Tailings & Mining Sustainability: Ok Tedi submitted its ESIA for a new Tailings Storage Facility at Ok Birim, aiming to cut downstream impacts and lock in long-term operations under its Growth 2050 plan. Forestry Value-Add & SEZ Push: Oro Province’s Kararata balsa processing deal (via an MOU) sets up downstream manufacturing and a proposed Special Economic Zone to lift jobs and export value. Agri-Exports & Branding: Sepik cocoa and vanilla products (Misim Vanilla, Torricelli Vanilla, Yuat River Cocoa) cleared GI validation steps, opening stronger premium export prospects. Aviation Infrastructure: PNG launched the K2.5bn Port Moresby International Airport redevelopment to modernise terminals and runway upgrades over 6.5 years. Roads & Connectivity: NCD Governor Parkop opened the Erima–Mambu road resealing project, while West Sepik received go-ahead for major Sepik Highway works under Connect PNG. SME Funding Integrity: Government ordered a review of the K200m SME Support Programme amid concerns over administration and misuse claims, with calls for delivery through trusted banks. Mining Governance Regionally: PNG offered Solomon Islands mining policy support as both countries sign cooperation on mining reforms and trade for 2026–2030. Digital Skills for Industry: Western Pacific University launched an AI-enabled LearnX hub with SmartX tablets, boosting workforce-ready learning tools. Food Security & Research: World Bank-backed agri-food transformation work highlights productivity and value-chain reforms to broaden PNG’s growth beyond resources.