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The Essential Role of PNG’s Mineral Resources Authority

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MRA logo ontop of a backdrop of alluvial mining picture

The Mineral Resources Authority is a government agency responsible for executing all mining-related functions on behalf of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. The authority is the custodian of the mining sector in PNG. MRA accounts for over 60% of PNG’s export revenue. 

Established right after Independence on September 16, 1975, the Independent State of PNG had its own Parliamentary system with several Members of Parliament appointed to Ministries, including Natural Resources, which had the Department of Natural Resources. 

The department administered;

  1. Mining Development Act 1976
  2. Petroleum (Prospecting & Mining) Act 1976
  3. Continental Shelf (Living & Natural Resources) Act
  4. Mining (Bougainville Copper Agreement) Act, and
  5. Mining (Safety) Act 1977

In 1983, the Ministry of Natural Resources was realigned and renamed, to the Ministry of Mineral and Energy. The department under the ministry was the Department of Minerals & Energy that administered all legislation under the former department of natural resources. 

In 1992, during the reign of Sir Robbie Natalie as the Prime Minister of PNG, the department reviewed the Mining Development Act 1976 that resulted in the creation of a new legislation, which is the current Mining Act 1992. 

In 1998, the Government, under the leadership of former Prime Minister when late Bill Skate was the Prime Minister, the separated mineral resources and petroleum & energy.  resources and their office stations separated. All mineral resources sector and its relevant legislations were placed under the new Department of Mining and petroleum and energy legislations were under the Department of Petroleum and Energy. 

In the year 2000, the World Bank gave USD$10 million loan to the PNG Government for the Mining Sector Institutional Strengthening Project with the primary aim to strengthen the national capacity of national government agencies to attract new foreign investors to the mining sector. One of the recommendations was to establish an Authority, an organization free of political interference with its own funds from the production levies collected from the mines, which led to the birth of the Mineral Resources Authority. 

In 2005, the Government enacted the Minerals Resources Authority Act 2005. This legislation paved the way for the birth of the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA). 

Until 2007, MRA became operational, from its brand new building known as the Sir Paul Lapun Haus, commonly called the Mining Haus. Unfortunately, the building burnt down in 2014. The cause is still unknown. 

MRA currently administer the following legislations;

  1. Mining Act 1992
  2. Mining (Safety) Act 1977
  3. Mining (OkTedi Continuation Agreement) Act 2001. 

MRA FUNCTIONS & APPROACH

On 19th August 1998, the National Executive Council (NEC) considered a Policy Submission requesting approval for the creation of the Mineral Resources Authority through an Act of Parliament. On 9th November 2005 and which came into force on 1st January, 2006.

The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) is a government institution established to regulate, grow and sustainably manage the mining (minerals) industry to maximize mineral export revenue for PNG. 

MRA’s key functions and responsibilities is to;

  1. Advise Minister on matters relating to management, exploitation, and development of PNG mineral resources in PNG. 
  2. Oversee administration and enforcement of Mining Act 1992, Mining Safety Act, Mining Development Act, Ok Tedi Acts and Bougainville Copper Agreement Act (whose responsibility is now with the Bougainville government).
  3. Promote orderly exploration and development of PNG mineral resources, and administer and manage all exploration and mining tenements in PNG.
  4. Negotiate mining development contracts and MOAs, provide liaison and facilitate meetings between stakeholders of specific exploration and mining projects.
  5. Conduct geo-scientific investigations into PNG geological resources and promote these resources to potential investors and developers.
  6. Provide small scale mining services. 

According to MRA, successful mining and exploration requires a good understanding and respect for the diversity of the country, both win terms of cultures and socio-economic contexts, as well as biodiversity and natural characteristics. 

MRA assists companies in abiding by existing legislation in this regard, and in providing overall advice, and in expertise which has been built up from work conducted throughout PNG.

Meanwhile, MRA is principally a government regulatory institution providing regulatory services to companies holding exploration and ming tenements in PNG. 

MRA is also a scientific institution conducting surveys and explorations to understand better the geology and mineralization of PNG. It is the custodian of all mineral and other earth sciences data in PNG. 

WHAT MRA DOES

The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) is a government institution established to regulate, growth and sustainably manage the mining (minerals) industry to maximize mineral export revenue for PNG. MRA is the custodian of over 15, 000 volumes of exploration reports and over 900,000 data points of mineral data. It is the first point of contact for any businesses in the mining sector. 

As the mining business encroaches on customary land, local communities are impacted one way or the other, and with the perceptions and expectations on improvement of their lives. The MRA plays an important role in facilitating and managing these perceptions and expectations. It is the middleman for all stakeholders in the mining and exploration and related activities. 

PERMITS

The Tenements Administration Branch is headed by a manager who is also the Registrar of tenements. The Register’s Office administers the PNG Mining Act 1992 which is the Law that regulated mineral exploration and mining in PNG. 

Apart from administering permits, the branch also oversees the revenue from alluvial gold exports. It also maintains a repository of mine production and royalty data. The permitting process will be fully electronic soon should the revised Law is enacted. 

TYPE OF TENEMENTS

There are various types of Mineral Tenements provided for under the Mining Act 1992 which are issued by the Mining Minister on recommendation from the Mining Advisory Council. These tenements are;

  1. Exploration License (EL) – enables the holder to conduct mineral exploration within the area on land and offshore within the State of PNG. The license term is two years subject to extension. The area six is 1 sub block or 3.14 square kilometers minimum. The rights to develop mineral resources within the EL rests with the EL holder. Alluvial Mining lease is held only by naturalized citizens for mining 
  2. Mining Lease (ML) – a mining Lease is generally issued for small to medium scale alluvial and hard rock mining operations. The lease terms up to 20-years and can subsequently be extended for up to 10-years. The area size sis up to 60 square kilometers. Mining lease for hard rock resource development can be held 100% by a foreign entity. Mining lease for alluvial purpose with foreign interests can be had in the ration 49%:51% favouring nationals.
  3. Special Mining Lease – Large and mega mining projects are usually undertaken under a SML. The Mining Minister in considering the size of the mineral deposit, the method of treating it, the infrastructure required for the project, economic consideration and financing of the property may decide on the project being undertaken under mining development contract. The mining development contract is entered into between the State and the project proponent and it captures terms not already captured in the mining law. The decision by the Minister brings about a mining development forum where the terms of the contract are negotiated.
  4. Alluvial Mining Lease (AML) – this lease is held only by naturalized citizens for mining alluvial minerals. The citizen must be the owner of the land over which the lease falls. The area size can be up to five hectares maximum and the term of the lease is up to five years extendable Gold is the alluvial mineral usually mined under an AML. With no alluvial minerals definition in the mining law, it is generally perceived all other alluvial minerals are inclusive. 
  5. Lease for Mining Purpose (LMP) – LMPS are leases that hold infrastructure that support mining projects. The lease is usually issued outside but adjacent to a primary mining tenement, if the primary tenement cannot hold all the infrastructure required for the mining project. The term of the LMP is tied to the term of the primary tenement. The area size of the LMP can go up to 60 square kilometers maximum. 
  6. Mining Easement (ME) – A tenement that serves as an easement for infrastructure that supports a mining project. An easement may overlap other establishments. The intent is to excise certain land areas from the establishments for the purpose of the easement. Easements usually caters for infrastructure that requires narrow lateral extent but covers long distances such as roads, railway, power transmission lines, pipelines, waterways, to name a few.

PROCESS FOR APPLYING FOR A MINING LEASE

  1. Register on the MRA Portal
  2. Submit a lease application with supporting documents including proposals, financial and technical capacity evidence, land title information;
  3. Mining Warden Hearing where community views are recorded, and 
  4. Recommendation by the Mining Advisory Council
  5. Final grant or refusal by the relevant authority. 

MRA Use of Templates/Forms

Form 4: For a standard Mining Lease

Form 5: For an Alluvial Mining Lease

Form 3: For a Special Mining Lease

Form 8/17: Used for application particulars and boundary descriptions

Form TMP1: For online portal registration. 

These forms are available from the MRA website or head office in Port Moresby. 

MRA has five (5) Divisions

  1. Development Coordination Division
  2. Regulatory Operations Division
  3. Geological Survey Division
  4. Corporate Services Division
  5. Office of the Managing Director 

The Managing Director is responsible to the Board for matters relating to administration and institution of the MRA including its day to day operation and activities.  The Managing Director is responsible for the Minister relating to the implementation of the provisions of the Mining Act 1992 and all mining regulatory or policy matters.

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Santos CEO to Headline Flagship PNG Investment Summit in Sydney

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Silver haired caucasian man earing a navy blue suit and tie

Kevin Gallagher, Managing Director and CEO of Santos, is set to lead a global lineup of business executives as the headline speaker at the PNG Investment Leaders’ Summit, a central event of the Papua New Guinea Investment Week 2025.

The summit is scheduled to take place from December 8–11 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, operating under the theme “Stronger Together – Investing for the Future.”

Gallagher helms one of the world’s leading energy companies, which serves as a cornerstone investor in Papua New Guinea. Santos has a more than 100-year association with PNG and has invested billions of dollars into the nation’s oil and gas sector.

These investments include transformative projects such as the established PNG LNG venture and the upcoming P’nyang Gas Project. These projects are described as being “critical to the nation’s economic growth and energy security.” The company continues to drive sustainable development, create jobs, and generate significant revenue for the country.

Gallagher’s keynote address is expected to offer unparalleled insights into global energy trends, LNG expansion, and investment strategies shaping the Asia-Pacific region. His participation highlights the summit’s role as the premier platform for strategic dialogue between PNG and Australia’s top decision-makers.

The four-day Investment Week aims to unite global investors, industry leaders, and policymakers for high-level discussions focused on unlocking investment opportunities and forging partnerships in PNG.

Current registration figures show strong interest, with over 800 delegates confirmed. Sponsorships have reached 58% capacity, and exhibition booths are 83% booked.

The program includes several dedicated forums and networking events:

  • December 8: International Suppliers Forum, PNG Regulators Forum, and PNG Climate Investment Summit.
  • December 9: PNG Investment Leaders’ Summit (featuring Kevin Gallagher).
  • December 10: PNG Resources & Energy Investment Summit.
  • December 11: PNG Infrastructure Investment Summit and PNG Resources Exploration Forum.

Networking opportunities include the Investment Week Golf Challenge, which also supports charitable initiatives, and the PNGIW25 Gala Dinner for informal engagement.

These sessions are set to showcase investment-ready projects across a wide range of sectors, including mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, infrastructure, and climate solutions.

Organizers are strongly recommending early confirmation to secure participation and maximize visibility, as spaces for delegates, sponsors, and exhibitors remain available but are filling fast.

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Paradise Private Hospital Joins Nasfund’s Discount Program

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THE National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) has announced a new partnership with Paradise Private Hospital (PPH), which will provide discounts for Nasfund members and registered employers.

The agreement, signed on Thursday, August 7th, 2025, makes PPH a new loyalty partner for Nasfund’s Employer to Employer (E2E) Discount Program and the Member Discount Program (MDP).

Under the partnership, Nasfund members and employers will receive a 10% discount on a variety of healthcare services at PPH, including outpatient and emergency services, maternity care, and diagnostic imaging like X-rays and ultrasounds. To get the discount, members must show a valid Nasfund membership card, while employers need to present a Nasfund E2E card.

“This initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and affordability for Papua New Guineans,” Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma stated.

PPH Chairman Dr. Robin Sios, who signed the agreement along with Co-Owner Mrs. Janet Sios and CEO Dr. Polapoi Chalau, expressed excitement about the collaboration.

“We are excited about this loyalty program and to partner with the Fund to support promotional efforts to raise awareness of the benefits available to our Nasfund members and employers at our hospital,” said Dr. Sios.

Mrs. Sios added that the partnership is particularly meaningful because PPH is a nationally owned hospital and a large portion of its clients are already Nasfund members.

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Chinese Agriculture Experts Visit to Boost PNG Farming Skill

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A team of agricultural experts from China recently visited Papua New Guinea to kickstart efforts to revitalize the nation’s agriculture sector.

The visit is part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last year, aimed to provide valuable training and knowledge to local agriculture professionals.

PNG has been facing challenges in supporting its agriculture sector, particularly in research. Recognizing this gap, the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS) from China stepped in to help. Their delegation, consisting of six professors, held an intensive one-day “Agri-Tech” workshop in Port Moresby on Monday, June 30, 2025.

Over 20 participants from various organizations, including commodity boards, the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), and the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, attended the workshop.

The training covered a wide range of topics, from rice cultivation and soil improvement to livestock breeding and agro-product quality management.

They also shared insights into China’s agricultural import and export standards and the growing demand for organic and sustainably produced goods.

A key takeaway for participants was the potential for PNG to access the vast Chinese market. However, as Professor Yuan Liu from JAAS’s Food Safety and Nutrition Division highlighted, all imports must meet strict World Trade Organization (WTO) and CODEX food safety standards.

In the Pacific, Vanuatu kava was approved for Export in 2023 and Fiji’s Ginger and Coconut Products.
Mr. David Tenakanai, General Manager-Technical Services at the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA), was overwhelmed that despite agreements with China to export Agricultural produce, PNG is yet to meet the market standards. He challenged attendees and government agencies to fast-track the necessary formalities in meeting the required standards.

Dr. Nelson Simbiken, Director General of NARI, encouraged participants to make the most of the new information shared by the Chinese trainers. The MOU between NARI and JAAS outlines a collaborative effort to:

  • Conduct research and development across agricultural food value chains.
  • Develop human talent for agricultural research and innovation.
  • Establish a joint research platform for community engagement.
  • Optimize policy advocacy for agriculture.

This training is the beginning of other trainings that we will be conducted through the China Pacific Island Countries Agriculture Cooperation and Demonstration Centre.

“Through the MOU with JAAS, we will set up a Field Demonstration plot at Laloki. We have selected a site where they will be based. When they are here, they become the resource, where we will continue to feed areas that need further training.”

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Calls Grow for United Front Against Illegal Alluvial Mining in PNG

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Alluvial Mining site - muddy river bank

THE Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) is urging a unified effort from community leaders, landowners, and small-scale miners to combat the growing problem of unregulated alluvial mining across the nation.

This call comes amidst increasing concerns about the negative impact on the mining industry, local communities, and legitimate small-scale operators.

Recent reports have highlighted a concerning rise in illegal mining activities, including gold smuggling, which has coincided with a decline in lawful alluvial gold production. This trend has raised alarms throughout the sector, prompting swift action from regulatory bodies.


MRA Issues Stop-Work Notice

In response to these developments, the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) has issued a public stop-work notice specifically targeting unauthorized alluvial mining operations that utilize heavy machinery.

This enforcement action follows confirmed reports of individuals and companies engaging in illegal mining within designated alluvial mining districts and other regions.

The MRA emphasized that these operations are in direct violation of the Mining Act 1992 and warned that continued breaches would lead to legal consequences.


Government Takes Hard Stance

Mining Minister Rainbo Paita issued a stern warning to all operators “Operate within your permits or leave.”

Paita reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance approach to illegal mining, underscoring that all mining activities must adhere to the terms of their permits and licenses.

He stressed that failure to comply undermines the integrity of the sector and will not be tolerated.


PNG CORE Highlights Broader Concerns

As the leading representative body for the minerals sector, PNG CORE is deeply concerned about the environmental degradation, social disruption, and economic damage caused by these unregulated activities.

Such operations not only endanger surrounding communities but also hinder sustainable development opportunities and create unfair competition for compliant miners.

PNG CORE is appealing to community leaders and landowners to proactively safeguard their land and the future of their people.

This includes denying access to illegal miners, reporting suspicious activities to authorities, and verifying all mining engagements with the MRA before proceeding.

Small-scale miners are also strongly encouraged to pursue legal operations by securing the necessary licenses and permits for machinery use.

PNG CORE states that legal compliance ensures safer and environmentally responsible mining practices, contributing meaningfully to both community welfare and national development.


Coordinated Action Essential

Addressing illegal and unregulated alluvial mining requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach. Key areas of focus include formalization of operations, environmental stewardship, community health, and strengthened governance.

“PNG CORE unequivocally condemns unregulated alluvial mining.

“These activities are not only environmentally destructive and socially harmful, but also represent unfair competition that undermines legitimate, regulated alluvial miners and the broader resource sector committed to operating sustainably, safely, and in partnership with landowners and communities.

“PNG CORE fully supports the national mining laws and the essential regulatory role of the Mineral Resources Authority,” said PNG CORE Vice President, Assik Tommy Tomscoll.

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MRDC is Platinum Sponsor for PNG Resources Week 2025

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Mineral Resources Development Company Managing Director, Augustine Mano.

The Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) has confirmed its significant role in the upcoming 2025 PNG Resources Week, stepping up as a Platinum Sponsor.

This move, announced by the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE), highlights MRDC’s continued investment in the national conversation surrounding resource development and its impact on communities.

MRDC’s sponsorship is a contribution that supports PNG CORE’s function as a central platform for the resource sector.

PNG CORE facilitates vital discussions among landowners, communities, government, the private sector, academia, and industry leaders. This collaboration is essential for addressing challenges and opportunities within Papua New Guinea’s development landscape.

MRDC’s financial backing directly enables PNG CORE to host high-profile events like PNG Resources Week, providing a necessary forum for these diverse voices.

Sponsorship Aligns with Community Investment Record

The theme for the 2025 PNG Resources Week, “50 Years of Resources Building PNG Communities,” directly aligns with MRDC’s established track record of community investment. Since 2018, MRDC has committed nearly K80 million through its Community Investment Trust Fund (CITF).


These investments have supported infrastructure projects in key areas such as education, health, social and economic programs, and renewable resources. Such initiatives play a role in augmenting government services and contributing to improved quality of life in communities affected by resource operations.

Perspectives on the Partnership

PNG CORE Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Pansy Taueni-Sialis, acknowledged the sponsorship’s practical benefits.

“We thank MRDC for coming on board as a Platinum Sponsor for the 2025 PNG Resources Week. Their support enables PNG CORE to continue creating platforms that unite stakeholders and spark transformative conversations.

MRDC’s work in reinvesting in communities and advocating for landowner interests resonates strongly with our mission to capture the hearts and minds of Papua New Guineans. Together, we are building a legacy of pride, progress, and partnership in the resource sector.”

Augustine Mano, Managing Director of Mineral Resources Development Company, emphasized the event’s importance for landowners. “We have been a long-standing partner of PNG CORE and a major sponsor of its initiatives. The event is an important platform for our landowners to engage, share experiences, and collaborate in areas of mutual interest,” Mano stated.

MRDC’s Platinum sponsorship provides substantial support for the 2025 PNG Resources Week, ensuring the event can effectively gather key stakeholders to discuss and influence the future of PNG’s resource industry. The PNG Resources Golden Exhibition will also feature prominently, marking half a century of development in the nation’s resource sectors.




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“Share a Coke” Returns to Papua New Guinea

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Share a coke campaign

Coca-Cola has announced the return of its “Share a Coke” campaign in Papua New Guinea, offering consumers the chance to find their names and nicknames on bottles and cans of the popular soft drink.

The campaign, which previously saw success globally, allows individuals to find Coca-Cola products featuring a wide array of names.

This iteration in PNG includes almost 85 options on Coca-Cola Original Taste, ranging from common names such as ‘Michael’, ‘Grace’, ‘Susan’, ‘Nigel’, ‘Serah’, and ‘Jack’, to local group terms like ‘Wantok’, ‘Bestie’, ‘Susa’, and ‘Olgeta’.

These specially labelled products will be available for a limited time at major supermarkets and food retailers nationwide.

In addition to the pre-printed names, Coca-Cola will also be hosting over 50 personalization pop-up stations across the country starting from June 21st. These stations will allow consumers to create their own personalized Coca-Cola cans.

Speaking about the initiative, Rachel Miryam Nainggolan, Senior Brand Manager, Frontline Marketing – Coca-Cola Papua New Guinea said “Share a Coke” is not just about finding your name on a bottle or can; it’s about creating moments of joy and connection.

“We’re thrilled to bring this exciting campaign back to Papua New Guinea, giving everyone a chance to share special moments with their friends and family. It’s all about celebrating the people who make our lives magical.”

Tim Solly, Sales and Commercial Director, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, added, Share a Coke is all about bringing people together and we can’t wait to bring the Share a Coke experience on the road.

“We’ll be visiting universities, shopping centers, and cultural shows/events across the country so we connect with as many people as possible to Share a Coke with.”

The “Share a Coke” campaign is expected to run for a limited period, encouraging consumers to look out for personalized bottles and cans in stores and to visit the upcoming pop-up personalization stations.

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Equal Support Boosts PNG’s National Rugby League Teams

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Group Photo- L-R Kumul Rep Robert Mathias, Digcel PNG Senior VP and Cheif Sales officer Lorna McPherson, Digicel CEO Tarik Boduiaf, PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina, Santos PNG Orchids Chair Celestine Ove

Papua New Guinea’s national Rugby League teams, the Kumuls and the Orchids have received a significant boost with the renewal of sponsorship, notably featuring equal financial support for both squads.

This development promises to elevate the profile and resources available to the Orchids, bringing them on par with the traditionally more prominent Kumuls.

The move signifies a growing emphasis on gender equality within Papua New Guinean sports.

While the Kumuls have long been a source of national pride, the Orchids have consistently demonstrated passion and determination.

The equal sponsorship aims to provide the women’s team with access to improved training facilities and greater visibility, fostering the growth of women’s rugby league in the PNG.

“We are proud to stand behind our national teams, the PNG Kumuls and PNG Orchids,” said Tarik Boudiaf, the CEO of Digicel PNG.

“This support is an investment in empowerment, growth, and opportunity for all our athletes.”

Digcel PNG Senior VP and Chief Sales officer Lorna McPherson shows PNG Media the Digicel branding on the back of PNG LNG Kumul Jersey. Beside her is Digicel CEO Tarik Boduiaf.
Digcel PNG Senior VP and Chief Sales officer Lorna McPherson shows PNG Media the Digicel branding on the back of PNG LNG Kumul Jersey that is one part of the sponsorship. Beside her is Digicel CEO Tarik Boduiaf.

Rugby League holds a special place in Papua New Guinea, and this renewed commitment to both national teams underscores the importance of the sport across the country.

The equal backing is expected to inspire future generations of both male and female athletes.

For over a decade, there has been support for Rugby League at various levels, including grassroots and the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup.

This latest development further strengthens the foundation for the sport’s continued growth and success on the international stage for both the men’s and women’s national teams.

“By sharing our support equally, we’re helping to level the playing field and provide the necessary support for our female athletes alongside their male counterparts,” said Lorna McPherson, Senior Vice President of Digicel PNG.

“We wish both the PNG Kumuls and PNG Orchids every success as they represent our nation.”

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Sialum Taro Farmers Eager to Participate in Commercial Farming

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Accessibility to market is still a major demoralizing factor for farmers in the rural areas to go commercial.

But villagers from Rebafu, one of the remotest parts of Sialum LLG, of Tewai Siasi District, Morobe Province is willing to work with the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) to find a way forward to supply local Taro to the export market.

Susan Emunare Geoba, from Rebafu paid a visit to the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) on Wednesday (22/05/25) after hearing about NARI’s interests in Taro.

She managed to bring with her, three samples, including a Yam.

From her village in Rebafu, it took her a day of walking, to reach the coast before boarding a ship to Lae.

“For the villagers, it takes about 5 to 6 hours to walk to the coast. I reside in Lae so I don’t have the same stamina to walk that fast,” giggled Susan, but added she enjoys going to the village for, free and an abundance of fresh produce.

Susan proudly boasts of the size of Taro in her village, making reference to the height of a 50cm cooking pot and about 20cm wide.

“The Taro is so heavy I managed to bring only three samples,” proudly exclaimed Susan, despite the burden of weight.

After hearing about NARI’s partnership with local Taro exporters, Susan initiated discussions with her family.

“Taro is significant in our culture. It signifies wealth and earns respect among villagers. Taro has great value in customary obligations such as Pride Price.

“Every household has a taro garden, so we have a surplus. We are willing to work with NARI to see how we can expand on the production and find a cost-effective means to transport the taro out.

“The major issues we have are road infrastructure, transport, and freight costs,” Susan optimistically revealed.

She was however glad to have an audience with the Director General of NARI Dr Nelson Simbiken and invited NARI to visit Benafu village during the peak of harvest between August and September.

Dr Simbiken acknowledged that Morobe grows some of the best taro species in the country including NARI’s Taro, NT1 through NT7.

He echoed similar concerns of road infrastructure, transport, and freight as major hindrance for commercialisation in rural areas.

“People are excited now and they want to supply taro but an issue for us is freight excess.

We want to come up with a freight subsidy scheme for Morobe Province so that we can bring taro from the outskirts of Morobe.

“We are expecting some funding assistance from the government, for freight. Once that

happens, we can be able to assist farmers like Susan who will help to meet the supply

demand,” said Simbiken.

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K258,000 Raised at Trukai Fun Run Auction

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Top 5 Bidders, from left,International Training Institute, PNG IPA,Brands Pacific,IBS University, & Sir Brian Bell Foundation

The Port Moresby business community has stepped up in a big way to support Papua New Guinea’s athletes, raising a significant K258,000 at the Trukai Fun Run Auction held on Friday.

The event saw 17,200 Trukai Fun Run shirts sold, with all proceeds going towards funding Team PNG’s participation in the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau.

The auction serves as a key fundraiser ahead of the annual Trukai Fun Run, this year themed “Running Through History,” celebrating PNG’s 50 years of independence through the unifying power of sport.

Team PNG Chef de Mission to Palau 2025, Kinivanagi Karo, expressed his sincere gratitude, particularly to the major sponsor, Trukai Industries Limited, and the top five bidding organizations.

“I would like to extend my warmest gratitude towards the major sponsor, Trukai Industries Limited for their unwavering support,” said Mr. Karo.

“Your contributions will play a crucial role in this year’s Pacific Mini Games, we are grateful for your commitment towards Team PNG. Your generosity is truly inspiring and gives us the motivation to continue our efforts to provide the best possible launchpad for our Team PNG athletes.”

Echoing this appreciation, Head of Trukai Industries, Mr. Andrew Grace, acknowledged the strong commitment from the business sector.

“We are eagerly looking forward to working closely with the PNG Olympic Committee to make this year’s Trukai Fun Run another truly memorable event,” Mr. Grace stated.

He also highlighted the enduring partnership between Trukai and the PNGOC, saying, “For 25 years, the partnership between Trukai Industries and the PNG Olympic Committee has stood strong, as a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to Team PNG and the incredible unifying power of sports within our nation.”

He reminded everyone to mark their calendars for June 22nd, as the event is anticipated to be bigger, better, and even safer for everyone to participate in this year.

The funds raised will be crucial in supporting Team PNG’s journey to Palau.

Many of the purchased t-shirts will also be donated to local schools.

The success of the Port Moresby auction builds anticipation for the next auction in Lae on June 13th and the main Trukai Fun Run event scheduled for June 22nd.

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