Marape commends 50 years of mining and petroleum partnership

Prime Minister James Marape has commended the mining and petroleum industry for its continued contribution to Papua New Guinea’s development over the past 50 years, calling it a cornerstone of national progress and economic resilience.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy during the PNG Resources Week, Mr Marape acknowledged the sector’s role in shaping the nation’s economic history and its potential to support inclusive growth into the future.

The event brought together leaders from across the resource industry, government, and the diplomatic corps.

“We honour 50 years of continued service to our country from the mining and petroleum industry.

“Whether you’re a lead investor, subcontractor, public servant, or community partner. It is because of your contributions that this sector remains a bedrock of our national development.” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister reflected on the industry’s legacy, tracing its roots as far back as the 1920s with the emergence of goldfields in Bulolo and the entry of companies such as ExxonMobil.

He cited key developments that helped shape PNG’s modern economy, including the operations of Bougainville Copper Limited prior to Independence, BHP’s investment in Ok Tedi in the 1980s, the launch of the Porgera Mine in 1989 under Placer Dome, and the early oil and gas development efforts by Oil Search and British Petroleum that led to the opening of the Kumul Export Terminal in 1990.

Mr Marape highlighted the PNG LNG Project, operated by ExxonMobil, as a global success story.

He recalled receiving the first LNG shipment in Tokyo in 2014 and praised the project for delivering results amid global economic uncertainty.

“The PNG LNG Project rose out of the 2008 global financial crisis. No one thought we would deliver — yet we did, on time, on budget, and now operating 30 percent above design capacity,” he said.

While reaffirming his government’s support for a stable and transparent investment environment, Mr Marape urged resource companies to do more to build local capacity and ensure broader participation by Papua New Guineans in the sector.

“My people are educated, capable, and ready to participate,” he said.

“Please take my people with you. Incubate local contractors. Grow small businesses from Alotau to Telefomin. We want local content, not just as policy but as the heart of our national progress.”

He reiterated the government’s push for increased equity participation, stronger local content provisions, and fair taxation to ensure communities benefit more directly from resource projects.

Mr Marape assured investors that Papua New Guinea remains a stable and secure environment for investment, and committed to reforms that support long-term partnerships and mutual prosperity.