Prime Minister Marape headlines a star line-up of speakers at the 16th PNG Mining and Petroleum Conference, in Sydney in December, to promote international investment in PNG. Already over 1000 attendees are registered to attend, as the Conference features a dynamic and engaging program centered around Prime Minister Marape’s announcement of 4 new mega projects and the expected re-opening of Porgera gold mine.
Prime Minister Marape will be providing the keynote opening address on Day 1. He will be joined by Australian International Development Minister Pat Conroy. Senior executives of the major international investors in PNG, including Newcrest CEO Sandeep Biswas, Harmony Gold CFO Ms Boipelo Lekubo, TotalEnergies Senior Vice President Mr Julien Pouget, Santos President Upstream Mr Brett Darlie and ExxonMobil PNG Managing Director Mr Peter Larden will be providing a global outlook for their companies’ operations around the world, how they have adapted to emerging trends and how their PNG investments fit into their global portfolios.
A highlight will be CEO of Fortescue Future Industries Dr Mark Hutchinson’s presentation of Fortescue’s vision for how green hydrogen can be a gamechanger for the world and PNG’s envisaged role supplying hydrogen to the world. Day 1 concludes with a session featuring former Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, the respected Julie Bishop, presenting her view as to why Australia needs to invest more in PNG, and PNG’s Trade and International Investment Minister Richard Maru outlining the PNG government’s vision for investment and development in non-mining sectors. Each session on Day 1 will feature panels moderated by well-known Australian media personality Ms Ticky Fullerton.
Day 2 of the Conference features policy statements by Mining Minister Ano Pala and Petroleum and Energy Minister Kerenga Kua, presentations by Kumul Petroleum and MRDC, project updates on all of PNG’s existing mining and energy projects, and the presentations of the next wave of resource and energy projects – Papua LNG Project, Pnyang LNG Project, Pasca Gas Project and Wafi Gold-Copper Project.
Day 3 of the Conference features a unique 3 stream format focused on varied themes including Exploration growth, Climate Change & Energy, Improving Ease of Business, Infrastructure, and Business Success stories. Day 3’s program features a significant list of speakers including heads of government regulatory agencies, CEOs of various PNG and international businesses, and includes international institutions such as the IFC.
The Conference concludes with a session that focuses on PNG success stories where resource revenues have been invested for future benefit, and a presentation on the importance of the PNG Sovereign Wealth Fund.
“It’s an engaging and dynamic Conference program with a high-profile cast of speakers. I am very grateful for the support that the Prime Minister has provided to the Conference, and the unprecedented participation of Government Ministers and heads of departments and agencies as speakers. Industry and the PNG Government are presenting a united front in promoting PNG as an international investment destination at the Conference. We are pleased that we can work with the Government in this regard. The Prime Minister will be in a unique position in our history by speaking about the advancement of 4 major projects, and the potential doubling of PNG’s GDP in the near future, which can usher in significant economic benefits for our people.” Said Mr Anthony Smaré, President of the Chamber of Mines & Petroleum.
“We are also very fortunate that so many high-profile leaders from some of the world’s largest companies have taken time out to come and speak at the Conference to outline why they believe PNG is an important place to invest in. Australian Minister Pat Conroy’s speech will give us an indication of Australia’s view of PNG’s importance. I am personally looking forward to the afternoon session on Day 1 when Julie Bishop will present her view as to why Australia needs to invest more in PNG, and Minister Richard Maru will challenge international companies and countries to invest more into the PNG Government’s investment priority areas such as infrastructure and agriculture.”
“Over 1000 people are now registered to attend the Conference, but there is still some seats left, so I encourage business people not already registered, to quickly secure their seats at www.pngconference.com over the next few days. The Conference is unique because you can meet everyone who has a role in PNG’s resources and energy sector - Government policy makers and regulators, the business movers and shakers, landowners, financiers, investors, suppliers and contractors from all over the world – all in one place over three days from 5 to 7 December 2022 at the Sydney Hilton Hotel.”
