Port Moresby, 18 June 2025 – Prime Minister James Marape has issued a strong directive to the heads of key government agencies to step up, deliver on policy reforms, and ensure tangible outcomes—especially in the crucial sectors of mining, petroleum, forestry, and climate change—as Papua New Guinea prepares to mark 50 years of Independence in 2025.
In a series of high-level meetings held at Melanesian Haus, Prime Minister Marape was briefed by senior officials from the Mineral Resources Authority, Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management, National Forest Authority, and the Climate Change and Development Authority, among others.
The Prime Minister did not mince words in calling for urgency, stating, “There is no room for complacency. Where Government organizational heads cannot perform and deliver, I will not hesitate to remove or make changes accordingly.”
Mining: Legislation Reform and Project Delivery
PM Marape focused heavily on the mining sector, emphasizing the need to accelerate progress on flagship projects such as Wafi-Golpu, Frieda River, and the full reopening of Porgera Mine. He also called for renewed attention to smaller but high-potential projects like Mt Kare, Simberi, Oro Nickel, and Central Province Limestone operations.
“Papua New Guinea’s mining potential is vast. If fully harnessed, we can substitute imports with our own resources. It’s time to act,” said Marape, as he called for the expedited review of mining laws and regulations to maximize national benefits.
Petroleum: A Cleaner Future with Local Gains
In discussions with the Petroleum Sector, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to cleaner energy, while ensuring landowners receive fair returns and investors see value.
Referencing major projects like Papua LNG, P’nyang, Pasca, and Wildebeest, Marape acknowledged years of negotiations led by the State Negotiation Team and assured continued focus on energy sector reform, anchored by recent dialogues with international energy leaders.
Forests and Climate: PNG Holds the Moral Ground
Turning to forestry and climate change, PM Marape reiterated PNG’s unique position as a rainforest nation and stressed that conservation is not negotiable.
Citing Articles 5 and 6 of the Paris Agreement, and honoring the legacy of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, he said: “Forest preservation is not just policy—it’s our national identity and duty. Developed countries must step up and honour their promises.”
He reminded agency heads of PNG’s boycott of COP29 in 2024, due to a lack of meaningful commitment from high-emission nations. However, he confirmed PNG’s willingness to attend COP30 in Brazil, a fellow rainforest nation, in hopes of advancing serious global commitments.
Unity, Accountability and Execution
Marape emphasized that his administration has laid the vision—but that implementation must follow.
“I have a role to play, and I have set the vision and pathway for us. We must work in one accord to deliver results.”
He urged agencies to support each other across sectors, especially as PNG approaches its golden jubilee of independence. With the non-resource sector recording over 4% growth for four consecutive years, Marape pointed to agriculture, forestry, and climate as key pillars of sustainable national development.
The Road Ahead: Results, Not Rhetoric
In closing, PM Marape warned against missed opportunities, referencing years of stagnation before his government took office in 2019. He stressed that 2025 must not be a year of speeches but a year of delivery.
“We have squandered too much time. The 50th year of our Independence must be a turning point. Every department, every agency, must rise to the occasion. Our people are watching.”
The Prime Minister’s message was clear: Failure is no longer an option—only progress will do.