Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Mining, Hon. Wake Goi, has commended the progress of Phase 2 construction at the Central Cement and Lime Project’s wharf in Kido, Central Province of Papua New Guinea calling it “a significant step toward economic diversification and industrial self-sufficiency.”
Minister Goi visited the project site alongside the Member for Kairuku-Hiri, Hon. Keith Iduhu, on January 27 to assess developments at the country’s first new greenfield mining venture in 16 years.
The project, owned by Mayur Resources Limited, is expected to play a key role in reducing Papua New Guinea’s reliance on imported building materials by locally producing quick lime, clinker, and cement.
Minister Goi said, "The Central Cement and Lime Project is not just a testament to our nation’s diverse rich mineral resources but also a beacon of our strategic vision to harness these assets for sustainable development.”
“The production of quick lime and clinker/cement will be pivotal in supporting nation building infrastructure projects across Papua New Guinea with its own manufactured building materials, thereby reducing our reliance on imports and fostering self-sufficiency.”
The Marape-Rosso government has consistently advocated value-added processing in the mining sector, aiming to transform the country’s rich natural resources into economic opportunities, MP Goi said.
Prime Minister James Marape has reinforced this vision, stating: “We must capitalize on the vast natural resources and convert those into real development outcomes which will grow our economy and make us self-sustaining.”
A key factor in the project’s success has been the implementation of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) fiscal policies, designed to attract foreign direct investment by creating a competitive business environment, the government said.
Minister Goi noted, “Our government’s SEZ fiscal policies are crafted to create an investor-friendly environment. The progress we witness today—turning the rock in our ground into the products that build our roads—is a direct result of these policies, reflecting the confidence foreign direct investors have in Papua New Guinea’s economic potential.”
“My involvement and oversight of such projects underscore the industrious approach I expect myself to perform against in this role, advancing Papua New Guinea’s mining sector.”
As construction continues, MP Goi said the government remains committed to ensuring that the project delivers widespread benefits, including job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development for local communities and the country at large.
