Papua New Guinea has a New Mining Minister, as Prime Minister James Marape announced on 25 March the appointment of the member for Finchaffen, Hon. Rainbo Paita, to the position.
Marape made the announcement before departing for an official visit to New Zealand.
He confirmed that Paita would assume responsibility for the Mining Ministry following a Cabinet reshuffle prompted by the resignation of Namatanai MP Walter Schnaubelt, who stepped down to contest the vacant New Ireland governor’s seat.
As part of the reshuffle, the Prime Minister reassigned outgoing Mining Minister Hon. Wake Goi to oversee the Transport and Civil Aviation Ministry.
Marape outlined key priorities for both ministers, emphasizing the importance of continuity and progress in their respective portfolios.
"I have tasked Minister Goi to ensure the completion of key airport and terminal projects at Boram, Tokua, and Buka, as well as ongoing works at Wapenamanda, Kerema, and Daru airports," he said.
Marape also underscored the significance of finalizing the Community Development Agreement (CDA) for major mining projects, particularly the Porgera and Wafi Golpu mines in PNG.
He stated that Minister Paita would play a crucial role in facilitating these agreements and ensuring the smooth operation of the mining sector.
Paita has been a Member of Parliament for the Finschhafen Open seat since 2017. He is the leader of the Papua and Niugini Union Party (PANGU) and has held various ministerial portfolios, including Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, Minister for Finance and Implementation, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister.
Paita has been a key figure in Papua New Guinean politics, and his party has played a significant role in supporting the government. In 2024, he led his party back to the government, citing the need for national unity and stability.
As Minister Assisting the Prime Minister, Paita has been working closely with Marape to advance the country's goals and introduce alternative policies to stabilize the economy.
