PNG VOICE

07/07/2025

Tumbuan Culture | Kututabu | Bitakapuk 1

06/07/2025

06/07/2025

BREAKING: Eight suspects are now in police custody in Hela Province after swift intervention by community leaders, who assisted security forces in their detention.

06/07/2025

DATE: Sunday, July 06, 2025

PM Marape Secures US$63.4M Grant for PNG Climate Project

Papua New Guinea has just secured a historic US$63.4 million grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) — the country’s first-ever single-nation GCF project! Prime Minister James Marape welcomed the funding, which will support the REDD+ initiative to protect PNG’s rainforests, reduce deforestation, and improve livelihoods for landowners.

This announcement was made during the GCF’s 42nd Board Meeting — the first ever held in the Pacific — right in Port Moresby. The project will be managed by the UN FAO, and comes as PNG celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary.

In addition, PNG will benefit from a US$9 million regional clean water project and is also moving toward economic integration with Asia through kina-yuan convertibility. PM Marape says this is proof that PNG is stepping up as a global leader in climate action and sustainable development.

06/07/2025

PRIME MINISTER HIGHLIGHTS URGENCY TO HARVEST PNG'S OIL AND GAS RESERVES BEFORE GLOBAL ENERGY SHIFT

Port Moresby, 07 July 2025 – As global efforts to combat climate change accelerate, Prime Minister James Marape has emphasized the critical importance for Papua New Guinea to extract and commercialize its oil and gas resources within the next 20 years, before the global transition to clean and renewable energy significantly reduces fossil fuel demand.

This comes as countries worldwide commit to aggressive decarbonization targets and increase investment in alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, hydrogen, and carbon-neutral technologies.

“As the global conversation on climate intensifies, we must act strategically,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Papua New Guinea has a narrow window to fully leverage the economic value of its petroleum and gas reserves. We must do so responsibly and within the global energy transition timeline.”

PNG is currently partnering with major international energy players—ExxonMobil PNG, TotalEnergies, and others—to deliver major resource projects such as the Papua LNG project. These developments are central to the government’s strategy to generate long-term national revenue, increase employment, and invest in infrastructure and climate resilience.

● Balancing Resource Development and Climate Responsibility

While reaffirming Papua New Guinea’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its obligations under international climate frameworks, Prime Minister Marape said the country’s energy strategy must reflect its development needs and global market realities.

“We cannot leave our resources stranded. If we fail to monetize them now, the window will close. But we are committed to ensuring that resource development goes hand-in-hand with strong environmental safeguards and reduced carbon impact.”

PNG is also exploring carbon offset mechanisms, forest conservation credits, and renewable energy investments as part of a dual-path strategy: securing economic gains from current resources while preparing for a low-emissions future.

● Strategic Context

This message comes as Prime Minister Marape prepares to meet His Majesty King Charles III in London during the Harmony Summit, a high-level global forum focused on blending Indigenous and scientific knowledge to advance environmental sustainability.

The Prime Minister’s engagements across Europe and the United States highlight PNG’s growing role in global climate diplomacy, resource governance, and sustainable development advocacy.

06/07/2025

BORDER provinces of West Sepik and Western will represent Papua New Guinea at the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in 2028, says Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Belden Namah.
Mr. Namah said this was due to the unique culture shared between the provinces.

06/07/2025

BREAKING NEWS:

🇺🇬✈️ Another African Mama has just touched down in Goroka, PNG! 🎥🌿
Uganda’s Catherine Soprii is exploring the Asaroi Mudmen region — all in the name of content creation & tourism! 💀📸

More African influencers are on the way to promote PNG to the world 🌍 — and they bring followers, exposure, and yes… 💸 money to spend!

🙏 So let’s show love, drop positive comments, and support them as they travel through!
👀 You never know — next time it could be a group tour!

03/07/2025

Prime Minister Marape Welcomes US$63.4 Million GCF Grant for Landmark REDD+ Project

Port Moresby | Thursday, 3 July 2025 — Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has welcomed
the approval of a groundbreaking US$63.4 million grant by the Green Climate Fund (GCF)
for Papua New Guinea — the country’s first-ever single-nation GCF project — marking a
major milestone in international recognition of PNG’s leadership in global climate action.

The GCF Board, meeting in Port Moresby this week for its historic 42nd Board session — the
first ever held in the Pacific — endorsed the REDD+ programme which will be managed by
the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on behalf of PNG.

The project aims to protect PNG’s vast rainforest ecosystems, promote sustainable livelihoods for customary landowners, and combat climate change by reducing deforestation and forest
degradation.

“This approval is a landmark for Papua New Guinea,” said Prime Minister Marape. “When I
opened the GCF Board meeting on Monday, I called for the Board to recognise the
urgency of climate action.

This funding shows that GCF is responding to our call and acknowledges PNG’s global role as custodian of an environmental treasure for all of
humanity.

I look forward to building this partnership with the Green Climate Fund to protect our biodiversity and uplift the lives of our people.”

GCF Executive Director Mafalda Duarte praised PNG’s leadership in climate conservation,
stating: “The approval of this US$63.4 million REDD+ programme shows GCF’s commitment
to supporting Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region. PNG holds the world’s third-
largest tropical rainforests, covering 78% of its land area, and is one of the few countries
globally that is carbon negative — its forests absorb more carbon than the country emits.
This funding will preserve these vital carbon sinks and support sustainable livelihoods for
local communities.”

Prime Minister Marape also noted the importance of this investment in the context of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary, saying:

“As we mark 50 years as an independent nation,
this grant signals a new chapter of climate leadership by Papua New Guinea on the world
stage.”

In addition to the REDD+ project, the GCF Board also approved the ‘SOURCE Pacific
Drinking Water Project’ worth US$9 million, which will benefit the Marshall Islands, Tonga,
Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea. PNG is expected to receive approximately half of the
total project funding.

The Marape Government reaffirmed its commitment to delivering climate justice and
sustainable development for future generations by strengthening global partnerships and
safeguarding the nation’s natural wealth.

“This is what the Marape-Rosso Government has been working toward: building the
infrastructure, passing the laws, creating the trade relationships, and empowering our
people to take their place in the global economy,” the Prime Minister said.

“We are not just exporting products — we are exporting the hard work of our people, the
quality of our resources, and the story of a resilient, resourceful, and forward-looking Papua
New Guinea.”

He also confirmed that the Government is working closely with the Bank of Papua New
Guinea to enable convertibility between the Papua New Guinea kina and the Chinese
yuan.

This will make trade transactions with China more efficient and affordable for
exporters and importers, and is part of the Government’s broader strategy to facilitate
seamless economic exchange across the Asia-Pacific region.

ENDS

03/07/2025

Today's Front page.
Read More: https://www.thenational.com.pg/

03/07/2025

The recent announcement of New Porgera Limited (NPL) paying K198.9 million in corporate tax to the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) marks a pivotal moment for Papua New Guinea's economy, reflecting the successful negotiation efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister James Marape. This tax contribution is not only a substantial injection into the national revenue but also underscores the positive economic impact of the reopened Porgera Gold Mine.

Prime Minister Marape's vision of "Taking Back PNG" and maximizing benefits from the oil and gas sector has borne fruit, demonstrating a strategic approach that prioritizes long-term gains despite short-term challenges. This sentiment resonates with the words of the Prime Minister, emphasizing that enduring initial setbacks can lead to significant future advantages.

The leadership of the Pangu Government is highlighted as being dedicated to the country's progress, suggesting that their policies and initiatives are driving PNG toward sustainable growth. The formal handover of the tax payment, witnessed by IRC representatives, reflects not just compliance but a shared commitment between the government and private sector towards national development.

IRC Commissioner General Sam Koim acknowledged this milestone as an indicator of the mine's success and the dedication of NPL to fulfill its corporate obligations, signaling a promising path for future tax contributions and sustained revenue from the mining sector. Similarly, NPL's spokesperson reiterated their commitment to responsible mining and local economic development, reinforcing the vital role resource projects play in PNG’s recovery and growth.

This achievement is not merely about a financial transaction; it symbolizes a collaborative framework between the government and business, striving for a prosperous and sustainable future for Papua New Guinea as the nation approaches its 50th anniversary of independence.

03/07/2025

03/07/2025

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗞𝟭𝟵𝟴.𝟵 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝘅 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝘂𝗮 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗮

Wednesday, 2 July 2025
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

New Porgera Limited (NPL) today made a landmark corporate tax payment of K198.9 million to the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC), signalling the tangible economic benefits flowing from the successful resumption of operations at the Porgera gold mine.

This milestone follows the New Porgera Progress Agreement (NPPA) signed on Friday, 31st March 2023, between Barrick Gold Corporation, the Government of Papua New Guinea, and New Porgera Limited—a partnership that officially marked the beginning of a new era for one of PNG’s most significant mining assets.

Under the revised arrangement, PNG stakeholders—including landowners and the Enga Provincial Government—hold a 51% equity share in New Porgera Limited, with 53% of economic benefits retained locally. Barrick Niugini Limited operates the mine and holds the remaining 47% of economic participation.

Porgera hosts an ore body with measured and indicated resources of 10 million ounces and inferred resources of 3.4 million ounces, with the potential to produce up to 700,000 ounces of gold per year after full ramp-up. The restart of operations was projected to contribute substantially to the country’s economy—and today's corporate tax payment is the first significant proof of that promise being fulfilled.

IRC Commissioner General Sam Koim acknowledged the payment as “a strong indication of the mine’s early success” and commended NPL for its commitment to corporate responsibility and national development.

Barrick President and CEO Mark Bristow, during the 2023 signing ceremony, had emphasized Porgera’s potential to become a Tier One gold mine and a model for host-country partnerships—highlighting the benefits of sourcing locally and prioritizing Papua New Guinean workers and businesses.

Today’s tax payment by NPL demonstrates that strategic negotiation and local ownership, championed under the leadership of Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, are delivering results. It validates the Government’s “Take Back PNG” policy, ensuring greater returns from natural resources flow back to the people.

As Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th Independence Anniversary, the successful reopening and early revenue contribution from Porgera stands as a proud symbol of national progress and shared prosperity.

Photo: 𝗣𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗧𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗮 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝟯𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯