The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) has officially launched the Women in Resources and Energy (WIRE) Committee, a milestone initiative aimed at improving gender equity across the country’s mining, petroleum, and energy sectors. The launch comes as PNG marks its 50th year of independence and industrial growth—a fitting backdrop for an initiative designed to drive inclusion, diversity, and systemic change in one of the nation’s most critical industries. Despite progress in recent years, women in PNG’s resource sector remain underrepresented in operational, technical, and trade-based roles, with many facing cultural and structural challenges in the workplace. The WIRE Committee seeks to address these barriers and build an industry that is more inclusive, resilient, and reflective of the broader society it serves. “The day marks more than just the formation of a new committee. It signals a shared commitment to building a future-ready resources sector for Papua New Guinea,” said Ms. Karo Maha, Chair of the WIRE Committee and Country Manager of New Porgera Limited. “WIRE is not just about women - it’s about workforce equity. It's about acknowledging the silent achievers - the women working in underground mines, remote gas fields, and technical trades who are often unseen but essential.” The WIRE Committee has outlined five key objectives: • Promote women's participation in STEM, trades, and leadership roles • Identify and address systemic barriers to workplace equity • Recognise and elevate women in frontline, field, and underground roles • Foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive industry culture • Advocate for policy reform, including the lifting of outdated restrictions on women working underground The launch event featured a panel discussion with 12 speakers from 11 major resource companies including ExxonMobil PNG, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML), Newmont, New Porgera, K92 Mining, and Santos—many of which are already implementing programs to support women in technical and leadership positions. A key topic during the discussion was the urgent need to update PNG’s mining safety laws. The panel called on the government to fast-track the enactment of the revised Mining (Safety) Act, which has remained largely unchanged for over 50 years. There is strong alignment between industry and government on the proposed reforms, and calls are mounting for the legislation to be brought before Parliament without delay. The launch of WIRE represents a significant step forward for gender inclusion in the sector, reinforcing PNG CORE’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive industry that empowers both women and men to thrive.