Two important devices to support the kidney transplant program are about to be put into service at the Port Moresby General Hospital, marking a significant accomplishment for both Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Pacific. The two key machines, the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) and the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Device (TDM) were commissioned in a small but significant ceremony at PMGH on 31st January 2025. The HLA Machine is used for compatibility testing between the donor and recipient while the TDM machine monitors the immunosuppressive drug levels post-transplant.  The commissioning of the machines will eliminate the need to send blood samples overseas. Present to witness this momentous occasion was Dr Nora Dai, Acting Executive Manager, Medical Standards and Chief Anaesthetist, National Department of Health and Dr Paki Molumi, CEO of PMGH together with the Director Medical Service. Dr Dai congratulated PMGH for driving the National Health Service Standards for the Level 6 National Tertiary Referral, Research and Teaching Hospital to achieve the Key Result Areas (KRAs) in the National Health Plan 2021-2030. “We are on the eve of the first kidney transplantation in the Pacific region. This is a real momentous occasion not just for Papua New Guinea but for the rest of the Pacific, and we are sending shock waves in places where they thought that we could never do this,” she said. “These two machines will also help to reduce the cost of the travel, sending tests overseas, and the laboratory costs.” Meanwhile, Dr Molumi, thanked National Fisheries Authority (NFA) for the funding of K10.0 million towards the kidney transplant program, without which the project would not have made it this far. He further congratulated the Kidney Transplant Project Steering Committee Chairman, Dr. Otki Poki, and the committee members for the tireless effort to ensure all requirements are met for a successful first kidney transplant. “By introducing a kidney transplant program, we can free up patients from the dialysis machine so that they can live a free economical life rather than been hooked to the dialysis machines.” “The kidney transplant service will be extended to the neighbouring pacific countries so that their patients, who are currently being sent to New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, or other countries for kidney transplant services, can have the procedure done in our country,” he said. He acknowledged the remaining challenge of finalizing the kidney transplant policy and legal framework but aims to conduct the first transplant as a Golden Jubilee gift to the people of Papua New Guinea.

Representing his father, the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare & his family and the people of East Sepik, Arthur Somare expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the family of Late Sir Juluis Chan, one whom they’ve looked up to and respected. “Em bigpla blo mi na mi come. Because it is our duty and we are obligated, lo come na tok condolences blo mipla igo lon ol pikinini, you Venassa na man blo you, Toea na meri na pikinini blo youpla na ol tumbuna blo Sir Juluis Chan.” (I am here because he is my elder too. Because it is our duty and we are obligated to pay our condolences to the family, you Venessa and your husband, Toea and your wife and the children, the grand children of Sir Julius.) Mr. Somare also acknowledged the presence of Late Sir Julius’ brother Michael Chan who is the only surviving brother out of five siblings and will be joined by his sister later. Joined by his elder brother Sana Somare, Arthur Somare said, “Mi na brata blo mi com lo showim face tasol lo makim leg mark blo papa blo mipla.” (My brother and I are here representing our father.) He recounted the story of when his Late father and the Late Sir Julius held hands to build this great country, which we now call home. He said, Sir Julius left a brilliant constitution. He then urged the next generation to make sure to continue to uphold those values that Sir Julius, Sir Michael, Dr. John Momis together with Sir Albert Maori Kiki had when they pushed for independence, 50 years ago. Arthur also announced that the Somare family will pay their respects through a “custom wok” or a traditional way of respect, at a later time due to the short time given. He said once the Late Sir Julius is buried, Sana and himself will appoint a relevant date and time to show their appreciation and say thank you to the Late Sir Julius’ family in accordance with Sepik traditions.

In honor and memory of the Late Sir Julius Chan, the New Ireland community in Port Moresby on Saturday gathered as early as 2pm at the Kopkop College in Gerehu to pay their respects to their Late Governor. In attendance to mark the momentous occasion was the Late Sir Julius' only brother, Michael Chan, who was with his two kids Kori and Vanessa Chan, along with Arthur Somare and other invited special guest and family members witnessed the gathering. With a heavy heart speaking on behalf of her family, Vanessa Chan thanked the New Ireland Community for their thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow. "I know everyone that he has touched a lot of lives, and I always have to remind my brothers that his not only our father but the father of this great nation." "He worked very hard for the future of our country, our future. He worked till the day he passed on." Vanessa Chan said, New Ireland is a "Bilas Peles" and asked for the people to attend the state funeral today at the St Mary's Catholic Church 2pm in town, not be sad, but to celebrate his life and remember the life and his journey for this country. "I'd like you to remember that we come from the proud province of bilas and I'd like that if you attend the state funeral not to be saddened but to celebrate his life."

The Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in progressing work towards the draw down of the investment promotion and business registration powers for the ABG. Managing Director of the Investment Promotion Authority Mr. Clarence Hoot signed the MoU with the ABG Chief Secretary Mr. Kearnneth Nanei in a momentous ceremony witnessed by key stakeholders and members of the private sector in Bougainville. The MoU serves as a work plan for IPA and ABG to share knowledge and skills to build capacity within the ABG Department of Commerce Trade and Industry and Economic Development; as well as develop appropriate policies and legislations to establish an entity fitting for Bougainville once relevant powers have been drawn. The MoU also allows for IPA to provide support to the ABG towards establishing a Bougainville entity registration facility and to transition entity registration powers from the IPA to ABG. The MoU includes work on intellectual property rights which will also be transferred to the ABG. IPA Managing Director Mr. Clarence Hoot said, “A key consideration in the process is the need to explore a corporate structure for ABG to adopt for the region in terms of business entity-types and how it can work best for the private sector on the ground.” Mr. Hoot told the ABG government representatives and the AROB private sector to discuss whether it is necessary to create a new agency to perform the IPA and business registry functions or to capacitate the existing Bougainville Inward Investment Bureau and give them the powers to deliver the IPA and business registry powers. He also said that the agency that will perform these functions must contain the four principles of: good governance, transparency, accountability and responsiveness firstly to private sector and the Bougainville government. Mr. Hoot gave statistics from the IPA business registry which showed that currently there are 569 limited Bougainville companies registered; 2,319 Business Names, 98 Business Groups, 53 Associations and 18 Foreign Companies. Mr. Hoot also said that some of the things included in the MoU were already under implementation, for instance, collaboration under the Inward Investment Bureau since 2013 and now the strategies towards the drawdown of business registry powers. The IPA also assisted the ABG back then in the establishment of the Bougainville Inward Investment Bureau to perform investment promotions function for the Bougainville region. ABG Chief Secretary Mr. Kearnneth Nanei was appreciative of IPA through the Managing Director for progressing the MoU which he says will assist towards the revenue generation of the Region. “We would like to develop a system and entity that is friendly and addresses the Ease of Doing Business agenda in AROB,” he said The signing the MoU was made possible because of the Sharp Agreement 2019, which allows ABG to progress the process of transfer of functions and powers irrespective of whether a specific request was made by ABG or not. The Sharp Agreement demonstrates both Government’s understanding of the need to remove other forms of economic and financial controls which hinder the ability of the ABG to effectively perform its functions as well as manage its own revenue collection. Meanwhile, Mr. Hoot has refuted a misleading media report published in The National Newspaper on January 27th that the IPA has handed over its powers to ABG to run its business and company registrations and other IPA functions. He said the media was invited to the MoU signing and workshop so they could understand the discussions right from the start and be part of the process. The report by the newspaper however, shows the inability of relevant stakeholders in following and understanding the process.

The Yangoru-Saussia District Development Authority (DDA) is building the new Kamatohu Primary School in the heart of the Sepik Plains. Member for Yangoru-Saussia District and Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru said this is the first time in 50 years the people in this area are getting a school for the education of their children. “Like I said many times, we are working hard since my election in 2012 to reach the unreached and to make sure no one is left behind.” He said, this new primary school and three other new primary schools in the district now completes the final effort to make sure every child in Yangoru-Saussia District has access to primary school, high school and secondary school education. “We have also built a road to this very remote village community and linking their surrounding communities.” “As we celebrate our 50th Independence Celebrations this year, we have a moral duty to deliver these remote communities all basic services like health and education so they too will have a reason to join our Independence Celebrations.”

Providing equal space for women and girls to thrive will contribute a lot to almost every aspect of development of this amazing city of Port Moresby and the nation as a whole. NCD Governor Powes Parkop alluded this during the first ever-official visit to Papua New Guinea by UN Women Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Christine Arab. Ms. Arab’s first engagement on Tuesday 28th, was at Gordons market which is the largest market ever built in the country and around the Pacific region. Upon her reception, Governor Parkop shared sentiments on issues and challenges women and girls in the city face and highlighted on the progress and efforts taken at different levels of government to create space, give women and girls equal opportunity to thrive. “Women and girls in our city and country have the potential and can contribute better to the success and development of this nation once they feel safe and are given the space to either succeed in doing business or participate equally in decision making at different levels of our government system, “said Governor Parkop. Being an active advocate of Gender Equity, and an advocate against Gender Base Violence at the National level currently as chair of the GBV Committee, Governor Parkop said a lot of effort has been done but not much has been achieved. “In the city, we are doing our best to improve where we can provide the space that our women and girls thrive, and Gordons market is a testament. We have built a world-class standard facility that is designed to allow our women and girls to feel safe when selling their goods to generate income,” Governor Parkop said. In partnership with UN Women through the Safe City Programme aimed at creating safe markets for women and girls, NCDC was able to collaborate with the New Zealand government to co-fund the redevelopment of Gordons market and was completed and reopened in 2019. UN Women as the global champion for gender equality is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women all around the world. They deliver programmes, policies, and standards that uphold women's rights and ensure that every woman and girl live up to their full potential. As the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific to Papua New Guinea, Ms. Arab’s presence in the country signifies the urgency to invest more efforts towards women and girls in the country. “Through my visit here, I realized that women and girls in Papua New Guinea are vulnerable most of the time but, most especially mothers, are leaders either in their communities or in associations and groups such as markets vendors associations or women’s groups,’’ Ms. Arab said. She said, when given the space for equal participation and the platforms to harness their potentials, women can contribute better to the greater outcomes for this country. “UN women stand ready to work together with the Governor, National Capital District Commission and other developing partners in the space of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment to explore opportunities for women and girls to succeed,” she added. City Manager Ravu Frank when acknowledging the UN Women on their work in the country stated that NCDC will continue to collaborate with them including the developing partners such as New Zealand Government to create a city that is not only safe, but clean healthy and planned for women and girls to thrive. New Zealand High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Peter Zwart expressed his gratitude towards the management of Gordons markets since it was re-opened in 2019. “I come to Gordons market every Saturday to buy fresh produce and to see and hear success stories from mothers and women vendors is great,” Zwart said.

During the high-level delegation with TotalEnergies to discuss the progress of key LNG projects in Papua New Guinea, including the flagship Papua LNG project, a new exploration opportunity at Mailu in Central Province, Prime Minister James Marape stressed that employing Papua New Guineans is non-negotiable. The delegation included Mr Mehme Celepoglu – Vice President Oceania and Southeast Asia, Mr Daniel Domine – Managing Directo of Marketing and Services PNG, and Mr Arnold Berthet – Managing Director of Exploration and Production for Papua LNG. The meeting centred on project timelines, workforce development, and the significant economic benefits these initiatives are expected to deliver for the country. During the discussions, TotalEnergies provided an overview of their operations and outlined their strategic roadmap for advancing LNG production in PNG. Four key work streams were highlighted: securing competitive contractor offers, marketing LNG, finalising project financing, and obtaining regulatory approvals. Substantial progress has already been made, including optimising project designs, encouraging competition among contractors, and securing supply agreements with LNG buyers. The delegation detailed specific design optimisations that have helped reduce project costs. These included reducing the diameter of gas pipelines to attract more competitive bids, replacing condensate pipelines with an FSO (Floating Storage and Offloading) pipeline system, and implementing horizontal drilling to minimise environmental impacts. These measures have not only lowered costs but also ensured alignment with global sustainability standards. PM Marape used the opportunity to underscore the importance of prioritising Papua New Guineans in the workforce. He stated, “I do not want 10,000 overseas workers to fill these roles. I want 10,000 Papua New Guineans—from Kikori, Gulf Province, and other communities across the country—trained and ready to contribute.” PM Marape delivered a strong message to TotalEnergies and its contractors, emphasising that employing Papua New Guineans is non-negotiable. “We expect at least 5,000 Papua New Guineans to be employed in these projects. This is imperative, and we will work closely with all stakeholders to make it a reality,” he said. The PM also reiterated his government’s commitment to creating a favourable investment environment. He offered access to land at reduced costs to facilitate operations, storage facilities, and long-term strategic developments. “Compared to Singapore or other regions, Papua New Guinea offers a more affordable and strategic location for investments.” “We are open to discussions about relocating parts of your operations to key project sites,” he said. Additionally, PM Marape addressed the need to reduce fuel costs and improve supply chain efficiency. He encouraged TotalEnergies to explore partnerships with local companies to develop integrated supply chains that reduce reliance on costly imports. The meeting underscored a shared vision for a sustainable and inclusive future for Papua New Guinea. Both PM Marape and the TotalEnergies delegation expressed optimism about the transformative potential of these LNG projects. The PM concluded, “Investing in Papua New Guinea is investing in a free market and a growing economy.” “Together, we can create opportunities that will benefit not only Papua New Guineans but the entire Pacific region.” The TotalEnergies delegation reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the PNG government to ensure the success of these projects, further strengthening Papua New Guinea’s position as a key player in the global energy market.

With the start of another academic year students, parents and guardians are all geared up for registrations and orientation, especially for new students starting their academic journey at a new institution. The University of Papua New Guinea took time out to clarify its GPA and course combination in selection criteria during its orientation program on Tuesday, 28th January for new students. The University has affirmed that they can only deal with students selected already through the Department of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) National Online Application System (NOAS) and the National Online Selection System (NOSS). The Executive Management Committee led by Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Cecilia Nembou, PhD, said that the NOAS and NOSS are complementary online application and selection systems set up with specific entry requirements based on Grade Point Average scores from specific combination of courses. "This NOAS and NOSS are established to avoid nepotism, favouritism and other ills in both the application and the selection process.” "The university cannot make any changes to the selection done already through the NOAS and NOAS computerized process," said Dr Nembou, who is also Chair of the UPNG Senate (responsible for academic matters). "The required GPA from the approved combination of courses are set for all schools of the university.” “They are in the online application system and the portal allows students a timeline of seven weeks to ensure they check and re-check their entry qualifications before finalizing and submitting their applications online." Once the NOSS kicks in, neither the UPNG Executive Management Team nor Executive Deans of the schools are unable to make changes at their individual or even collective discretion. According to the EMT, any changes in the NOAS and the NOSS managed by DHERST will follow an established and rigorous process beginning at the UPNG which includes; 1) Recommendation by the School's Executive Dean. 2) Deliberation and approval by the School Board of Directors. 3) Deliberation and approval by the UPNG Senate; 4) Deliberation and approval by the UPNG Council, and 5) Submission to DHERST for entry into the NOAS and NOSS computers. As it stands now, the fixed combination of courses per school and the minimum grades and/or GPA used to select UPNG students are: School of Law: First Year Bachelor of Law B or better in Literature or Applied English B or better in Advance Mathematics or General Mathematics B or better in the social sciences courses: a) Economics, b) Geography or c) History B or better in any of science courses: a) Biology, b) Chemistry or c) Physics 3.0 Minimum GPA required for application for selection from above courses. School of Business and Public Policy: Business and Management Foundation Year C or better in Language and Literature or Applied English C or better in Advance Mathematics or General Mathematics C or better in any two of the following courses: a) Economics, b) Geography, c) History, d) Accounting, e) Business Studies, and f) Legal Services. C or better in any of the science courses: a) Biology, b) Chemistry or c) Physics 2.6 Minimum GPA required for application for selection from above courses. School of Natural and Physical Sciences: For entry into Science Foundation Year B or better in Language and Literature or Applied English B or better in Advance Mathematics or General Mathematics B or better in science courses: a) Biology, b) Chemistry or c) Physics 3.0 Minimum GPA required for application for selection from above courses. School Humanities and School Sciences entry requirements into two Arts Studies: A) Bachelor of Arts programme with majors in Anthropology and Sociology, History, Gender and Philosophy, Information and Communication Science; Journalism & Public Relations; Linguistics & Modern Languages, English Communications & Literature; Political Science; Population Studies & Geography; Psychology, and Social Work C or better in Language and Literature or Applied English B or better in Advance Mathematics or General Mathematics B or better in two or more Social Science courses: a) Economics, b) Geography, and c) History B or Science courses: a) Biology, b) Chemistry or c) Physics 2.75 Minimum GPA required for application for selection from above courses. B) Bachelor of Arts programme with majors in Creative Artis (Music, Art and Design) and Diploma in Language and Communications: C or better in Language and Literature or Applied English C or better in Advance Mathematics or General Mathematics C or better in two or more Social Science subjects. a) Economics, b) Geography, c) History; C or better in two or more Science courses: a) Biology, b) Chemistry, c) Physics 2.25 Minimum GPA required for application for selection from above courses.

Air Niugini (ANG) and the Rotary Club of Port Moresby have teamed up to provide free uplift services for vital life-saving medical equipment to Lae city, where it will be installed at the Tomodachi International Airport terminal in Nadzab. Two defibrillators, critical medical devices used to restore normal heart rhythms in individuals experiencing cardiac arrests, have been airlifted to Nadzab. These devices can effectively save lives by delivering an electric shock to the heart, correcting abnormal heartbeats. The Rotary Club of Port Moresby acquired this vital equipment and funded first aid training from St. John Ambulance at the costs of K100,000. Mr. Adam Hughes, Director of Community Services at the Rotary Club, explained that the initiative arose from the realization of a significant gap in lifesaving equipment in public spaces, including courthouses and airports. "During my involvement, I learned of lawyers collapsing in courthouses due to cardiac arrests, highlighting the urgent need for defibrillators," Mr. Hughes stated. "In response, our club purchased five defibrillators, which have now been installed in courthouses. Three lives have been saved so far, since this equipment were installed 12 months ago." Following the successful deployment at courthouses, the Rotary Club turned its attention to airports. Mr. Hughes noted, "As a frequent traveler, I noticed the absence of defibrillators in terminal buildings. We reached out to the National Airports Corporation (NAC) management for collaboration, leading to the purchase of six defibrillators, with four already installed at Jacksons airport in Port Moresby and two now to be installed at Nadzab airport in Lae." Mr. Hughes expressed gratitude to Air Niugini for its invaluable support. Although the equipment weighed in at only 7kg, they had to be transported with a lot of care and attention to ensure safety as they contain lithium batteries which are considered dangerous. “Air Niugini’s professional expertise was warranted in handling such cargo in accordance with global protocols and requirements, along with also ensuring they would be transported safely to their intended destination. “In doing so, the airline has contributed to potentially saving lives. Because of their generosity of transporting these devices FOC (Free of Charge) into Lae means the National Airport Corporation (NAC) staff can quickly treat a member of the travelling public in the event of cardiac arrest,” Mr. Hughes added. The defibrillators are fully automated and provide verbal instructions, simplifying their use during critical moments. Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Gary Seddon said access to life-saving tools, such as defibrillators is important not just for passengers but also for airport staff and visitors. He said, "It's a vital step towards enhancing safety measures at the airport and Air Niugini is pleased to support this initiative and commitment to safety and wellbeing of everyone at the Airport." In addition to acquiring the defibrillators, the Rotary Club also funded first aid training for 160 staff members from the National Judicial Staff Services (NJSS) and NAC, ensuring that qualified first aiders are available to manage medical emergencies until professional help arrives. Looking ahead, the Port Moresby Rotary Club plans to expand this lifesaving initiative to other key locations in the country.

Sambio United FC put on an impressive display of football during round 10 of the Women’s Northern Conference Soccer League held at the Lae Football Association ground, decisively defeating Morobe Tulips with a resounding score of 6-0. This commanding victory allowed them to conclude the 2024/2025 season on a high note. The women hailing from Mumeng in the Bulolo District capitalized on Morobe Tulips' inability to field a full-strength team, showcasing their skill and teamwork throughout the match. In a thrilling first half, they netted three goals, exploiting defensive gaps and demonstrating their offensive prowess. The second half saw no let-up in their momentum as they continued to dominate the field, adding three more goals to their tally. With this emphatic win, Sambio United FC not only secured their victory but also left a lasting impression as they wrapped up the season in style. Meanwhile, FC Morobe Wawens held their second position on the Women's Northern Conference Soccer League ladder with a tense and hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bara FC. The decisive moment came shockingly early, just a minute into the match, when Shanty Baupew found the back of the net, giving the Wawens a swift and exhilarating lead. As the game progressed, tension mounted with both teams battling fiercely for control of the pitch. Opportunities arose for each side, yet neither could convert their chances into goals, adding to the nail-biting atmosphere. The Wawens, despite playing under pressure, managed to cling to their slender lead, ultimately securing the win amidst a flurry of near misses. Looking ahead, the Wawens are gearing up for a critical showdown against the league leaders, Lae City Dwellers, in a high-stakes one-off match next Saturday. This encounter will determine who will represent the Northern Conference in the Women's Conference Soccer League finals playoffs, making it a must-watch clash for soccer fans.

In the third round of matches for the Public Servants Netball Competition at the Rita Flyn Netball Courts in POM, the National Mari Time Safety Authority (NMSA) defeated the Department of Justice and Attorney General team one (1) (DJAG 1) 9-8 in a tight contest. Despite the scorching sun, the ladies heated it off on the courts much to the likes of team NMSA in the first match for division four (4). Team DJAG 1 had a number of good chances of goal shots but were unsuccessful. The ladies still pushed on in the first half to come back for a redemption with two changes made to relive the shooter, and we're only successful with three shots. Still in the lead, NMSA carried on with the same side to deliver despite a tough match. Meanwhile, the Public Servants Netball Association are urging all teams to bring in their team lists and to be early at the courts to avoid forfeits.

In recognition of K92 Mining Inc.'s noteworthy contribution to the nation's mining industry and economic development for Papua New Guinea, Minister for Mining Wake Goi praised the company for its record-breaking production performance in the fourth quarter of 2024. "I extend my congratulations to K92 Mining for achieving this historic milestone in production. This record-breaking performance not only demonstrates the company's operational excellence but also underscores the strength and potential of our mining industry to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities for our people.” Minister Goi also acknowledged K92 for several efforts which include advancing its exploration efforts, paying corporate tax, and consistently operating within PNG's mining laws, business and national laws. He urged the company to maintain these standards, and he called on other mining companies to fully comply with the country's legal frameworks while recognizing those that continue to uphold these regulations and laws. K92 Mining Inc. reported a gold equivalent (AuEq) production of 53,401 ounces in Q4 2024 at its Kainantu Gold Mine—a remarkable 37% increase from Q4 2023 and a 21% rise from its previous record in Q3 2024. The company also surpassed its annual production guidance, producing 149,515 ounces AuEq for 2024, marking a 27% growth from the previous year. Minister Goi further highlighted the importance of responsible mining practices and acknowledged K92 Mining’s commitment to environmental sustainability, safety, and community engagement. "K92 Mining’s continued growth reflects a balanced approach to mining—one that prioritizes both economic success and environmental responsibility. I commend the company for upholding these values while contributing to the country’s development goals," he added. Additionally, Minister Goi thanked the landowners and communities for continues cooperation. He made note of outstanding landowner and community grievances to be addressed in due course, with consultation with the government and relevant authorities to find the best way to address these grievances. He also acknowledged concerns raised by the Member of the District, “All grievances are equally important and will be discussed with the Government on how best the grievances can be addressed.” The Minister emphasized the government’s support for mining companies that align with PNG's long-term sustainable development objectives. "The government is committed to fostering partnerships with responsible investors like K92 Mining. Their success sets a positive example for the resource sector, and we encourage other companies to follow this path by investing in our country and empowering our communities," Minister Goi stated. K92 Mining’s record production was driven by higher-grade ore from the Judd and Kora deposits, enhanced metallurgical recoveries, and ongoing infrastructure development in preparation for the company’s Stage 3 Expansion. Approximately 70% of the required growth capital for this expansion had been spent or committed by the end of 2024, with commissioning of the new process plant expected to begin in late Q2 2025. Minister Goi expressed optimism that the Stage 3 Expansion would further boost production capacity and solidify PNG’s position as a key player in the global mining industry. He said, "As K92 Mining advances its Stage 3 Expansion, we anticipate greater economic benefits for the country, including job creation, infrastructure development, and increased revenue. This progress is vital for achieving our national development goals. We stand ready to support companies that share our vision for sustainable and inclusive growth.” The Minister also called for collaboration and clear information between both the Government and responsible authorities to the investors and companies on processes and requirements for the sake of convenience. He noted that time is of the essence and delivering efficiently on time is important in successful mining dealings. “We need to ensure the system works efficiently, by providing the necessary information needed, under strict regulations and clear processes for investors on time. The importance of working in collaboration with the company, landowners, the government, and authorities will result in the smooth operations and mutual benefits in 2025," he added. Minister Goi reaffirmed the Marape-Rosso government’s commitment to ensuring that the resource sector delivers lasting value to the people of PNG. K92 Mining’s record-breaking performance has been widely recognized as a significant boost to the country’s economy, reinforcing confidence in the mining sector’s ability to drive the country’s long-term development.