Prime Minister James Marape says PNG is entering a new phase of resource development, with several major mining and petroleum projects advancing toward key milestones that could shape the country's economy over the next two decades.Addressing industry representatives at the 2026 PNG Resources Week, PM Marape provided updates on a range of flagship projects, including Pogera, Pasca, P'nyang LNG Project, Papua LNG and Wafi-Golpu.He said the Pogera Gold Mine has resumed operations under a new agreement that delivers more than 53% of overall project benefits to the State and Papua New Guineans over the life of the mine.PM Marape also highlighted the Pasca gas project, describing it as an agreement that will deliver approximately 70% of total project benefits to Papua New Guinea through state participation and other economic returns.For the P'nyang gas project, he said negotiations with ExxonMobil had resulted in an agreement that would provide around 60 % total benefits to the country, with implementation expected alongside other major developments.On Papua LNG, Mr. Marape acknowledged delays but rejected suggestions that the government had slowed progress.He said escalating construction costs and commercial negotiations required careful consideration to ensure the project remained financially viable while protecting national interests.According to the Prime Minister, the government resisted calls to provide additional fiscal concessions and instead worked with project partners to reach commercially acceptable terms.He said discussions were now nearing completion and expressed confidence that the project could move toward a Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2026.Marape also pointed to continued exploration activities as evidence of investor confidence, noting that TotalEnergies is undertaking significant drilling activities while ExxonMobil continues exploration work in offshore areas.Beyond petroleum, he said several mining projects are progressing, including Wafi-Golpu, Tolukuma, Misima and projects in Oro Province and East New Britain.Marape stressed that environmental protection would remain a key consideration, particularly for projects such as Wafi-Golpu, where the government is carefully assessing environmental impacts before granting final approvals.He also outlined plans to increase downstream processing within Papua New Guinea, including opportunities in the nickel industry through partnerships involving state-owned Kumul Minerals Holdings.The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea currently has 19 mining and petroleum projects at various stages of regulatory approval, providing a strong pipeline for future economic growth.He reaffirmed the government's commitment to streamlining regulatory processes while ensuring resource developments deliver long-term benefits for landowners, businesses and the broader economy."The next 20 years are exciting for our country," Marape said."We know exactly what we're doing, and these projects will deliver better returns for Papua New Guinea while remaining attractive to investors."

Papua New Guinea remains a stable and attractive destination for global investment in mining, petroleum and energy, Prime Minister James Marape says, highlighting the country's five decades of democratic governance and its long history as a reliable resource producer.Speaking at the opening of the PNG Resources Week 2026, PM Marape said Papua New Guinea had reached an important milestone as it celebrated 50 years since Independence, while maintaining a robust democracy, a free-market economy and strong relationships with major economies around the world.He said the country was far from being a newcomer to the extractive sector, noting that mining activities date back more than 100 years, and that commercial oil and gas production has been underway for more than four decades."We are not new to the mining industry. We are not new to the petroleum and energy industry," Marape said. "We have over 100 years of engagement in mining and more than 40 years of successful oil and gas production."The Prime Minister thanked international resource companies for their continued investment in Papua New Guinea, saying the industry remained the country's largest export earner while generating employment, royalties, taxes and equity returns for the nation.Marape reaffirmed his government's policy of ensuring Papua New Guinea receives a minimum 55 per cent total benefit from major resource projects. He clarified that the policy extends beyond government equity and includes royalties, taxation, local business participation, downstream processing, and other economic benefits.He said investors should continue to make fair returns while ensuring a greater share of economic benefits remains within Papua New Guinea."With every dollar earned from our resources, at least 55 cents should remain in Papua New Guinea through taxes, royalties, equity and wider economic opportunities," he said.Marape pointed to agreements reached on projects such as Porgera, Pasca and P'nyang as examples of the government's approach to balancing investor confidence with national interests.Despite criticism that some projects have taken years to progress, Marape said his government had spent the past seven years laying strong foundations rather than pursuing short-term political gains.Using the analogy of a bamboo tree that spends years developing its roots before rapid growth, he said the government's reforms would deliver long-term benefits."The foundations have been laid very well. The next 20 years will be exciting for our country," he said.Marape also encouraged local businesses to position themselves to benefit from the expansion of the resource sector, saying local participation would be critical to ensuring the country's wealth remained within Papua New Guinea.He urged universities and training institutions to update their programs to prepare Papua New Guineans for employment in mining, petroleum and related industries.The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming Papua New Guinea's commitment to maintaining a stable investment climate while strengthening international partnerships to secure future markets for the country's resources.

The New Ireland Provincial Health Authority (NIPHA) has confirmed a measles outbreak in the province after laboratory tests verified a positive case, prompting health authorities to prepare a mass vaccination campaign to contain the disease.Acting Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sahamie said the outbreak was detected after the PHA received reports of 84 suspected measles cases through the PHA Health Information System on June 12.A rapid response team was deployed on June 14th to investigate the reports, which traced the suspected cases to Neitab Island in the Puas catchment area of Lavongai LLG."The rapid response team identified seven cases from the source and collected seven samples, which were sent to the National Department of Health and later verified by a laboratory in Australia," Sahamie said."The result came back with a positive case."He said health authorities had already organised logistics to deploy teams to the affected community to begin a mass vaccination campaign if further laboratory testing confirms the case was naturally acquired rather than vaccine related."We are waiting for another test result to determine whether this measles case is from the environment or vaccine-derived," he said."If it is not vaccine-derived, then we will carry out a mass vaccination at the epicentre."Shahamie said under public health protocols, a single confirmed measles case constitutes an outbreak, requiring an immediate response."As soon as there is one confirmed case of measles, it is already considered an outbreak," he said.He said the National Department of Health had directed the PHA to urgently contain the outbreak while awaiting the remaining laboratory results.Health authorities have established logistics and response teams to ensure a rapid rollout of vaccinations if required.

The University of Papua New Guinea's (UPNG) relaunched Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) will commence its first intake of students on July 20, with three new certificate programmes aimed at preparing Papua New Guineans for careers in the country's growing digital economy.UPNG’s ICT Director and Coordinator of the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology, Russell Harada, said orientation and classes would begin in two weeks following the relaunch of the facility.The centre will initially offer Certificate programmes in Information Technology, Database Management and Cybersecurity, each running for one semester, or 15 weeks, from late July to October."We expect each programme to enroll between 20 and 30 students," Harada said."At the moment, we have received around 150 applications. We are currently screening them and gradually sending out acceptance letters so students can begin the registration process."Harada said the programmes had been developed under a "Workforce Ready" approach, with a strong emphasis on practical, industry-focused training to meet the needs of employers."We need to work closely with industry partners—not only telecommunications and ICT companies, but also government agencies and private sector organisations," he said."We want to understand the type of skills employers need and then provide graduates who are ready for those jobs. We see ourselves as a factory for developing Papua New Guinea's digital workforce."Unlike the centre's earlier operations, which were supported by academics from India, Harada said the new programmes would be delivered primarily by qualified Papua New Guinean lecturers."I'm originally from Japan, but this programme is being organised and delivered by PNG academics, both full-time and visiting lecturers, who understand the country's challenges," he said.He added that the university would also invite visiting lecturers from Australia, the United States, China, South Korea and Japan to provide specialist expertise.Harada said advances in artificial intelligence had made international collaboration easier by reducing language barriers through real-time translation technologies.He also noted that the centre was considering using Tok Pisin in classrooms where appropriate to improve student understanding, while maintaining a strong focus on practical learning."The important thing is not theory. The important thing is practical skills," he said.The centre currently has two full-time trainers, two assistant trainers and three to four teaching assistants, many of whom are UPNG students.Harada encouraged young Papua New Guineans interested in technology to take advantage of the new opportunities offered by the centre."This Workforce Ready programme is a very new academic initiative at UPNG, and I look forward to welcoming smart, energetic young people who want to build careers in information technology," he said.

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) has relaunched its Centre of Excellence in Information Technology, marking a significant step in its efforts to equip Papua New Guinea with the digital skills needed to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.The relaunch coincided with the launch of three new Information Technology certificate programmes, with the university also announcing plans to introduce specialised IT degree programmes from 2027.UPNG Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Findlay said the university was taking a leading role in addressing Papua New Guinea's shortage of information technology professionals."UPNG recognises that Papua New Guinea has a major deficiency in IT and in creating IT professionals, and we want to change that," Professor Findlay said.He said the Centre of Excellence would become a hub for industry-focused education, delivering a range of certificate and diploma programmes designed to prepare students for careers in the digital economy."The three certificate programmes we are launching today are just the beginning," he said. "We expect to introduce many more certificates and diploma programmes in the years ahead."Professor Findlay also announced that the university would expand its academic offerings in 2027 with four specialised bachelor's degree programmes in programming, networking, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.He said artificial intelligence was transforming every aspect of society and that universities had a responsibility to ensure graduates understood how to use the technology effectively."We all talk about artificial intelligence, but do we really understand what it is?" he said."If we don't understand AI, AI will become our master, and we will be the tools. We have to make sure that we are the master and AI is our tool."Beyond the new IT programmes, Professor Findlay outlined a broader curriculum review that will embed technology, artificial intelligence, research and critical thinking, and soft skills across every programme offered by the university.He said graduates needed more than academic knowledge to succeed in today's workplace."Your degree will get you the job, but your soft skills will get you the promotion," he said.Professor Findlay also stressed the importance of developing critical thinking skills in an age where misinformation and disinformation are increasingly common."We have access to more information than ever before, but we must learn how to evaluate that information and make informed decisions," he said.To strengthen student preparedness, UPNG will introduce a university pathway programme in 2027 to help Year 12 students transition into tertiary education, particularly in mathematics and science, subjects Professor Findlay described as essential for success in a digital economy.The university will also launch a postgraduate diploma in education with a focus on STEM, information technology and digital technologies to better prepare teachers to deliver technology-based education in schools."How do we expect students to understand technology if the teachers don't?" Professor Findlay said."We have to make sure that our teachers understand technology and IT so they can prepare the next generation."Professor Findlay said UPNG's latest initiatives reflected the institution's responsibility as Papua New Guinea's premier university and its role in supporting the country's development."UPNG doesn't just represent Port Moresby or Papua New Guinea—it also represents the Pacific region," he said."As the largest country in the Pacific, PNG has to take the lead, and UPNG has to take the lead for PNG."He said embracing information technology and artificial intelligence was no longer optional if Papua New Guinea hoped to remain competitive."This is the beginning of a new era of IT and technology, not just for UPNG but for Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific," Professor Findlay said.

Women's rugby league is continuing to break barriers in the country, with the Santos Cup providing more than just a pathway to elite competition—it is creating opportunities for women and girls to lead, compete and inspire the next generation.Launching the third season of the Santos Cup, Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNG NRLC) Chairman Adrian Chow said the competition has become a key platform for promoting gender equality while developing female athletes and leaders in the country's national sport."We are building not just the competition, we are transforming our national sport into a truly inclusive platform for excellence," Chow said.He said the Santos Cup had evolved into the country's premier women's rugby league competition, strengthening pathways for female players while also increasing women's representation in coaching, management and leadership positions.Acting Australian High Commissioner Adrian Loughran said the Australian Government was proud to support the competition through the PacificAus Sports initiative because of its impact beyond the playing field."It is a platform for gender equality, but more than that it is a platform that women and girls can aspire to be involved in," Loughran said."The six captains here today are an inspiration not only to women and girls in Papua New Guinea but also to men and boys."Santos Country Chair Leon Buskins said empowering women through rugby league was about creating lasting change across communities."Rugby league has a unique ability to unite people, inspire future generations and create opportunities for young people—not just girls, but also boys and families," Buskins said.He described the six team captains as pioneers who were changing perceptions and creating opportunities for future generations of female athletes."You are pioneers, you are game changers. The young girls growing up today will look up to you and be inspired by what you are achieving."The 2026 Santos Cup season will feature six franchise teams competing over eight regular rounds before a two-week finals series, while continuing to strengthen women's participation, leadership and professional development in rugby league.Organisers say the competition remains central to PNG Rugby Football League's gender equality strategy, which focuses on increasing participation, creating leadership opportunities for women and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for female athletes.The launch also acknowledged the continued support of Santos, the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports, Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited, Digicel and other partners, whose investment continues to expand opportunities for women and girls through rugby league in Papua New Guinea.

The Santos Cup will kick off this weekend with an expanded competition that continues to strengthen the pathway for women's rugby league in Papua New Guinea.Speaking at the official launch, PNG NRL Competition Chairman Adrian Chow said the third edition of the national women's competition marks another important milestone in the development of the sport."This is another important milestone for rugby league in Papua New Guinea as we launch the third year of the Santos Cup," Chow said.The competition, which began in 2024, will again feature six franchise teams, but this season has been expanded to include eight regular season rounds followed by a two-week finals' series. Matches will be played across Port Moresby, Lae, Goroka, Kokopo, and Mount Hagen.Chow said the competition continues to evolve, with players completing a mandatory five-week pre-season program aimed at raising standards across the board."We are building not just the competition; we are transforming our national sport into a truly inclusive platform for excellence," he said.He noted that the quality of women's rugby league has improved significantly since the inaugural season, with better speed, skill execution and fewer handling errors demonstrating the progress made when female athletes are provided with the right opportunities and support.Chow also thanked naming rights sponsor Santos and other partners, including the Australian Government's PacificAus Sports program, Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited and Digicel PNG, for their continued investment in the competition."Our partners are not just sponsoring a competition; they are investing in the empowerment of Papua New Guinean women and girls," he said.He encouraged supporters to get behind the competition as the new season begins, saying every match represents another step forward for women's rugby league in Papua New Guinea.

Traditional canoes from Jayapura, Indonesia are expected to make their first appearance at the National Kenu and Kundu Festival when the event is held in Alotau, Milne Bay Province, from 6–8 November.Festival Chairman Habona Tasman said the participation follows a commitment made by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Belden Namah, who pledged to bring representative canoe teams from Jayapura in Indonesia and from Vanimo in the West Sepik province to this year's festival."The Minister has confirmed that canoes from Jayapura and Vanimo will be coming to the festival," Mr. Tasman said.While the number of canoes has not yet been confirmed, he said representative teams are expected to take part in what will be a historic first for the festival."This will be the first time we have participants from that side taking part in the festival," he said.Mr. Tasman said the invitation reflects the growing cultural relationship between Papua New Guinea and neighbouring Indonesia and follows previous cultural exchanges involving Milne Bay groups.He said organisers believe the addition of international participants will further enhance the festival's reputation as one of the country's leading cultural celebrations.The National Kenu and Kundu Festival showcases traditional canoe racing, cultural performances, arts and crafts, and the unique maritime heritage of Milne Bay and Papua New Guinea.This year's festival is expected to attract visitors from across the country and overseas as organisers continue preparations for the three-day event in November.

Preparations are progressing well for the 2026 National Kenu and Kundu Festival, with organisers confirming the annual cultural event will be held from 6–8 November in Alotau, Milne Bay Province.National Kenu and Kundu Festival Chairman Habona Tasman said planning is already underway, with the organising committee working closely with district coordinators and stakeholders to ensure another successful festival."Our first coordinators' meeting was held on June 10, and the second meeting is scheduled for July 10," Mr. Tasman said.He said coordinators from all four districts of Milne Bay Province will attend the meeting, along with a representative from the Mailu area on the Central-Milne Bay border, who is expected to participate in this year's festival.Mr. Tasman said the festival executive is also engaging with government agencies and private companies to secure sponsorship."We are working hard to secure sponsors, and several private businesses have already expressed interest in supporting this year's festival," he said.The chairman welcomed the continued support from the National Government, saying the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the National Cultural Commission (NCC) have committed to supporting the event.He said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Belden Namah visited Milne Bay in June and presented funding towards preparations for the festival.To complement sponsorship efforts, organisers recently hosted a fundraising dinner at APEC Haus in Port Moresby recently with support from Alotau Open MP Ricky Morris, Milne Bay Tourism Bureau Chairman, the festival's communications team and other supporters.The National Kenu and Kundu Festival is one of Papua New Guinea's premier cultural events, celebrating the country's maritime traditions, canoe-building heritage, music, dance and cultural diversity. Organisers are expecting strong participation from cultural groups across the country when the festival opens in November.

SP PNG Hunters forward Trevor Solu believes the club's difficult 2026 season is laying the foundation for future success, with experienced players working to develop the next generation of Hunters despite the team's struggles on the ladder.Ahead of this weekend's clash against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls, Solu acknowledged the Hunters have endured a disappointing season but said the squad remains united and committed to improving."We know we're in a difficult position and it's been a tough season. But we're working hard every day and the energy around the group is still positive. The focus now is to finish the season strongly and continue building."The Hunters have undergone significant changes this year following the departure of several senior players, forcing a new crop of young talent to adapt quickly to the demands of Queensland's Hostplus Cup competition.Solu said helping those emerging players develop has become one of the team's biggest priorities."When the younger boys get their opportunity, I tell them to just do their job and enjoy it. You don't want to put too much pressure on them because this competition is challenging. Every training session and every game is another chance to learn."As one of the club's senior players, Solu admitted the added responsibility has tested him throughout the season."It's been tough, but leadership comes with responsibility. Every day I challenge myself to work harder, lead by example and make sure I'm doing the right things both on and off the field."The experienced forward said the recent competition bye gave players time to reflect on the opening half of the season before returning with renewed focus."We went home, spent time with our families and reflected on where we are. Now it's about coming back together and working hard to improve."Despite sitting at the foot of the competition ladder, Solu said the playing group has not lost confidence in its ability or belief in the coaching staff."We believe in our coaches. They've played at the highest level and they know what it takes to help us improve. We're concentrating on ourselves and not worrying about outside opinions."He also dismissed suggestions that criticism on social media has affected the squad."Everyone has their own opinion, and that's part of the game. Our focus is on what we can control and getting better each week."Solu, who has played the full 80 minutes in several recent matches, said preparation and discipline remain key to his performances."I just try to prepare well at training, stay fit and make good decisions under fatigue. Whatever role the team needs me to play, I'm ready."While the Hunters' finals hopes have faded, Solu said the lessons learned this season would help shape a stronger team in the future."There are a lot of young players gaining valuable experience this year. If we keep working hard and stay together, the results will come."Solu also thanked the Hunters' loyal supporters for standing by the club during one of its most challenging campaigns. "We know our fans don't want to see us at the bottom, and neither do we. All we ask is that they continue believing in us. Everyone in this team has sacrificed a lot to wear the Hunters jersey, and we're determined to reward that support by finishing the season on a positive note."

The PNG Chiefs believe the recent historic signing of the club's first Papua New Guinean-born players is about much more than rugby league.For Chief Executive Officer Lorna McPherson, the announcement signals the beginning of a pathway that generations of young Papua New Guineans have dreamed of.Standing alongside General Manager – Football Michael Chammas, McPherson said the signing of Morea Morea, Finley Glare and Gairo Voro represented a turning point for the nation.McPherson said, "I don't feel it's about signing the players. For me, it's about possibilities for Papua New Guinea. It's about every boy and girl throughout our country believing their dreams matter."The three players have become the first Papua New Guinean-born footballers to sign with the PNG Chiefs, agreeing to two-year development contracts ahead of the club's entry into the NRL in 2028.McPherson said the milestone reflected years of investment in grassroots rugby league and player development.She said, "I have to acknowledge the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL), the Hunters and everyone involved in building these pathways. This reflects every bit of hard work that has gone into rugby league in this country."She said the Chiefs were determined to become more than just another professional sporting club."We are building more than a rugby league club. We're building belief that Papua New Guinea deserves a seat at the table. We're creating a pathway where every child has hope and every child can see a future."General Manager – Football Michael Chammas echoed those sentiments, describing the signings as the beginning of a new chapter rather than the final destination."Today is bigger than three players. It's about showing every young Papua New Guinean that if they work hard, stay disciplined and make sacrifices, the opportunity will come."Chammas revealed the club had identified the trio during a visit to England, where they met with the players while they were competing with the London Broncos.Rather than immediately offering contracts, the Chiefs allowed the players time to consider the opportunity before formalising the deals.Chammas said, "We made it clear that we saw them as part of our future. They've earned this opportunity through hard work and dedication."Although signed on development contracts, the players will train full-time with the Chiefs and remain eligible to push for selection in the NRL squad.Chammas said their progress over the next 18 months, including performances during the Rugby League World Cup and domestic competitions, would determine whether they graduate into the club's Top 30 roster."They have the opportunity now. The next chapter is theirs to write."With more player signings expected over the coming months, the Chiefs remain committed to building a competitive roster while ensuring Papua New Guinean talent remains at the heart of the club.For McPherson, however, Thursday's announcement will be remembered for something far greater."This is for Papua New Guinea. It's only the beginning," she said.

SP PNG Hunters coach Paul Aiton has appealed to supporters to rally behind his young playing group, saying criticism on social media is adding unnecessary pressure to a team already battling injuries and inexperience.Ahead of Sunday's Hostplus Cup clash against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls, Aiton acknowledged supporters' passion but urged fans to remember the Hunters are rebuilding with a youthful squad."There's a lot of outside noise," Aiton said."I understand because our supporters are passionate, but there's also a lot of pressure on these young men."Aiton said players were not immune to criticism circulating online."You can't tell players not to look at social media, but they're young people and that's part of life now. They're getting pressure at training, pressure from outside, and pressure from family as well. We're trying to take some of that pressure off them," he said.The Hunters have fielded several debutants this season after a lengthy injury toll forced continual changes to the squad.According to Aiton, many players have only managed a handful of games before injuries disrupted their progress, making consistency difficult.Despite the club's struggles, Aiton said he had been encouraged by the commitment shown by his players, particularly during last week's defeat when the Hunters played much of the game with 12 men following the dismissal of Sonny."The scoreline didn't show it, but the effort from our players when we were a man down was next level. A lot of players really stood up."Aiton said the Hunters continued to review every performance and remained focused on developing the next generation of players, with emerging talent from the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and National Youth Competition already being monitored for future opportunities.He finished with a heartfelt message to supporters."Our second pillar as a club is family. In Papua New Guinea, when someone in the family is doing it tough, everyone comes together to support them. I appeal to our fans to get behind these young men. Some have only played one or two games and they're getting blasted on social media.""I don't think that's family. We're all one family, so let's come together and show these boys the support they deserve," said Aiton.