Hidden Valley Mine is investing in sustainable farming to help local communities prepare for life beyond mining. “We know mining won’t last forever. That’s why we’re helping our people grow a future beyond gold and silver,” said Esther Bill, Agriculture Program Supervisor. The mine provides seeds, tools, and training to farmers, teaching them skills such as coffee pruning, proper bean drying, and managing chicken farms. Local farmers, like the Nauti community, have formed cooperatives and are now roasting and selling their own coffee. The mine also helps farmers connect with buyers through events like the Morobe Show. Looking ahead, Hidden…
Author: Martha LOUIS
Efforts to recover the victims of Sunday’s fatal plane crash in Sapmanga, Morobe Province, have been significantly delayed due to inclement weather and the difficult terrain. Persistent rain, heavy cloud cover, and rugged landscapes have made access to the crash site nearly impossible, stalling the retrieval of the deceased. On Christmas Day, two attempts were made to recover the bodies of the four passengers, but both were unsuccessful due to poor visibility and the remote, forested location of the wreckage. The wreckage of the B2-SAM aircraft, operated by North Coast Aviation, was found in the mountainous area near Sapmanga. The…
The body of the pilot from the plane that crashed near Sapmanga in Morobe Province has been recovered and flown to Lae, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso confirmed today. Tragically, there were no survivors among the five people aboard the aircraft. Rosso said the plane, which went missing on Sunday, was carrying four passengers and the pilot en route to Nadzab Airport when it crashed into dense jungle at an altitude of approximately 8,400 feet. He said Search efforts began immediately after the aircraft was reported missing around 10:30 AM on Sunday by initial searches conducted by Manolos Aviation Limited,…
Efforts to assess the crash site of the North Coast Aviation (NCA) aircraft in the jungles of Morobe province resumes this morning after it was called off yesterday due to bad weather. Due to heavy cloud cover over the mountainous crash site, the team sent in to assess the crash was prevented from being winched down to the jungle floor on Monday afternoon. Manolos Aviation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Flight Operations Manager, Capt. Jurgen Ruh, confirmed the delay and said a Manolos Aviation nurse has undergone winch training and is ready to support the operation. Yesterday, a helicopter from…
The wreckage of North Coast Aviation’s (NCA) P2-SAM aircraft has been located, but no survivors have been seen so far. A rescue helicopter from Port Moresby landed at the Manolos Aviation heliport in Lae at around 1:10 PM today, bringing four officers, including a pilot and loadmaster. They were joined by NCA Operations Manager Jordan Thiele, two female medical staff, and a soldier from the Igam Engineering Battalion for the operation. A doctor has also been deployed to the crash site. The Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) confirmed the aircraft, carrying five people, went missing on Sunday while flying from Wasu…
PNG HAUSBUNG has confirmed that the wreckage of a North Coast Aviation (NCA) plane has been located from the air by a Manolos Aviation rescue helicopter, however, no sign of survivors has been reported yet. The aircraft, believed to have been carrying the First Assistant Secretary of the Housing Ministry and other officials, was en route from Tewai Siassi district to Lae but failed to arrive as scheduled on Saturday 21st December. Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso, revealed in an update that he joined the first helicopter flight from Lae at 5:30 a.m. today alongside the Manolos…
Lae police have launched their Christmas and New Year operations to ensure a safe festive season, Acting Lae Metropolitan Commander Chief Inspector James Luan confirmed. The operations, which include city patrols and maintaining public order, have received strong community and business support. Companies such as Trukai, SVS, and Papindo have donated food and water to assist officers during the busy period. In a show of solidarity, the Lae Peace and Order Committee, chaired by Yax Tugula, organized a community-sponsored barbecue for police personnel, a first for Lae. Luan expressed gratitude for the initiative and the backing from residents and business…
Acting Assistant Police Commissioner (ACP) for Northern Command, Chris Kunyanban, has announced that police operations for the festive season will begin next week. Preparations are in full swing, with community leaders working closely with law enforcement to ensure a safe and enjoyable Christmas period. ACP Kunyanban highlighted the importance of celebrating responsibly, reminding the public to prioritize safety during festivities. “This is a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy, but we urge everyone to do so responsibly.” “Celebrations like parties and sporting events are important, but they should not result in harm or disruption.” He also…
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Northern Command, Chris Kunyanban, has sounded the alarm over the illegal smuggling of fireworks into Papua New Guinea, calling it a persistent threat to public safety. Kunyanban said while the importation of fireworks is regulated by law, gaps in border security have allowed contraband to flow into provinces like Lae, Madang, Wewak, and even the Highlands. “Limited resources and stretched police capacity make it difficult to monitor and secure our borders effectively,” he said. He added that illegal fireworks often accompany other smuggled goods, including firearms. The issue was highlighted after the recent…
The Hidden Valley Mine’s efforts to promote sustainable agriculture are transforming Nauti village into a thriving hub for coffee production. The mine’s legacy project, aimed at preparing landowner communities for life after mining, has brought essential training and tools to farmers like Mandra Jason. After years of hard work, Mandra said the workshops helped her boost both her skills and income. “The training changed how we work—it’s made us better farmers.” The support includes infrastructure like a coffee dryer house, helping couples like Shalome Raimon and Raimon Belris refine their operations. “The dryer house has been a game changer for…