AGP Executive Report

Internal Displacement Policy: Papua New Guinea is moving to treat internal displacement as a long-term national development and security issue, after a situational analysis flagged major legal and service gaps affecting hundreds of thousands of IDPs. Bougainville Independence Process: Bougainvilleans are urged to stay patient as PNG’s parliament begins its direct consideration of the 2019 independence vote, with timing still uncertain. Disaster Response Training: A Wisconsin National Guard-led team trained PNG Defence Force engineers and local volunteers in disaster relief and lifesaving first aid in Lae, strengthening Indo-Pacific response capacity. Mining Transparency: PNG’s Supreme Court upheld an order forcing CEPA and MRA to release Solwara 1 deep-sea mining documents, keeping pressure on extractive governance. SME Funding Push: Prime Minister James Marape says districts must direct 10% of funding to SMEs, with communities told to engage MPs and district administrations for support. Security Alert: PNG Police in Rabaul seek public help over the BNBM warehouse robbery, including suspects believed to need urgent medical care. Energy & LNG Momentum: ExxonMobil and Chevron both signal continued confidence in long-term LNG demand, while PNG LNG logistics and operator changes keep the project in focus. El Niño Impacts: Frost and prolonged dry weather are damaging crops and shrinking water supplies in PNG highlands, raising food insecurity fears. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 6.4 quake struck PNG, with risks including landslides and liquefaction in affected areas. Fashion & Creative Industry: PNG Fashion Week 2026 opened in Port Moresby, positioning fashion as a business and tourism driver, with designers including Atosh Iyaro set to showcase.

PNG LNG & energy bets: Chevron and ExxonMobil both doubled down on long-term LNG demand at Gastech, with Exxon still bullish despite near-term disruptions. PNG LNG project momentum: Energy Intelligence reports TotalEnergies’ handover of operatorship for Papua LNG to Exxon, plus related farm downs, as FID targets move to mid-December. Extractives transparency: PNG’s Supreme Court upheld an order forcing CEPA and MRA to release Solwara 1 deep-sea mining documents. Local business push: Marape says districts must direct 10% of funding to SMEs, urging entrepreneurs to work through MPs and district administrations. Security & logistics: PNG Police in Rabaul seek public help after the BNBM warehouse robbery, including suspects believed injured. Infrastructure for defence: A renovated barracks for the Royal PNG Defence Force Engineer Battalion opened in Lae under Exercise PukPuk, delivered by Hornibrook NGI. Disaster risk: A magnitude 6.4 earthquake rattled PNG near Kainantu; officials warn of secondary hazards like landslides and liquefaction. Food supply stress: El Niño conditions bring frost and dry weather, destroying crops and shrinking water supplies in highland communities. Industry & skills: NEOS Advisory outlines a framework for turning around electricity, water and gas utilities by restoring management control and reliable data. SME & agriculture events: Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association revives its agri-trade festival to connect farmers to value chains and industry players. Fashion as business: PNG Fashion Week 2026 opens in Port Moresby, positioning fashion as a driver for tourism, jobs and enterprise.

Solwara 1 Transparency: PNG’s Supreme Court upheld an order forcing CEPA and MRA to release public documents tied to the controversial Solwara 1 deep-sea mining project. LNG Outlook: ExxonMobil says Middle East conflict won’t dent long-term LNG demand, with growth expected to more than double by 2050. Pacific Fisheries Push: Pacific delegations at FAO’s COFI37 in Rome urged stronger recognition and support for Pacific-led tuna strategies, backing science-based management and compliance. District SME Funding: Prime Minister James Marape says each district’s 10% funding allocation is meant to support SMEs, with districts told to channel support locally via MPs and administrations. PNG Security: Police in East New Britain ask the public for help after the BNBM warehouse robbery in Rabaul, including appeals to those sheltering injured suspects. Earthquake Risk: A magnitude 6.4 quake rattled PNG near Kainantu, with warnings about secondary hazards like landslides and liquefaction. El Niño Food Strain: Frost and prolonged dry weather are damaging crops and shrinking water supplies in PNG highlands, raising fears of wider localised shortages. PNG LNG Project Work: Energy coverage highlights the PNG LNG shake-up favoring Exxon’s strategy, with major LNG logistics and services contracts in focus. Mining Updates: Adyton reports a 167m gold-copper intercept at Feni Island as drilling expands the Kabang system. SME/Private Sector Angle: UN DESA notes social protection coverage is low in PNG, warning it leaves households vulnerable to climate and economic shocks.

Earth & Resilience: A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Papua New Guinea near Kainantu, with shaking felt across the country and warnings about secondary hazards like landslides and liquefaction. SME Push: Prime Minister James Marape says districts must direct 10% of funding to Small and Medium Enterprises, with support routed through MPs and district administrations so rural businesses can grow. Security & Retail Loss: PNG Police in East New Britain ask relatives and associates to help locate suspects wanted over the BNBM warehouse robbery in Rabaul, where guards reportedly shot three men and phones worth about K20,000 were stolen. Energy & LNG: ExxonMobil’s growing PNG LNG role is in focus after operator changes and contract activity tied to the long-delayed project, with attention on remaining hurdles to final investment decisions. Mining & Gold: Adyton reports a 167m gold-copper intercept at Feni Island, while Tolu Minerals lifts the Tolukuma gold resource by 81% ahead of a potential early-2027 restart. Food Systems Under Stress: El Niño conditions are driving localized frost and dry spells that are destroying crops and tightening water supplies in PNG highlands. Fashion & Jobs: PNG Fashion Week 2026 opens in Port Moresby, positioning fashion as a business and tourism engine alongside runway shows and markets. Tuna Value Chain: PNG calls for Pacific tuna economies to move from raw extraction to processing and logistics, highlighting regional tuna hubs and downstream investment.

LNG & Energy: ExxonMobil’s Papua LNG push gets a boost as it expands operatorship and stakes, with major LNG infrastructure work continuing and FID now targeted for mid-December. Mining & Metals: Adyton reports a 167m gold-copper intercept at Feni Island, while Tolu Minerals lifts Tolukuma’s gold resource by 81% ahead of a planned early-2027 restart. Downstream Fisheries: PNG backs a shift from raw tuna exports to Pacific processing and value-adding, pointing to tuna hubs under the East New Britain initiative. Agriculture & Food Security: El Niño conditions are driving localized frost and drought impacts in PNG highlands, with farmers reporting crop losses and water shortages. Power & Utilities: NEOS Advisory outlines a practical turnaround framework for electricity, water and gas distributors—fixing management control, commercial discipline and data before capital. Business & Investment Climate: PNG’s extractive governance data is being positioned to strengthen ESG reporting, while the PNG-India Business Council pitches gold trade links to India. Industry & Jobs: Farmers & Settlers Association revives its agri-trade push to connect growers to downstream processing and markets. Consumer Brand & Sports: Trukai signs rugby star Jarome Luai as its new face in a four-year PNG and Pacific partnership. Fashion & Culture: PNG Fashion Week 2026 opens in Port Moresby, with runway and market events aimed at linking fashion to business and tourism.

PNG LNG & Energy Contracts: ExxonMobil’s growing Papua LNG role follows TotalEnergies’ operator handover, with Wood securing a long-term $200m ExxonMobil PNG LNG brownfield services contract—keeping LNG infrastructure momentum toward a mid-December FID target. Mining & Resources: Adyton reports a 167m gold-copper intercept at Feni Island (Kabang system), while Tolu Minerals lifts Tolukuma’s gold resource 81% to 909,000 ounces as it eyes an early-2027 restart. Extractives Governance: PNGEITI says PNG’s EITI data can underpin stronger ESG reporting, helping investors and assurance processes. Agriculture Under El Niño: ABC reports frost and prolonged dry weather are destroying crops and shrinking water supplies in PNG highlands, with localized food shortages already emerging. Fashion & Creative Industry: PNG Fashion Week 2026 opens at APEC House with markets, summits and runway shows, spotlighting designers like Atosh Iyaro and reinforcing fashion as a business and tourism driver. Tuna Value Chain: PNG fisheries minister Jelta Wong pushes for Pacific “Large Ocean States” to move from raw tuna supply to processing, logistics and trade, citing only ~15% of tuna processed locally. Community & Skills: HFSA revives its 70th agri-trade festival to connect farmers to industry and downstream value chains. Brand & Jobs: Trukai names NRL star Jarome Luai as its new face in a four-year PNG and Pacific partnership.

PNG Fashion & Creative Economy: PNG Fashion Week 2026 kicked off at APEC House in Port Moresby, positioning fashion as a business, culture and tourism engine, with runway showcases and fashion markets running over two days. Local Hospitality & Jobs: Gulf Province marked a boost for tourism and local enterprise with the opening of the Kikori Heritage Hotel, framed as a catalyst for jobs for youth, farmers, fishermen and small businesses. El Niño Food Risk: Frost and prolonged dry weather linked to El Niño are already damaging highland crops and shrinking water supplies in PNG, raising fears of wider, localized food insecurity. Energy & LNG Logistics: ExxonMobil’s growing role in Papua LNG is highlighted after TotalEnergies’ operator handover, with PNG LNG logistics capability also being built through major contractor activity. Mining & Investment Signals: Adyton reported a 167m gold-copper intercept at Feni Island, while Tolu Minerals lifted its Tolukuma gold resource by 81% ahead of a potential early-2027 restart. Fisheries Value-Add Push: PNG is urging Pacific “Large Ocean States” to move from raw tuna supply to processing, logistics and trade, pointing to the East New Britain tuna hub initiative. Governance & ESG Data: PNGEITI says extractive-sector transparency data can underpin PNG’s emerging ESG reporting framework, helping investors and assurance processes. Community & Agriculture Skills: K92 Mining backed taro seed production training with NARI and PNG University of Technology, supporting commercial farming pathways for rural growers. Brand Partnerships: Rugby league star Jarome Luai was named the new face of Trukai Industries in a four-year PNG and Pacific partnership.

El Niño hits PNG food supply: ABC reports frost and prolonged dry weather are destroying highland crops and shrinking rivers, with food and drinking-water shortages already showing up in local communities. Utilities turnaround playbook: NEOS Advisory outlines a practical framework for restoring electricity, water and gas distribution performance—fixing losses, collections, and unreliable customer and asset data before new capital. Fashion meets business: PNG Fashion Week 2026 opens in Port Moresby, positioning fashion as a driver for tourism, jobs and enterprise, with the Pacific Fashion Markets and Summit running alongside runway shows. Local hospitality investment: Kikori’s new heritage hotel opens, with Minister Soroi Eoe saying it’s set to catalyse jobs and opportunities for youth, farmers, artisans and small businesses. Gold trade push: PNG-India Business Council president Mahadevan Shankar says India could be a major gold market for PNG, calling for a workable export pipeline and deeper trade links. Tuna value-chain push: PNG fisheries minister Jelta Wong urges Pacific “Large Ocean States” to move from raw tuna supply to processing, logistics and marketing, noting only about 15% of tuna is processed locally. Mining exploration updates: Adyton reports a 167m gold-copper intercept at Feni, while Tolu Minerals lifts the Tolukuma gold resource by 81% ahead of a planned early-2027 restart. Brand and sports marketing: Trukai names NRL star Jarome Luai as its new face in a four-year partnership aimed at strengthening community and sporting initiatives across PNG and the Pacific.

PNG Independence & nation-building: Prime Minister James Marape used the 51st Independence flag-raising to push quality education and discipline, while West Sepik and Bulolo leaders urged a reset on roads, services, jobs and agriculture for the next 50 years. Mining & LNG momentum: ExxonMobil’s rising PNG role and a Wood contract for PNG LNG underline continued LNG build-out, while deugro is ramping Papua LNG logistics with dedicated river transport capability. Extractives governance: PNGEITI says existing extractive-sector transparency data can strengthen PNG’s ESG reporting framework. Gold exploration updates: Adyton reported a 167m gold-copper intercept at Feni Island, and Tolu Minerals lifted the Tolukuma gold resource by 81% ahead of a 2027 restart. Fisheries value shift: PNG called at Tuna 2026 for Pacific-led control of tuna value—processing, logistics and trade—backed by the East New Britain tuna hub push. Agriculture & labour: Farmers’ groups want clarity on backpacker shortages; Labor says farmers can use the PALM scheme to recruit Pacific workers. Business & consumer branding: Jarome Luai becomes the new face of Trukai in a four-year PNG and Pacific partnership.

Fisheries Value Shift: PNG used Tuna 2026 in Bangkok to push Pacific nations from raw-tuna extraction to processing, logistics and marketing, citing that only ~15% of tuna is processed locally and backing the East New Britain tuna-hub push. Gold Exploration Update: Adyton reports a 167m gold-copper intercept at Feni Island (Kabang system), including 57m at higher grades, extending the mineralised corridor. Mining Restart Boost: Tolu Minerals lifted the Tolukuma gold resource by 81% to 909,000 ounces as it moves toward an early-2027 restart. Extractives & ESG: PNGEITI says existing extractive transparency data can underpin PNG’s ESG reporting framework, helping assurance and investor confidence. Financial Inclusion: Bank of PNG won AFI awards for financial access progress. Agriculture Commercialisation: Farmers & Settlers Association urges PNG to shift from subsistence food security to mechanised commercial farming and downstream processing. PNG LNG Logistics: deugro set up dedicated entities to strengthen Papua LNG river logistics, including marine transport and specialist equipment planning. Maritime Safety: MV Anjeanette inquiry continues in Honiara after witness delays, examining operations and emergency response. Brand & Consumer Industry: Jarome Luai becomes Trukai Industries’ new face in a four-year PNG and Pacific partnership.

Agribusiness Push: Farmers & Settlers Association urges PNG to move from subsistence food security to commercial farming, mechanisation and downstream processing, citing coffee industry momentum and El Niño-driven pressure. Skills for Cash Crops: K92 Mining-backed taro seed production training (NARI, PNGUOT) targets mini-sett techniques and nursery preparation to scale taro as a potential cash crop. Private Sector Reform: SICCI calls for bold reforms to lift private growth, spotlighting high electricity costs and urging fast-tracked Electricity Act changes to open competition and expand affordable renewables. LNG & Energy Deals: Santos signs non-binding LNG agreements with POSCO (10 years from 2030/31) and Ksi Lisims partners (up to 20 years from ~2031), reinforcing Asia-Pacific supply flexibility. PNG LNG Logistics Build-out: deugro sets up dedicated entities for Papua LNG logistics, including Purari Project Services for marine transport and specialist river equipment preparation. Forex Market Eases: BSP and Westpac report improved foreign currency access (often 1–2 weeks), driven by stronger export receipts from gold, LNG and agriculture. El Niño Hits Food Supply: Frost and drought conditions are damaging gardens and shrinking water sources in parts of PNG, raising near-term food security risks. Independence Accountability Theme: PM Marape stresses a culture of performance, discipline and honest work—linking corruption to lost hospital, school and road outcomes.

PNG LNG Deals: Santos signed two separate non-binding LNG arrangements—key commercial terms with POSCO for 10-year delivered ex-ship supply starting 2030/31, and a heads of agreement to buy ~1 million tpa from Canada’s Ksi Lisims project from around 2031—both subject to final SPAs and approvals. PNG LNG Construction: Wood won a $200m, five-year ExxonMobil PNG contract for brownfield services across the Hides Gas Conditioning Plant, Caution Bay LNG facilities, ~700km of pipelines, and associated well pads/flowlines, mobilising 200+ staff in-country. PNG LNG Logistics: deugro set up three dedicated entities for Papua LNG logistics, including Purari Project Services (a JV with Jerilai Pujari Transport) to run marine transport between Port Moresby and Purari River construction areas, plus plans to import specialist river equipment. Mining & Gold Sector: St Barbara agreed to sell its remaining New Simberi Gold Project interest to Lingbao Gold Group for A$453m (A$410m cash on completion plus construction capital and future royalties). Independence & Jobs: PM Marape used PNG’s 51st Independence message to push quality education and a culture of performance, discipline and accountability, while West Sepik was urged to reset on infrastructure and service gaps. Agriculture Shock: El Niño-linked frost is damaging crops in Central Province and elsewhere, raising food and water concerns. Maritime Services: Pacific Towing re-flagged its Honiara-based ASD tug Pacific Salvor to embed a major towage and emergency response capability in Solomon Islands.

Independence & jobs push: PM James Marape used PNG’s 51st Independence message to call for a culture of performance, discipline and accountability—saying honest work must drive jobs, skills and service. Forex steadier: Bank of Papua New Guinea reporting improved foreign exchange access, with businesses expecting stronger performance ahead as export receipts lift supply, though El Niño remains a risk. Budget pressure points: PNG’s Supplementary Budget adds K1.33bn for fuel support and GST relief, plus K1.165bn for El Niño mitigation as drought and extreme weather hit farmers, mining and hydro. El Niño hits food: Frost and dry conditions are damaging gardens and crops in parts of PNG, raising fears of localized food shortages spreading. PNG LNG keeps hiring: Wood won a $200m, five-year ExxonMobil PNG LNG brownfield construction services contract covering the Hides plant, Caution Bay LNG facilities and ~700km of pipelines. Bougainville mining tensions: Panguna redevelopment faces fresh pressure after an arson attack destroyed machinery at a Lloyds Metals camp, with shots fired and arrests reported—renewing investor and security concerns. Local business & construction: Matrix Constructions highlights a PNG-first workforce model (98% local employees) across infrastructure, commercial and resource-sector projects. Urban growth: Baosen Chinatown is taking shape in Port Moresby as a “city within a city” precinct mixing retail, hospitality and residences. Gold sector deal: St Barbara agreed to sell its remaining New Simberi interest to Lingbao Gold Group for A$453m, including cash and future royalty interests.

PNG LNG Contracts: Wood landed a $200m, five-year brownfield construction services deal with ExxonMobil PNG, covering the Hides Gas Conditioning Plant, the Caution Bay LNG facility, about 700km of pipelines, plus well pads and flowlines—over 200 Wood staff in-country to support safe, reliable operations. Santos LNG Expansion: Santos signed non-binding LNG arrangements—10-year supply terms with POSCO Steel (starting 2030/31) and a potential up-to-20-year purchase of ~1Mtpa from Canada’s Ksi Lisims project (around 2031)—aimed at portfolio flexibility, including PNG and Australia supply. LNG Market Watch: Executives say LNG demand from Pakistan, China and India should rebound once Middle East supply disruptions ease, though Hormuz reopening won’t quickly restore “normal” flows due to damaged capacity and shipping/insurance constraints. Bougainville Mining Tensions: Panguna redevelopment took another hit after an arson attack damaged machinery at a Lloyds Metals camp, with PNG’s trade minister saying he warned the company against investing and that land grievances remain unresolved. PNG Business Climate: Bank of Papua New Guinea reports improved forex access and expects stronger performance ahead, while inflation risks include El Niño. Local Industry Spotlight: Matrix Constructions highlights a PNG-first model with 98% local workforce and experience across commercial, infrastructure and LNG-related builds. Mining Reform Push: PNG’s minister says reforms are underway to speed approvals and licensing for investors, including longer exploration licence terms and new retention licences. Primary Industries Cashflow: Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association is urging urgent action on long-outstanding GST refunds and tax credits dating back to 2018–2020.

Bougainville Mining Security: Arson attacks on the Panguna mine camp destroyed heavy machinery and left personnel assaulted, reigniting tensions around the copper-and-gold restart as Bougainville leaders vow not to be intimidated. PNG LNG Services: Wood secured a five-year, US$200m brownfield construction and maintenance contract for ExxonMobil-operated PNG LNG, covering the Hides gas conditioning plant, Caution Bay LNG facility and ~700km of pipelines. Policy for Investors: Mining Minister Solan Loifa says PNG is open to Chinese mining and exploration, with reforms including a one-stop shop for licensing and longer exploration tenures to cut delays. Panguna Political Response: Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru says the national government warned Lloyds Metals & Energy against investing in Panguna, arguing the company must bear responsibility after the attack. Economic Outlook: The Bank of Papua New Guinea forecasts growth moderating to 2.5% next year as El Niño and Middle East-linked energy pressures lift inflation and costs. Agriculture Finance Push: PM Marape announced concessional long-term loans via the National Banking Corporation for coffee, cocoa and copra farmers along highway corridors. Youth into Primary Sectors: New Ireland will deploy 574 registered youths into economic sectors after signing a K1m-backed National Youth Engagement Strategy partnership. Maritime Safety: A formal marine inquiry begins into the MV ANJEANETTE disaster, following a fire, sinking and presumed loss of a contracted welder. Connectivity for Remote Industry: Ingram Micro signed an AirBridge distribution deal for ARNI satellite-plus-infrastructure connectivity and cybersecurity across PNG and the Pacific.

GST squeeze on primary producers: The Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association is chasing overdue GST refunds and tax credits, asking businesses to reconcile records with the IRC after some payments reportedly date back to 2018–2020. Mining reform push: Mining Minister Solan Loifa tells Chinese investors PNG is “open for business” but insists on win-win deals for landowners and the environment, including a one-stop shop for licensing and longer exploration tenure. PNG LNG construction boost: Wood wins a US$200m, five-year ExxonMobil PNG LNG construction services contract covering Hides, Caution Bay, ~700km of pipeline and related works. Simberi ownership shift: St Barbara agrees to sell its remaining New Simberi interest to China’s Lingbao Gold for A$453m, with Kumul retaining 20%. Bougainville security risk to Panguna: Bougainville leaders condemn arson attacks on Panguna mine equipment and say reopening plans will continue despite violence. Farm finance for highway corridors: PM Marape announces NBC concessional loans for coffee, cocoa and copra farmers along major roads. Border readiness call: A border commander urges urgent funding and support for frontline border posts to protect sovereignty. Maritime upgrade: PNG Ports receives a new AIFFP pilot boat for Madang Port to improve pilotage safety and cargo movement. Youth into primary sectors: New Ireland signs a K1m-backed plan to engage 574 youths in economic and primary industry roles.