Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), promising stronger government involvement in improving transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s mineral and petroleum resources.
PM Marape made the commitment during a meeting with a visiting EITI delegation led by newly appointed Board Chair Maria van der Hoeven and Executive Director of the EITI International Secretariat Mark Robinson.
The visit follows PNG’s recent EITI validation assessment, which awarded the country 63.5 points, placing it in the Limited Progress category under the 2023 EITI Standard.
While acknowledging improvements in beneficial ownership transparency, public understanding of Community Development Agreements and reporting quality, the EITI Board identified 27 corrective actions that require government attention.
These include stronger government participation, greater transparency in mining and petroleum contracts, improved disclosure of resource revenues, and better reporting practices.
PM Marape said the Government supported the EITI process and was committed to addressing the outstanding requirements.
He stressed that government departments must continue carrying out their responsibilities despite the approaching 2027 National General Election.
He said public servants, particularly departmental heads, had an important role in ensuring government policies and commitments were implemented regardless of political changes.
The Prime Minister directed that the delegation meets senior officials from the Departments of Treasury, Mining, Petroleum and Energy, along with other relevant agencies, to coordinate efforts towards meeting the EITI requirements.
The delegation raised concerns about limited participation by senior government officials, saying stronger ministerial and departmental leadership was needed to implement the recommendations.
PNG’s progress in strengthening government engagement will be assessed in April 2027, ahead of its next full EITI validation scheduled to begin in July 2029.
PM Marape said transparency was also important in maintaining investor confidence and ensuring companies operating in PNG complied with the country’s taxation and regulatory systems.
He emphasised that the benefits from mining and petroleum must extend beyond the lifespan of these industries, as the country’s natural resources were finite, and their development carried environmental costs.
He said revenue generated from the extractive sector must be invested in other sustainable economic activities to support future generations.
The Prime Minister also welcomed a proposed regional forum on responsible mining investment in the Philippines in June 2027, indicating PNG would seek appropriate senior-level representation.
He commended the PNG EITI National Secretariat, led by Executive Director George Kauli, and the wider Multi-Stakeholder Group for their continued work in promoting transparency and accountability in the extractive sector.
PM Marape said the Government would continue supporting the initiative to ensure the country's mineral and petroleum resources delivered maximum benefits to Papua New Guineans.