzeallimited.com.

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COMPANY

Recompression Facility Important to Commercial Divers in PNG

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apua New Guinea’s diver recompression facility, strategically located in Port Moresby, has saved many lives and prevented numerous long-term disabilities since it opened in 2004.

Although recreational divers have traditionally been the most frequently treated, the last five years have seen an increase in commercial diver patients.

Given the surge in projects that will require commercial diving services over the next decade (e.g., new offshore LNG pipeline, mining tailings dams and offshore disposal, marine surveys, port redevelopments), it is reasonable to expect that the facility will continue to increasingly be required by commercial divers.

The Port Moresby recompression facility operates to international standards. Facility Coordinator of the PNG Dive Association (PNGDA), John Miller, asserts that the facility’s treatment protocols are “world class” and in accord with the Divers Alert Network (DAN) – a respected international entity that provides emergency medical assistance to divers.

Miller says that the recompression facility is just one part of the picture when it comes to diver safety in PNG. “Collectively, the PNGDA, DAN, and our medivac partner, Tropicair have built a ‘diver safety network’ which rivals similar setups in developed countries.”

“When one of the hospitals or dive resorts scattered across the country contacts us with a suspected case of decompression illness, we’re able to provide a rapid over-the-phone diagnosis through our Regional Hyperbaric Specialist Consultant, Dr Bobby Wellsh, an emergency and critical care physician as well as a hyperbaric medicine expert. If necessary, we liaise with Tropicair who through their subsidiary Medicair, send one of their specialised planes – sometimes with Dr Wellsh on board – to pick up the patient. The recompression chamber is located within Tropicair’s facility right at the airport. It’s literally 100m from where the plane lands to where the chamber is located so we’re able to provide the diver with seamless

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medical care.”

Operation of the recompression chamber requires a team of medical professionals and technicians led by Dr Wellsh. Patients present with various degrees of severity of decompression illness and often require treatment over several consecutive days.

Individual treatments between 2-5 hours in duration are administered in accord with doctor directions.

In 2023 the facility increased its capacity with the training of an additional doctor, three more nurses, as well as five extra technicians.

Miller says that some of the best technicians are those from local tugboat company, Pacific Towing (PacTow), which provides numerous specialist services to the country’s growing oil and gas sector.

“Our PacTow technicians are all experienced commercial divers themselves and they’re Papua New Guineans” explains Miller. “This means they have a heightened understanding of decompression illness and its seriousness, and they are extremely accessible given that they’re in Port Moresby and on call 24/7. Significantly, we know that the training we provide to our PNG technicians will stay in country to benefit dive patients for potentially decades as opposed to

when we train expatriates.” Another member of PacTow’s commercial dive team is scheduled to receive training and qualify as a recompression chamber technician in the second half of this year.

Although commercial divers employed by reputable companies as well as tourists with the right medical insurance have the means to access the Port Moresby recompression facility, others (such as those engaged in the illegal sea cucumber trade) typically do not.

Miller reports that some of these divers also simply leave it too late to access treatment. This was the case with several patients who were engaged in high-risk commercial fishing activities that resulted in significant decompression illness.

There are no other recompression facilities operating in Melanesia.

Without the Port Moresby facility, patients would have to be evacuated to either Northern Australia (i.e., Townsville) or Guam (i.e., the two closest international facilities). Given that rapid presentation for treatment is central to successful decompression illness recovery, the Port Moresby facility is incredibly important to its commercial divers and projects that require their services.

Regional Hyperbaric Specialist Consultant, Dr Bobby Wellsh, conducting a neurological assessment on a patient prior to treatment at the recompression facility in Port Moresby, PNG.

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In the bustling heart of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, a dynamic force is reshaping the advertising landscape. Founded in 2021, Ad Works Media has swiftly emerged as a trailblazer in creating immersive and impactful experiences for its clients and their audiences. Their mission is to bring innovative out-of-home (OOH) and digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising solutions to Papua New Guinea.

Based in Port Moresby, Ad Works Media embarked on its journey with a vision to redefine advertising in the capital. Starting with one screen, the company's ambition knows no bounds. The journey began with the installation of a 44 sq. metre-sized digital billboard along the Paga Hill ring road, Port Moresby, facing the iconic APEC Haus.

For brands and advertisers eyeing prime advertising real estate, Ad Works Media’s digital billboard is a coveted platform. Since its inception in September 2022, this large-format display has become a focal point, strategically positioned near the downtown area with a breathtaking oceanic backdrop. Its prominence ensures visibility and undivided attention to both pedestrians and motorists, making it a platform that shouldn’t be looked over.

Leveraging the Paga Hill digital billboard as its centrepiece, as well as preferred rates with various media outlets, Ad Works Media is providing clients with targeted advertising across varied platforms to deliver maximal reach and impact for clients’ advertising budgets, connecting brands and campaigns with their targeted audiences for maximum return on advertising spend. Ad Works Media is also gearing up to integrate interactive and dynamic capabilities into its offerings, elevating campaign execution to new heights.

As one of the pioneering DOOH providers in the market, Ad Works Media is at the forefront of connecting brands and advertisers with audiences across Papua New Guinea. This is just the beginning. Their unwavering commitment lies in solidifying their position as the most trusted media partner in the region, driving innovation and fostering meaningful connections in the ever-evolving world of advertising.

Contact Us +675 7892 3660 or +675 7265 7941 info@adworksmedia.com.pg www.adworksmedia.com.pg

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COMPANY

Wan PNG Expands Reach with Launch of iOS App

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n a strategic move towards increasing accessibility and inclusivity, Wan PNG is pleased to announce the launch of its iOS app. Complementing the existing Android app, this development is a signif icant step forward in ensuring that Wan PNG’s services are available to all users, regardless of their mobile device preferences.

CLOSING THE MOBILE MARKET GAP Wan PNG recognises the importance of catering to the diverse mobile landscape in Papua New Guinea. With Android dominating over 96% of the market, the addition of the iOS app addresses the remaining 3% of users who prefer Apple devices.

This strategic move aims to ensure that the Wan PNG platform is universally accessible, closing the small but significant gap in mobile market coverage.

UNDERSTANDING THE LOCAL DYNAMICS The decision to initially focus on Android aligns with the predominant user preferences in Papua New Guinea. Unlike countries such as Australia, where over 50% of users opt for iOS, the Papua New Guinean market exhibits a distinct pattern. The vast majority of users favor Android devices, making it the logical starting point for Wan PNG’s mobile app development.

A COMPREHENSIVE MOBILE SOLUTION With the introduction of the iOS app, Wan PNG now offers a comprehensive mobile solution, encompassing both major platforms. This marks a critical milestone in making the platform universally accessible to all Papua New Guineans, regardless of their choice of mobile device. The app is designed to provide a seamless and consistent experience, ensuring that users can leverage Wan PNG’s features effortlessly, whether they are on Android or iOS.

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USER-CENTRIC DEVELOPMENT The decision to launch an iOS app is rooted in Wan PNG’s commitment to being user-centric.

Recognising the diversity in device preferences among our users, we understand the importance of providing choices that align with their preferences. This development ensures that every user can engage with Wan PNG’s services through their preferred mobile platform.

ENHANCED FEATURES FOR IOS USERS The iOS app brings with it all the features and functionalities that users have come to appreciate on the Android platform. From streamlined job searches to intelligent skills management, Wan PNG on iOS mirrors the Android experience, creating a cohesive and unif ied user interface.

LOOKING AHEAD As Wan PNG continues to evolve, this expansion into the iOS market is a natural progression.

It not only ref lects the platform’s commitment to inclusivity but also positions Wan PNG as a versatile and responsive tool for the Papua New Guinean workforce.

Looking ahead, Wan PNG remains dedicated to ongoing improvements and innovations that enhance the user experience and contribute to the professional growth of our community.

CONCLUSION The launch of the iOS app is a signif icant step towards ensuring that Wan PNG is a platform for all. By addressing the specif ic dynamics of the Papua New Guinean mobile market, Wan PNG strives to provide a universally accessible solution for job seekers, employers, and educational institutions. This development underscores Wan PNG’s commitment to being a reliable and inclusive partner in the professional journeys of Papua New Guineans.

Wan PNG is a Kumul Petroleum initiative and thanks its platform partner Papua LNG for its continuing support.

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The Chamber might facilitate collaborative efforts on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, aligning with global and local environmental and social governance trends.

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COMPANY

Local Caterer Gives Soldiers Well-Deserved Christmas

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ore than 500 Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) soldiers stationed in Port Moresby were recently treated to a belated but unforgettable Christmas Luncheon in February.

Soldiers who had missed out on their traditional Christmas celebrations were surprised with a festive luncheon organized by the local catering company, iPi Catering.

The event was held on Saturday February 10 at Murray Barracks and Taurama Barracks. iPi Catering, known for its exceptional services and a longstanding business partnership with the PNGDF, extended their support to ensure that the soldiers felt appreciated and valued.

During the event, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the iPi Group addressed the soldiers, stating that the event was indeed a gesture of goodwill.

“We are very proud of our past seven-year partnership with the PNGDF.

“This event is our way to show good faith and appreciate you all for your dedicated service.

“Sadly, and unfortunately last year, during the Christmas period, all food services nationwide were temporarily suspended due to outstanding payments.”

He further reaffirmed iPi’s commitment to upholding an exceptional food service.

“With the reinstatement of food services in January, we are highly committed to maintaining superior standards in our food services.

“It is our professional obligation to give you a Christmas lunch most deserved.

“We are honoured to host events that create a sense of unity and to allow soldiers to come together and celebrate as a unit, “said Long.

The event not only brought smiles to the faces of the soldiers but also highlighted the strong bond between iPi Catering and the PNGDF.

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Businesses for Health: TB & HIV Project on World TB Day in PNG 2024

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n 2024, tuberculosis (TB) persists as Papua New Guinea’s leading cause of death from an infectious disease, said Ann M. Clarke of Businesses for Health (B4H): TB and HIV Project.

“This year we observe World TB Day (on Sunday, 24 March) with a renewed sense of urgency and appeal to the private sector for your on-going support,” Clarke said in a statement.

Since its establishment in 2017, the B4H: TB and HIV Project has made significant steps in mitigating the impact of TB through workplace education efforts aimed at preserving lives, maintaining employment, and reducing absenteeism due to TB, she noted.

These successes were achieved despite the increasing burden of TB on PNG’s economy and the nation’s lack of progress on the Sustainable Development Goals of reducing the number of TB deaths and decreasing the annual incidence rates compared to 2015 levels, Clarke added.

“This year we expect another 5,000 TB deaths, and at least 40,000 more people who will be sick with TB. This highlights a significant gap between our ambitions and the reality on the ground,” she said, PNG’s continued ranking as a “high burden” TB country “needs to be seen as shocking. It is our duty to call for more action from government at all levels, and all foreign donors to transform ambitious targets into tangible outcomes,” Clarke said.

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But this year, B4H celebrates the ongoing support from many firms in PNG’s “can-do” private sector, noting that with their help, the group has led better awareness campaigns, and saved lives and jobs despite the setbacks caused by COVID and nationwide social and economic problems.

On March 20, dedicated to the battle against TB, B4H asked all businesses in PNG that are not yet part of its campaign for three things: 1. Invest in its workplace TB training and learn to implement a health seeking culture and comprehensive TB management programs within their business.

Learn to include screening, early case finding, better access to treatment, and the delivery yearround educational campaigns about TB prevention. Persistent commitment will significantly reduce the disease’s impact on productivity and grow a healthier workforce, the group said.

2. Partner with B4H to amplify efforts in ending TB. “Your support, whether financial, in-kind, or through expertise sharing, is vital for enhancing access to TB information, services and improving cure rates,” Clarke said.

3. “Leverage your influence to advocate for improved healthcare policies and infrastructure. Encourage government actions that address the root causes of TB, including poverty, inadequate housing, and

lack of education, to create a sustainable impact,” she added.

TB Day “is only the start of our renewed commitment” to end tuberculosis, Clarke said.

“Over the course of this year, we will release regular updates to our TB learning resources. This year our focus is on maintaining conversations about TB through radio, theatre and storytelling,” she added.

The group’s new series of TBthemed short stories are free to be shared by toolbox leaders, mums and dads, teachers or children, Clarke said, noting they are based on real success stories with real people they have helped.

“Each story comes with discussion points and Q and A for young or older listeners. Keep up to date with our TB theatre events on the www. businesses4health.com and the first short story is already up on our @ B4HTB Facebook and LinkedIn pages,” she said.

“The challenge ahead is formidable, but not insurmountable. With persistent, uncompromising calls for accountability, and with the collective action of the private sector, we can help to reduce, and ultimately eradicate, TB in PNG,” Clarke said.

“This World TB Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to a healthier, more productive workforce and a TB-free PNG. #YesWeCanEndTB. Thank you to all those who support B4H. And as always, #coveryourcough,” she said.

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COMPANY

Crown Hotel Offers a New Look with Pondo Bar and Bistro

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ant to unwind and mingle in style? Well, look no further! Crown Hotel has renovated its old Pondo Tavern into the new-look Pondo Bar and Bistro.

Located in the heart of Port Moresby (Downtown), Crown Hotel provides guests, members, and the public with access to a safe, secure, and luxurious environment.

The Pondo Bar and Bistro offers the finest food and beverages, accompanied by live band performances from both local and international artists.

Additionally, the Bar provides a quality DJ sound system and gaming facilities (snooker games and a pokies area).

The General Manager of Crown Hotel, Mr. Shankar Ghoshal, said that so far, they have received positive feedback from clients who were impressed by the new look. “Additionally, more guests and clients have been coming frequently to enjoy the service provided,” he said.

The Pondo Bar and Bistro is a safe

134 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

place, especially for women and girls who want to hang out and enjoy some good entertainment, he added.

“We are open for reservations to host functions such as Christmas parties, birthday parties, and other social events,” said Mr. Ghoshal.

The Pondo Bar and Bistro has a patio deck area outside and a smoking zone area for smokers to relax and unwind.

“The Pondo Bar and Bistro has been permitted to operate until 4 am

on certain days, with approval given by the National Gaming Board,” he added.

The newly renovated Pondo Bar and Bistro officially opened on the 31st of December 2023 leading up to the New Year and promises to be the best bar entertainment and recreational venue for interested Crown Hotel guests and clients.

For reservations, phone: 309 3000 or email: reservations@crownhotel. com.pg

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 135

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Hornibrook NGI OBC Huon Logistics 103 Icon Medipharm 39 IEA 23 International SOS 96 iPi 119 Island Mobile Hire Cars 91 Joint Venture Port Services 43 Kina Bank 101 Kinect 69 Kramer Ausenco 136 Lae Biscuit Company 9 LAE CCI 128 Life Care PNG 133 Markham Culverts 51 Marriott Apartments 35 Maxitool 97 Moni Plus 3 Nambawan Super 29 Nasfund 86 National Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology 32 Nipco Enterprises 56 NiuPower 20,21 Oilmin Field Services 4 Ok Tedi 109 Pacific Energy Aviation 70 Pacific Palms Property 81 Peuna PNG 77 PNG Air 63 PNG Business News 121 PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy 113,127 PNG CR 13

PNG Dataco 30 PNG Expo 111 PNG Forest Products 104 PNG IBBM 107 PNG Mining & Petroleum Hospitality Services 2,75 PNG Petroleum and Energy Conference 123 Port Moresby Electrical 26 Port Side Business Park 57 QED 5 Remington Technology 40 Resources & Investment Finance Ltd 55 Sago Network 54 Santos 41 Seeto Kui 61 SGS 47 Steamships 49 Swire Shipping 8 TE PNG 115 Telikom 92,93 Total Waste Management 67 Trans Niugini Tours 60 Trukai 105 UMW IBC Vodafone 85 Wan PNG 98 Weir Minerals 37 Western Pacific Insurance 118 Westpac 1 WR Dental Clinic 64 Zad Zeal Limited 65 Zenex Drilling 71

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PNG BUSINESS NEWS 137

138 PNG BUSINESS NEWS

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