The OK Tedi mine will continue operation until 2050 following an approval in principal from the OK Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) Board on the mine’s extension.
OTML Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Kedi IIimbit estimates the extension will generate K30 billion in dividends, royalties, compensation payments and taxes to the shareholders and communities over the next 27 years.
“The approval by the Board on the eve of Papua New Guinea’s 48th Independence is a welcoming gift to the communities in which we operate and who provide us the social license to do continue,” said Ilimbit.
Chairman of OMTL Board, Jeffrey Innes said the mine had tripled its value in the last six years.
“The Strategic Business Plan gives the Board confidence in OTML’s continued operational success,” said Innes.
The approval of the extension of 17 more years from 2033-2050 is based on a Strategic Business Plan submitted by the Executive Team and discussed during the OTML Board Meeting on 13th September.
The extension was factored by several things including;
a strengthen long term copper price outlook, -additional mine waste storage solutions like Engineered Rock waste dumps,
tailoring storage facility to minimize impacts of evironment damage, renewal of aged processing plant assets and
implementation of other strategic programs that are currently in varies stages of completion.
38 members of the Kandangapma Women’s Business Group in Angoram took part in a capacity building program conducted through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-STREIT program.
The group consists of agripreneurs and business minded women, involved in fish processing and marketing, sewing and bilum making.
The first workshop, held in Angoram, centered on topics crucial for the success of MSMEs, like, group dynamics, effective leadership skills, and communication and encourages participants to assume leadership roles.
Assistant Chairlady of Kandangapma Women’s Business Group, Verjulah Mowe said she is now more aware of the different roles and responsibilities of her group members.
“I can now make a clear connection between good leadership and sound communication skills and the success of any group business,” said Mowe.
At the end of the workshop, a FAO-Thiaroye Technique (FTT) site for fish processing (fish smoking) was handed over to the Women’s Business Group.
This capacity-building opportunity had equipped these women entrepreneurs with the skills needed to manage their working capital, including the FTT, more effectively and efficiently as a group.
Patu Shang, the Gender and Youth Inclusion Specialist who took lead in the learning session said such trainings give women insight into management skills.
“When women become economically empowered through MSMEs, they gain a sense of agency, and contribute meaningfully to household incomes, thereby improving food and nutrition security, ultimately leading to a better quality of life,” said Shang.
The National Airport Corporation (NAC) will carry out some repair works on Kagamuga Airport runway starting on the 27th of September.
This will see the downgrading of Fokker 100 services into Mt. Hagen to Q400 (or similar).
NAC says after identifying a deficiency on the 180 meter runway, it will be taking necessary actions to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft is maintained according to aviation rules and regulations.
In a statement released by the Airport Corporation, it says while the repair work is expected to cause some inconvenience to the airline companies, it is important to maintain the airport and vital infrastructure.
Kagamuga is the busiest airport in the Highlands Region serving thousands of people from Southern Highlands, Western Highlands, Enga, Jiwaka and Chimbu provinces.
NAC aims to have the runway improved with two months by taking advantage of the favorable weather before the start of the festive season (peak period).
The work will be conducted by a specialist contract independent of the existing contractor for Mt. Hagen.
As operation work progresses, Fokker 70 aircrafts will land in Kagamuga and when work is complete Fokker 100 will resume into Western Highlands Service.
With the closure of Mendi airport and temporary shut down of airline services into Wapenamanda airport, more people are traveling into Mt. Hagen before going to other Highlands provinces.
The Papua New Guinean Government is looking forward to sending a robust contingent to the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands.
Prime Minister, James Marape said his government is fully committed to assembling a determined and formidable team of athletes for the highly-anticipated 2023 Pacific Games, scheduled to be held in Honiara.
“We wholeheartedly endorse our team and call upon our athletes, Team PNG management, and the PNG Olympic Committee to prepare diligently, upholding our nation’s honor,” said Marape.
The 2023 Pacific Games will be held in Honiara Solomon Islands, from November 19th to December 2nd, 2023.
When launching the 2023 Prime Minister’s Golf Challenge, Marape announced a fundraising initiative aimed at garnering support for Team PNG in their quest for success at the games.
“The National Government’s commitment to our team heading to Honiara is unwavering. It’s heartening to witness corporate organisations stepping forward to offer their support,” said Marape.
Apart from supporting team PNG, the PNG government deployed a contingent of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to Honiara to assist Solomon Islands police provide security during the games.
Ten women selected from four regions in Bougainville will travel to Australia as first participants under the Bougainville Government’s Labor Mobility Program.
Samantha Makasu is one of participants and said to do her best during the nine months course of the program.
“We want to assure you all and our families that we will do our best, learn as much as we can and return to assist our families, communities and Bougainville as a whole,” said Samantha.
ABG Department of Commerce, Trade and Economic Secretary, Alex Kerangpuna urged the ten participants to be ambassadors of Bougainville and make good use of the opportunity.
“Congratulations on being the pioneers of this program. Participation in this program is a milestone for your, families, community, people of Bougainville and also for the government,” Kerangpuna said.
The Labor Mobility Program is aimed at empowering young Bougainvilleans by offering them work opportunities in Australia’s agriculture sector.
It is a partnership between the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and Australia.
First Secretary to the Australian High Commission in Bougainville Dr. Fiona Crockford said it was an honor for Australia to partner with the ABG to start this as a pilot program in Bougainville.
“The labor mobility program is essential to the Australian Government’s commitment to build a stronger Pacific family, it aims to strengthen links between people, businesses and communities, fostering deep connections between Australia and Papua New Guinea,” said Dr. Fiona.
Kerangpuna explained that although PNG had it its own labor mobility program, having such a program exclusively for Bougainville is a great achievement as it will also strengthen ties and opportunities for Bougainvilleans.
Dr. Crockford said the program provides the economic pathway for participants to develop skills, earn good income and support their families back home, adding that the recipients will not only invest their savings in their families and communities but also contribute to the local economy by starting new businesses.
The ten female recipients were selected from North, Central, South Bougainville and Nissan and the Atolls.
Prime Minister James Marape is expected to attend several more meetings in Hong Kong and China including a Official State Visit to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
With Marape’s increased overseas travels, former Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill said it’s surprising to see Prime Minister James Marape head off overseas yet again.
O’Neill said it is worrying when Marape failed to attend the most important dedication of our country’s 48th anniversary, but instead travelled to Tari then flying overseas.
However, Marape said his travels overseas is for national interest and the visit to US is necessary as PNG’s national security takes precedence.
Marape attends the inaugural PNG-Asia Mining & Petroleum Investment Conference in Hong Kong on 16 October and the 3rd Belt & Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China on 17 October.
In both conferences, Marape will deliver keynote addresses then depart for the People’s Republic of China on his Official State Visit to meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in bilateral meetings, and attend the forum where he will deliver another statement.
Marape is expected to advocate for Pacific Island Counties being affected by effects of Climate Change at a Chinese university .
It’s about passion and putting your body on the line. That pretty much summed up what senior player Nene Macdonald and Prop Forward Valentine Culligan had to say about today’s PM’s XIII match.
Both players are part of an underdog PNG Prime Ministers XIII en route for a showdown with a star studded Australian PM’s XIII side that are favorites to dominate the match.
With overwhelming odds against them they look to the basics in rugby league and the passion they share to represent PNG in the sport of rugby league.
Nene Macdonald first represented PNG in 2013 and this time around, he is one of the senior players that are pushing the debutants to give their all against the Aussies.
Nene Macdonald
A senior player no doubt he will be pivotal in attack and defense. He says the same passion that he had years ago is present in the debutants and knows they can give a good challenge to their opponents.
“I remember putting on the jersey in 2013 and coming out to the crowd. The atmosphere was great seeing everyone in the crowd cheering, a very emotional moment and very proud moment for me and my family,” Macdonald said.
The passion that PNG has is always ambient around the team. Especially in the presence of former Kumul players, most of which, are part of the Coaching staff. Former Kumuls like Paul Aiton and John Wilshere among others, continue to strengthen the next crop of Kumuls to come.
“For us the passion has been our strongest weapon for the fight. I will always be proud of being a Papua New Guinean. It’s been almost five years since I came back to PNG and it’s great to be back.
“Putting past players into the team as staff, they know what it’s like to put that jersey on. I think for us when you put that Kumul Jersey on. It’s a bit different than playing for another country. We work so hard and it’s a big dream for many young Papua New Guineans playing for the national team,” Macdonald added
PNG’s Prime Minister’s XIII side in training.
It will be tough and the PNG boys are up against the might of Australia’s PM’s XIII. It can be intimidating but Prop forward Valentine Culligan is up for the cause. Players like Tino Fa’asuamaleaui pose the biggest threat in the forwards, but Valentine is not shaken, and is ready for the battle.
He added that they have to keep it simple and bring on the aggression. He is ready to go all out in this encounter.
“We will be keeping it simple. We have to run hard and tackle hard and keep the errors to a minimum. It will be tough but like I said, I’ll put my body on the line to try my best and keep giving my best.”
The Aussies PM’s XIII arrived to the usual fanfare by Papua New Guineans at the Jacksons International Airport, which they found it as more than what was expected.
A crowd had formed before the ETA of the Aussies at 3.30pm the Australian Contingent made up of the Australian Defense Force Men and Women, two junior teams men’s and women’s and the women’s and Men’s PM’s XIII’s.
A total of 230 as the total contingent flew in to PNG on an Australian Air Force flight. the crowd mostly made up of children and young men went into a frenzy when the Australian Men’s PM’s XIII walked out at the arrivals.
The crowd soon swarmed in on the players as several players including Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow got his team cap pulled off his head.
The chants of “Tino, Tino, Tino” as Tino Fa’asuamaleaui walked into the team bus covered the open air outside, behind him a frantic chase of cat and mouse between guards and the fans, children mostly kept circling the bus making gestures for any piece of souvenir they could beg off the NRL stars.
After a few photos and continuous chanting the team bus took off, with some members of the crowd latching while others ran after the bus a few got trampled before the police personnel dispersed the crowd from moving 25 seater Rosa bus from Budget Rent a car.
It seemed bewildering but expected by the Australians, with Australia PM’s XIII Captain Cameron Murray saying it was a crazy experience.
“Most of us were left speechless most we had a really good smile on our faces a bit crazy but what could have happened was probably what was expected,” Cameron Murray Australian PM’s XIII Captain said
“I came here when I was 16 years old to PNG, to one of the Islands but today’s airport scene takes the top spot.
“A crazy experience obviously at the airport, really excited to be here great to back in the Australian colors after the World Cup last year.”
For both teams the last encounter in PNG was in 2018 loyal rugby league followers in PNG are obviously relishing this opportunity for a weekend of international rugby league.
While the Aussies are overwhelming favorites, Coach Mal Meninga says it’s an opportunity for the Australian players to cement their place in the Kangaroos and get in some match fitness as well.
“It is an important part of the selection of the Kangaroo side and it’s for their fitness no doubt,” Mal Meninga said.
PNG as the underdogs are also gearing up for the challenge with the team quite modes with their approach.
“It’s been a good week, we look forward to the match against the Australians.
“Pacific Test coming up and we look forward to all the players turning up for that, it is a great opportunities for the team to have some these fringe players make an effort to make the Kumuls side for the pacific test,” PNG PM’s XIII Coach Justin Holbrook said
The PNG Prime Minister’s 13 has opted for Kyle Laybutt as Captain and are keen on the challenge ahead on Saturday against the Australian PM’s XIII.
Papua New Guineas Captain Kyle Laybutt says he is ready to represent Papua New Guinea and give his best.
“I am very proud to represent everyone in PNG as the captain no doubt and we look to take the field on Saturday,” Laybutt said
Kyle will be alongside his younger brother Zac Laybutt who will debut in PNG color’s as well, both look to contribute their best to PNG this weekend.
His Majesty, King Charles III, has been invited to officiate at the opening of the New Court Complex in Port Moresby next year.
Prime Minister, James Marape made these remarks when meeting the new British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ms. Anne Macro.
Macro assumes the role as Representative of the Crown in the Papua New Guinea succeeding outgoing High Commissioner, Keith Scott.
Before her appointment to PNG, Macro served as High Commissioner to Lesotho from 2019 to 2022. Her diplomatic career included roles as Deputy High Commissioner and Head of Political Team to Lesotho and Swaziland in Africa.
She previously served in Rangoon, Burma, as the Second Secretary for Political, Economic, Press, and Public Affairs from 2002 to 2007 and as Second Secretary for Trade and Investment in New Delhi, India in 2007.
Prime Minister, James Marape officially welcomed Her Excellency, suggesting her to visit other provinces to experience PNG culture.
“After settling into your office, I invite you to take the time to explore our beautiful provinces and get to know the essence of our nation,” said Marape
The British Government has recently increased it’s commitment in Papua New Guinea through Water, Health and Sanitation programs and offered education scholarship in the United Kingdom.
Lae Biscuit Company, a Papua New Guinea (PNG) owned food manufacturing company, has made history by becoming the first in the country to receive accreditation from SAI Global for the Food Safety System Certification FSSC 22000. This prestigious certification is a globally recognized food safety standard, which showcases the company’s commitment to international food industry requirements.
The FSSC 22000 certification is based on the technical specifications and standards of ISO 22000, ISO 9001, ISO/TS 22002, and the additional requirements of FSSC 22000. The accreditation process is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), implying a rigorous system to manage food safety risks and provide safe products for use by companies in the food industry.
The achievement is a significant milestone for the Lae Biscuit Company, particularly for the Chow family who have nurtured the business from its humble beginnings to a level where it now competes with multinational companies.
In 2021, Lae Biscuit Company, alongside ten other food manufacturing companies in Papua New Guinea, was awarded the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification by the Papua New Guinea Certification Services through the National Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology (NISIT) in PNG.
The attainment of the HACCP certification took three years, while the FSSC 22000 certification required over a year of dedicated effort.
Ian Chow, Chairman of Lae Biscuit Company, expressed his pride over the company’s accomplishment. He commended the managers and staff for their relentless commitment and for fulfilling all the requirements to achieve this certification.
Edwin Elmer Wong, the General Manager, shared the company’s delight in being the first PNG-owned company to receive the FSSC 22000 certification. He emphasized the importance of the certification, from the procurement of raw materials to line production and final products, and even to the up-skilling of manpower.
“The certification underlines Lae Biscuit as a food manufacturing company that produces trusted brands of exceptional quality and absolute value,” said Wong. He also noted that the certification would further enhance quality production and productivity through the identification of specific control points and the implementation of appropriate control measures.
The achievement comes after the opening of the state-of-the-art Lae Biscuit Company factory in October 2017. The company now guarantees its manufacturing safety systems and management in compliance with the latest benchmarking requirements of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
The news of the FSSC 22000 certification came over the Independence weekend, marking a new chapter of global recognition for Lae Biscuit Company and Papua New Guinea’s food manufacturing industry.
