Papua LNG shake-up: ExxonMobil will take operatorship of Papua LNG from TotalEnergies, with TotalEnergies selling a 9.1% interest to partners; the revised stakes put ExxonMobil at 34.1% and keep Kumul Petroleum’s 22.5% back-in role in focus ahead of a 4Q 2026 final investment decision. Mining deal: St Barbara has agreed to sell its remaining New Simberi interest to China’s Lingbao Gold Group for A$410m cash plus A$43m construction-capital repayment, while St Barbara retains royalties (2.75% NSR on gold/silver). Central banking: BPNG set out 2026 priorities—price stability, foreign exchange reform, financial-sector strengthening and better governance—warning of risks from higher global energy/food prices and weaker commodity demand. Finance integrity: BPNG and 15 institutions signed the PNG Empower Finance Code to curb financial abuse and improve customer protections. Digital safety: NICTA and the Office of Censorship say more than 200,000 illicit sites are blocked in PNG, with updates pushed to ISPs including Starlink. Connectivity for growth: PM Marape urged Highlands communities to turn road and bridge investment into coffee, jobs and SME activity, commissioning bridges and pushing highway-linked economic outcomes. Industry tech: Metso rolled out new data-led tools for minerals processing performance and production management. Trade & markets: West Sepik businesses are being encouraged to target Indonesia’s Trade Expo 2026 to expand agriculture/food and manufacturing links. Sports brand risk: PNG Chiefs’ NRL name is under legal threat from New Zealand Rugby over trademark claims, potentially affecting the planned Port Moresby unveiling. Illicit online pressure: Separate coverage notes the ongoing fight against scam and harmful sites as new ones keep appearing.