AGP Executive Report

Mining & Local Benefits: PNG’s Mining Minister Solen Loifa has cleared the way for the revised Hidden Valley Mining Project CDA signing, rejecting calls for delay and confirming royalty distribution across Morobe LLGs. Gas & National Content: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approved the Pasca A Gas Project National Content Plan, aiming to boost PNG jobs, training and local supplier participation. Trade & Energy Diplomacy: India says PNG has a trade surplus with it and is interested in buying PNG LNG in bulk, with openness to invest in the sector. Cocoa Downstream Push: Paradise Foods expanded the Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, lifting capacity from 10 to 200 tonnes a month and backing local processing for export markets. Agribusiness Finance: Nasfund, MiBank and NBPOL are rolling out a superannuation onboarding drive for oil palm growers and smallholders using mobile and digital services. Creative Industries: NCDC backed local film Black Python through its youth expo, while PNGIA revived the Dulux Design Excellence Awards after an eight-year break. Hospitality & Tourism: Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel and Suites opened, marking Marriott’s second property in PNG and adding major conference capacity. Infrastructure Standards: PNG launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges to improve safety and earthquake resilience. Mining Exploration: Great Pacific Gold expanded gold mineralisation at its Wild Dog Project after new mapping and channel sampling. Fashion & Exports: PNG Fashion Week helped seven designers break onto international stages. Regional Politics: Bougainville’s independence push escalated ahead of a major parliamentary debate.

Cocoa Downstream Push: PNG inaugurated Paradise Foods’ upgraded Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, lifting capacity from 10 to 200 tonnes a month after a K18.6m (EU-STREIT PNG/FAO plus company) upgrade—aimed at keeping more value in-country and boosting farmer incomes. Energy & Jobs: The Pasca A Gas Project cleared its National Content Plan, with the Petroleum Minister approving training, employment and procurement targets for PNG businesses and workers. Engineering Standards: Works and Highways launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges to improve earthquake resilience and public safety, updating guidance last set in 1985. Mining Expansion: Great Pacific Gold expanded known gold mineralisation at its Wild Dog Project (Elamaraka and Kargalio vein systems) after new mapping and channel sampling. Construction & Materials: Pacific Lime and Cement is eyeing PNG’s first domestic quicklime operation to cut reliance on imported lime/cement. Aviation Disruption: Air Niugini adjusted routes and aircraft types at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga due to runway rehabilitation, with changes expected to ease by September/December. Finance for Farmers: Nasfund, MiBank and NBPOL began rolling out mobile superannuation onboarding for oil palm growers and smallholders in West New Britain. Local Industry & Awards: PNGIA revived the Dulux Design Excellence Awards after an eight-year gap, with the event set for October 17 at Hilton Port Moresby. Security Diplomacy: Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is set to fly to Australia, with talks touching on defence cooperation and the Mogami frigate project.

Cocoa Downstream Push: PNG inaugurated an expanded Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, with Paradise Foods’ K18.6m upgrade (EU-STREIT PNG/FAO support) lifting capacity from 10 to 200 tonnes a month and aiming to sell higher-value cocoa ingredients and chocolate abroad. Gas National Content: The Pasca A Gas Project cleared its National Content Plan, with Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approving training, jobs and greater PNG-owned business participation under the Oil and Gas Act. Infrastructure Safety: Works and Highways launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges to update earthquake-risk guidance and strengthen public safety and engineering standards. Mining & Processing: Great Pacific Gold expanded known gold mineralisation at the Wild Dog Project (Elamaraka and Kargalio vein systems). Energy & Power Access: A PNG STEM electrical engineering pathway story highlights how unreliable rural electricity is shaping the next generation of engineers. Agriculture to Export Markets: Australia Awards backed PNG agriculture professionals with training focused on logistics, supply chains and market access. Oil Palm Finance: Nasfund, MiBank and NBPOL rolled out mobile superannuation onboarding for oil palm growers and smallholders using digital and Starlink-enabled services. Aviation Disruption: Air Niugini adjusted routes and aircraft types as runway rehabilitation continues at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga. Construction Materials Watch: Pacific Lime and Cement is positioning a domestic quicklime operation to cut PNG’s reliance on imports. Nickel Hub Plan: Kumul Minerals says Madang could become PNG’s nickel processing centre via refinery plans linked to Ramu expansion.

Cocoa Downstream Boost: Papua New Guinea inaugurated upgraded capacity at Paradise Foods’ Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, with K18.6m in new equipment (EU-STREIT PNG via FAO plus Paradise funding) lifting output from 10 to 200 tonnes a month and helping more cocoa reach overseas markets as finished products. Gas National Content: Pasca A Gas Project cleared its National Content Plan, aiming to expand PNG training, jobs and PNG-owned supplier participation under the Oil and Gas Act. Engineering Standards: PNG launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges to improve earthquake resilience and public safety, updating guidance last issued in 1985. Mining Expansion: Great Pacific Gold expanded known gold mineralisation at its Wild Dog Project, extending the Elamaraka and Kargalio vein systems through new mapping and channel sampling. Construction Materials Watch: Pacific Lime and Cement is pushing a domestic quicklime operation to cut PNG’s reliance on imported lime and cement. Creative Industries: NCDC backed the local film Black Python, while PNGIA revived the Dulux Design Excellence Awards after an eight-year break, set for Oct 17. Finance for Farmers: Nasfund, MiBank and NBPOL rolled out mobile superannuation onboarding for oil palm growers and smallholders.

Cocoa Downstream Push: PNG inaugurated an expanded Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, with Paradise Foods’ K18.6m upgrade (EU-STREIT PNG/FAO support) lifting capacity from 10 to 200 tonnes a month and aiming to sell more processed cocoa and chocolate overseas. Gas & Local Benefits: The Pasca A Gas Project cleared its National Content Plan, setting out training, jobs and procurement opportunities for Papua New Guineans and PNG-owned suppliers. Engineering Standards: PNG launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges to improve earthquake resilience and public safety, updating guidance last set in 1985. Mining Growth: Great Pacific Gold expanded known gold mineralisation at its Wild Dog Project (Elamaraka and Kargalio vein systems) after new mapping and channel sampling. Energy Infrastructure & Jobs: Air Niugini adjusted routes and aircraft types as runway rehabilitation projects temporarily limit operations at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga. Agriculture to Exports: Australia Awards backed PNG agriculture professionals with training focused on logistics, supply chains and export market access. Nickel Processing Plan: Kumul Minerals outlined a bid to make Madang a national nickel processing hub, targeting higher onshore refining at Ramu.

Cocoa Downstream Push: Paradise Foods has inaugurated an upgraded Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, boosting capacity from 10 to 200 tonnes per month (a 20-fold jump) after a K18.6m upgrade funded by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme with FAO support, moving more cocoa into semi-processed and finished products for export. Gas National Content: The Pasca A Gas Project cleared a key milestone as Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approved its National Content Plan, setting out training, jobs and procurement opportunities for Papua New Guineans and PNG-owned businesses. Engineering Standards for Safety: PNG launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk guidance and raising resilience expectations for a country sitting between major tectonic plates. Agriculture to Markets: Australia Awards backed a short course for PNG agriculture professionals focused on strengthening trade links, logistics and export systems to help local products reach domestic and international markets. Livestock Leadership: A new minister for livestock is being framed as a reset for a sector still struggling after years of stagnation and heavy meat imports. Oil Palm Savings Access: Nasfund, MiBank and NBPOL rolled out mobile branch services to expand voluntary superannuation coverage for oil palm growers and smallholders, using digital onboarding and Starlink support. Transport Disruption: Air Niugini adjusted services at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga due to runway rehabilitation, with Dash 8 limits and schedule changes until works finish. Mining Value-Add Plan: Kumul Minerals says Madang could become PNG’s nickel processing hub, aiming to expand Ramu output and build a refinery for nickel cathode and nickel sulphate. LNG Contract Move: Daewoo Engineering & Construction was selected as preferred EPC bidder for key Papua LNG facilities, as the project targets a final investment decision in 2H 2026. STEM and Power Access: A Central/Milne Bay student story highlights how unreliable rural electricity is shaping PNG youth choices, with electrical engineering study supported via STEM scholarships.

Livestock Turnaround: PM James Marape appoints Agena Gamai as livestock minister, calling it a needed course-correction after years of stagnation and PNG’s heavy meat import bill. Oil Palm + Savings Access: Nasfund, MiBank and NBPOL launch mobile branch services for oil palm growers to expand voluntary superannuation via Eda Supa, using Starlink for rural onboarding. Cocoa Downstream Push: Paradise Foods inaugurates upgraded cocoa processing and chocolate capacity at Queen Emma Chocolate in Port Moresby, backed by EU-STREIT PNG, aiming to lift output and quality for premium exports. Nickel Processing Plan: Kumul Minerals eyes Madang as a nickel processing hub, with plans to expand Ramu output and add refining for nickel cathode and sulphate. PNG LNG Momentum: TotalEnergies selects Daewoo E&C as preferred bidder for the Papua LNG CPF and wellpads EPC, with FID still targeted for 2026. Energy + Costs: PNG fuel subsidy is extended to December, with total support now estimated around K1.5b. Construction Materials: Pacific Lime and Cement targets PNG’s first domestic quicklime operation to cut reliance on imported lime and cement. Tourism + Transport: PNGTPA partners to bring a ferry back into service in Port Moresby Harbour to restart marine tourism activities. Agriculture Investment: IFC targets K1.5b in agriculture investment and capital mobilisation by 2030 under AgriConnect.

LNG Deal Momentum: TotalEnergies has picked Seoul’s Daewoo E&C as preferred bidder for the Papua LNG central processing facility and wellpads EPCC, building on its earlier FEED work; a final investment decision is still targeted for late 2026. Local Security & Landowners: PCS and Limu Oil PRL 15 Consolidated Holdings signed a JV to deliver security services for the Gulf Province project, with roles for seven landowner groups. Agriculture Investment Push: IFC says it aims to mobilise K1.5bn into PNG agriculture by 2030 under the World Bank’s AgriConnect initiative, seeking commercially viable agribusinesses. Cocoa Processing Upgrade: EU-STREIT PNG support has expanded processing and chocolate-making capacity at a leading domestic cocoa processor, aiming to lift demand for quality beans and premium exports. Fuel Subsidy Cost Update: PNG’s fuel subsidy will run to December, with total support now estimated around K1.5bn. Marine Tourism Boost: PNGTPA has partnered to bring a ferry back into service in Port Moresby Harbour, targeting new marine tourism experiences. Health Concern: PNG is seeing rising eye disease burden, with cataracts linked to ageing and diabetes risk. Workforce & Skills: Marape launched Unitech’s School of Petroleum Engineering, with the first Bachelor intake planned for 2027. Creative Industry Spotlight: Marape congratulated Wame Blood for representing PNG at the 2026 Pacific Music Awards in Auckland.

Fuel & Cost Relief: PNG’s fuel subsidy will run to December, with Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey putting total support at about K1.5 billion after K801.4 million was already spent since April. Energy Skills & Training: PM Marape launched Unitech’s School of Petroleum Engineering in Lae, with the first Bachelor intake due in 2027, as PNG pushes to build local capability for oil, gas and energy. Solar Expansion: International Solar Alliance mission results in STAR-C training support at Don Bosco Technological Institute in Port Moresby to scale solar installation and maintenance skills. Mining Investment: Lloyds Metals & Energy has been cleared to begin preparatory works and feasibility for the 40-year-shuttered Panguna copper mine in Bougainville, reviving a major copper bet. Power for Telecoms: Polar Power says repeat orders are expanding solar hybrid systems across the Pacific, including 15 more Solomon Islands telecom sites and PNG shipments since 2024. Agriculture & Food Security: Farmers and water authorities brace for El Niño impacts, with PNG and Fiji warning of drought pressure on water and supplies. Governance & Finance: Central Bank governor Elizabeth Genia flags financial sector reforms aimed at stability, inclusion and restoring Kina convertibility. Industry & Business Climate: Marape used the PNG Investment Conference in Brisbane to urge Australian firms to “get entrenched” and expand beyond mining into infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing and ICT. Public Health Enforcement: Authorities are urged to crack down on illegal street sales of prescription medicines, citing risks from misuse and antimicrobial resistance. Education Pipeline: PNG’s STEM scholarship programme has sent 470 students overseas since 2023, including a new group of 137 departing for further studies. Security & Crime: Police Minister Sir John Pundari warns illegal firearm possession after the amnesty ends on Sept 16 will carry life imprisonment, with tougher penalties sought for sellers and suppliers.

Off-Grid Power Growth: Polar Power says it generated about $7.9m in Pacific Islands revenue since 2024, shipping 333 solar-hybrid systems across PNG, Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and Guam, with repeat orders now driving expansion. Mining Restart in Bougainville: Lloyds Metals & Energy has been authorised to begin preparatory works and feasibility for the long-shuttered Panguna copper mine, a major copper bet tied to electrification and Bougainville development. Energy Skills Pipeline: PNG CORE backs the launch of UNITECH’s School of Petroleum Engineering, while the International Solar Alliance announces a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) at Don Bosco Technological Institute in Port Moresby. Hydropower Scrutiny: The Pacific’s Public Accounts Committee questions SBD21.69m in advanced warrants for the Tina River Hydropower project, seeking clarity on spending and regularisation. Agriculture Under Pressure: Sialum’s cattle sector is calling for urgent government support as farmers report years of limited assistance, while El Niño warnings push water and food planning across PNG and the region. Finance Reform Push: PNG’s Central Bank flags financial sector reforms aimed at stability, inclusion and restoring Kina convertibility. STEM & Workforce Development: PNG reports 470 STEM scholars supported overseas since 2023, with another 137 departing, alongside broader investment conference momentum in Brisbane. Security & Disaster Readiness: A US-PNG disaster management field training exercise runs in Morobe to strengthen provincial response coordination. Regulatory & Social Tensions: Protesters accuse insurers of using “corporate spies,” and PNG tightens its stance on illegal firearms with life imprisonment for possession and tougher penalties for suppliers.

Investment Push: PM James Marape urged Australian firms to “get entrenched” in PNG now, pointing to a pipeline of Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu, Pasca and more, plus growth beyond resources into agriculture, manufacturing, construction, tourism, ICT and energy. Energy Skills & Solar Rollout: Unitech launched a new School of Petroleum Engineering (first intake in 2027) while the International Solar Alliance announced STAR-C training support at Don Bosco Technological Institute in Port Moresby to scale solar installs and maintenance. Power for Connectivity: Polar Power secured repeat orders for 15 more solar hybrid systems in the Solomon Islands to expand off-grid broadband, with DC generator sales also reaching PNG and the region. Finance Reform Focus: PNG’s central bank signalled financial sector reforms aimed at stability, inclusion and restoring Kina convertibility. El Niño Pressure on Food & Water: Farmers and households face worsening dry conditions; Port Moresby residents are preparing for water disruptions as drought and infrastructure strain bite. Mining & Jobs: K92 Mining reported record Kainantu performance and strong Q2 results, while Barrick appointed Sebastiaan Bock to lead “rest of world” operations. Governance & Compliance: PAC questioned Tina Hydro advanced warrants, and PNG moved to tighten penalties for illegal firearm possession and supply. Creative Industry: PNG Fashion Week added international fashion photography and content masterclasses, and highlighted local designers and pathways to global exposure. STEM Talent Pipeline: PNG’s STEM scholarship programme has now backed 470 students overseas since 2023. Blue Economy: PNG will host the Tuna Economy Dialogue in Port Moresby in October 2026. Security & Regional Tensions: China’s missile test in the Pacific continues to strain unity among Pacific leaders, with PNG’s foreign minister calling it “totally inappropriate.” Tech & Identity: SOLO pilots portable identity verification across US banks, testing bank-to-bank reliance at scale.

Offshore Oil & Gas: TotalEnergies plans to spud the ultra-deepwater Jampuk-1 wildcat on Sabah’s Block N, using the Noble Viking, targeting an Oligocene-Miocene carbonate play with results expected by December. Mining Performance: K92 Mining says its Kainantu mine hit record ore processing and development, lifting Q2 net income 116% to US$84.6m as Stage 3 expansion continues ramping. Power & Telecoms: Polar Power secured repeat orders for 15 more Solar Hybrid Power Systems in the Solomon Islands, backing broadband rollouts across remote sites—PNG buyers may watch the model. Solar Skills: The International Solar Alliance will set up STAR-C training at Don Bosco Technological Institute in Port Moresby to build local capacity to install and maintain solar systems. Finance Reform: PNG’s central bank flags financial sector reforms aimed at stability, inclusion, and restoring Kina convertibility. Climate & Water: El Niño is already pressuring water and food supplies; Port Moresby faces a partial water shutdown tied to pipeline repairs. Investment Push: PM Marape opened PNG’s 2026 Investment Conference in Brisbane, urging Australian business to “get entrenched” as major projects and infrastructure expand. Security & Industry Risk: PNG’s foreign minister criticised China’s nuclear-capable missile test as inappropriate, highlighting how regional militarisation can spill into business confidence. Human Capital: STEM scholarships have now supported 470 students since 2023, with another 137 heading overseas. Agribusiness Outlook: SD Guthrie warns El Niño could hit palm oil output in 2027-28, with PNG-linked operations in the mix. Energy Policy & Blue Economy: PNG will host the Pacific-led Tuna Economy Dialogue in October to build a sustainable regional tuna industry. Public Safety: PNG moves toward tougher penalties for illegal firearm possession and supply as the amnesty deadline nears. Local Business & Services: Trends Beauty opened a new salon/spa/barber branch in Hohola, adding jobs and expanding PNG’s beauty and wellness footprint.

PNG Investment Push: Prime Minister James Marape opened the 2026 PNG Investment Conference in Brisbane, telling investors the country is “open for business” and highlighting opportunities across mining, LNG, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism, infrastructure, financial services, construction and ICT. Clean Energy Pipeline: The International Solar Alliance wrapped a technical mission to PNG, translating its 2025 Country Partnership Framework into solar deployment plans and announcing the STAR-C Solar Technology Application Resource Centre at Don Bosco Technological Institute in Port Moresby to build local installation and maintenance capacity. Skills for Industry: PNG sent 137 STEM scholars overseas under the national scholarship programme, bringing the total supported since 2023 to about 470, with engineering among key study areas. Housing Finance Digitised: Nasfund reintroduced free virtual Housing Advance education sessions, using online delivery to address member concerns and push for superannuation law reforms. Mining Output Update: K92 Mining reported strong Q2 2026 results, including record ore processed and progress on its Stage 3 expansion ramp-up at its PNG operations. Health System Strain: Covid-19 Delta is reported to be overwhelming PNG’s fragile health system, with Port Moresby General Hospital scaling down services and emergency oxygen deliveries reaching remote highlands. Construction Watch: Reports point to limited cement availability in Port Moresby, underlining supply-chain risk for PNG’s construction sector.

Investment & Trade: PM James Marape opened PNG’s 2026 Investment Conference in Brisbane, pitching the country as “open for business” and urging investors to back opportunities across mining, LNG, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism, infrastructure, construction and ICT. STEM & Skills: PNG sent 137 STEM scholars overseas under the national scholarship programme, lifting total support since 2023 to about 470, with engineering, health and medical lab disciplines among the focus areas. Energy Transition: The International Solar Alliance deepened its PNG solar partnership and announced STAR-C at Don Bosco Technological Institute to build local capacity for installing and maintaining solar systems. Mining & Operations: K92 Mining reported strong Q2 2026 results, including record ore processed and progress on its Stage 3 expansion ramp-up. Housing Finance: Nasfund reintroduced virtual Housing Advance sessions, citing member demand and renewed calls for superannuation law reforms. Public Health: Delta Covid-19 is overwhelming PNG’s health system, with Port Moresby General Hospital scaling down services and oxygen deliveries ramping up. Construction Supply Chain: Cement availability in Port Moresby is under pressure, highlighting risks for PNG’s construction sector. Security & Ports: Reports of kava theft allegations at Fiji’s Port of Suva point to port security gaps and push for stronger police and CCTV arrangements. Business Growth: Trends Beauty expanded in Hohola with a new salon, spa and barber branch, adding jobs and training opportunities. Sports & Brand: Brian To’o signed with the PNG Chiefs for their 2028 NRL entry, while Sheilla Yama defended her IBF title in Auckland—both boosting PNG’s visibility beyond industry.

NRL Talent Pipeline: Brian To’o is set to leave Penrith at the end of the 2027 season and join the PNG Chiefs for their inaugural NRL campaign in 2028 on a three-year deal, reuniting him with Jarome Luai and underlining the Chiefs’ push to build a star-studded, culturally grounded roster. Beauty & Services Growth: Trends Beauty International opened a new salon, spa and barber branch in Hohola, adding jobs and rolling out a two-week promotion aimed at expanding PNG’s beauty and wellness industry footprint. Construction Supply Pressure: Cement availability in Port Moresby is reported to be tight again, spotlighting how PNG’s import-dependent construction supply chain can be hit by disruptions. Agriculture & Value-Add: A PNG UNRE student is running a cocoa fertilizer field study to lift farmer productivity and improve soil management. Energy & Trade Risk: Taiwan has suspended some spot-market LNG purchases from PNG (about US$800m) amid the “One China” diplomatic dispute, while PNG’s gas contract outlook remains in focus. Mining Operations Watch: Ok Tedi says it is maintaining production despite dry-weather disruptions affecting Fly River transport, using alternative logistics to keep supplies moving. Port Security: Fiji Ports is responding to alleged kava theft inside port boundaries, with moves discussed to strengthen policing and CCTV sharing. Creative Industries Spotlight: Miss Bird of Paradise’s inaugural talent and fashion show continues to spotlight PNG’s creative sector, with winners drawing on regional culture and design.

Fashion & Creative Industries: George Kurokuro wins the inaugural MBOP Sarong Category, blending regional PNG designs into a single Oro butterfly-centred statement, with PM James Marape among the judges. Mining Jobs & Workforce: Newmont Lihir opens multiple roles across operations, engineering, geology, environment and training—applications now open for PNG-based candidates. Construction Supply Chain: Cement availability in Port Moresby is under pressure again, raising concerns for builders and project timelines. Agriculture & Cocoa Productivity: A PNG UNRE student leads a field study on cocoa fertilizer and soil management to lift farmer yields and sustainability. Port Security: Fiji Ports faces scrutiny after alleged kava theft from within port boundaries, prompting calls for stronger internal security coordination. Energy & LNG Diplomacy: Taiwan suspends spot-market PNG LNG purchases (~US$800m) amid the PNG “One China” dispute, though a longer-term contract remains intact. Mining Operations Resilience: Ok Tedi says it continues safely despite dry-weather disruptions to Fly River transport, using contingency logistics. Food Supply & Drought Impact: Hilans Fres warns Highlands farmers to meet demand as prolonged dryness reduces supply of key vegetables. Digital & Gaming: Wepay7 launches an interactive online gaming platform across Papua New Guinea with secure, accessible play. Industry & Downstream Ambition: Gulf leaders push for an oil refinery at Orokolo Bay tied to the Papua LNG project to capture more value locally. Governance & Business Environment: JSB endorses transfer of Bougainville revenue powers to ABG by end-2026, including fisheries and mining-related fiscal streams.