Addressing a diverse audience of analysts, regulators, environmental scientists, and industry professionals during the Geosciences, Exploration, and Extraction (GEE) 2024 Conference, the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) Managing Director, Jerry Gerry, emphasized the critical importance of sustainable practices in harnessing Papua New Guinea’s rich mineral and petroleum resources.
The conference commenced at APEC Haus in Port Moresby on August 7 to 9 with over 350 delegates attending and thousands nationwide and from abroad watching via live stream. Following the tradition of excellence established in the inaugural conference in 2022, the event brought together experts to discuss the future of resource extraction.
In PNG Prime Minster Hon. James Marape’s opening speech through MRA MD Gerry, he acknowledged the global community of scientists whose work contributes to enhancing life and supporting the economic, environmental, and public health needs of nations.
Marape highlighted the significance of this year's conference theme, "Research and Innovation in Geosciences, Exploration, and Extraction for Sustainability," as a response to the growing international demand for limited resources.
This year’s theme also addresses the rapidly depleting PNG minerals and hydrocarbon reserves due to a lack of major discoveries over the last four decades.
Marape underscored the responsibility that comes with PNG’s abundant mineral and petroleum resources. He noted, “As a nation, we stand at a crossroads where our decisions will resonate through generations yet to come.”
He stressed that the exploration and extraction of these resources are not merely academic exercises but vital missions that directly impact the livelihoods of countless communities.
Marape also called for the use of cutting-edge technologies and artificial intelligence to minimize environmental harm while maximizing the efficiency of exploration and extraction methods.
“Our globe is demanding a reduction of emissions and greater care for our environment,” he said, urging the industry to embrace sustainable mining practices.
Highlighting the necessity for collaboration, Mr. Garry advocated for cross-border, interdisciplinary partnerships between universities, research institutions, government agencies, and private enterprises.
Such cooperation, he emphasized, is crucial for protecting the environment while meeting the demands of an ever-growing population.
Mr. Garry extended his gratitude to the conference organizers, particularly the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, partners and all sponsors.
The invaluable Sponsors of the GEE 2024 Conference that made the GEE Conference possible;
Platinum Sponsors:
- Mineral Resources Authority
- Kumu Minerals Holdings Limited: The National Minerals Company
Gold Sponsors:
- K92 Mining
- Ok Tedi Mining
- Ramu Nico Management (MCC) Limited
Bronze Sponsors:
- Newmont
- Deka Dynamics
Conference Partners:
- Cars Island Mobile Hire
- Crown Hotel Port Moresby
- Vodafone
- NYW Development Limited
Also contributing to prepare and research, terms of presenters, session chairpersons are the following:
- Mining Resources Authority of the Independent State of Papua new Guinea
- World Bank Group, Papua New Guinea
- Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited, Papua New Guinea
- Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited, PNG
- Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
- Coordinating Committee for Geoscience Programmes in East & Southeast Asia , Thailand
- PNG University of Technology, PNG
- University of Papua New Guinea, PNG
- James Cook University, Queensland, Australia
- Akita University, Japan
- Victoria University, New Zealand
- University of New Castle, New South Wales, Australia
- Ok Tedi Mining Limited, PNG
- University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Dabai Geoconsult Limited, PNG
- University of Western Australia
- Woodlark Mining Limited, PNG
- University of Queensland, Australia
- K92 Mining Limited, PNG
- Mongolian Univerity of Science and Technology, Mongolia
- St Barbara Limited, PNG & Australia
- Pan Australian Resources, Queensland, Australia
- Geo Scan Australia Pacific, Queensland, Australia
- Universoty of Goroka, PNG
- University of Auckland, New Zealand
- University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Meteorological Office, United Kingdom
- Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia; Peak Oil PNG Pty Limited, Australia & PNG
- Don Bosco Technical Institute, PNG
- Circum-Pacific Council & San Jose University, USA
- Twinza Oil, Victoria, Australia
- Mineral Resources Development Company Limited
- Cranfield University, United Kingdom
- PNG Forestry Agency, PNG
All attendees were encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences to benefit the complex extractive industry and ensure the sustenance of the environment.
The GEE 2024 Conference featured numerous sessions dedicated to the latest research, innovations, and sustainable practices in geosciences, exploration, and resource extraction. The sessions were broken down into 12 sub-themes presented in 3 days:
- Sub-Theme 1: The Strategic Roles of Government, Industry, Universities & Society with respect to Geoscience, Energy & the Extraction Industries
- Sub-Theme 2: National, Pacific Regional & International Geoscience & Society
- Sub-Theme 3: Professor Hugh Davies Session - PNG & Pacific Geology & Tectonics
- Sub-Theme 4: Mining & Minerals in PNG & Globally
- Sub-Theme 5: Economic Geology: Minerals & Mining
- Sub-Theme 6: Mining Engineering & Geotechnical Issues
- Sub-Theme 7: Mining, Minerals, Environment & Futures
- Sub-Theme 8: Geoscience, Environment, People, & Planetary Management
- Sub-Theme 9: Geohazards & Risk Management
- Sub-Theme 10: Professor Russell Perembo Session: Energy, Marine & Coastal Geoscience
- Sub-Theme 11: Miscellaneous Geosciences
- Sub-Theme 12: Miscellaneous Geosciences
Prior to the conference, there was a Pre-Conference Field Trip on 6th August to several locations. They included Varirata National Park, Sogeri Plateau, Varirata National Park and Lookout, PNG Power Rouna 2 Hydropower Facility, Site Tour by PNG Power Site Team, and Laloki Mine Roaster (17 Mile).
