Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape has assured Japanese investors that the country remains a stable, resource-rich, and investment-friendly nation, as he addressed a high-level mining seminar in Tokyo.
Speaking at the PNG Mining Seminar under the theme "Investing in Impact: Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Future for PNG Mining", Prime Minister Marape highlighted the country’s long-standing record of honouring resource agreements and reaffirmed its position as a reliable minerals and energy partner in the Asia-Pacific.
“Papua New Guinea has never failed to meet its mineral supply commitments,” Marape told attendees. “Our track record with OK Tedi Mine over four decades is evidence of that. We remain a robust democracy, upholding free-market principles and welcoming strategic investment.”
The seminar brought together key Japanese stakeholders from the energy, mining, and financing sectors, with Prime Minister Marape delivering the keynote address. He underscored PNG’s commitment to responsible resource development, positioning it as a destination for long-term partnerships in copper, gold, gas, and other emerging resource sectors.
Mining Sector: Long-Term Viability and Strategic Expansion
Marape confirmed that the OK Tedi Mine — a cornerstone of PNG’s mining sector — had been granted an additional 20-year operational extension. Under the leadership of CEO Mr. Kedi Ilimbit, the mine will continue producing copper and gold with a renewed focus on cost-effective and sustainable practices.
“Beyond the 20 years, we are exploring new prospects including calcium and other untapped resources in the region,” he said. “OK Tedi will remain productive well into the future.”
The Prime Minister also pointed to the Frieda River Mine, located just 80km from OK Tedi, as another promising development, alongside the Wafi-Golpu Gold-Copper Project, which is nearing final approval. The Government intends to issue a Special Mining Lease (SML) this year, with 30% of the project equity retained through Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited (KMHL).
“This is the right time to partner with us — not just at the operational level, but in joint ventures, project financing, and downstream industries,” he told investors.
Energy Sector and LNG Commitments
The Prime Minister also highlighted PNG’s role as a trusted LNG supplier to Japan, recalling his involvement in the inaugural gas shipment to Tokyo in 2014.
“Our relationship with Japan in the oil and gas space is built on mutual reliability,” Marape said. “And we intend to honour that into the future.”
He expressed confidence that PNG’s resource base — spanning both minerals and hydrocarbons — would remain viable for the next 40 to 50 years, ensuring ongoing supply security for Japanese partners.
Appreciation for Japanese Support and Enduring Partnerships
Marape acknowledged the Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for co-hosting the event, offering special thanks to JICA Vice President Mr. Hiroo Tanaka for decades of cooperation.
“JICA has been with PNG since before our independence in 1975 and has invested over K6 billion in our country. We are grateful for such a lasting and principled partnership,” he said.
He also singled out the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) as a foundational investor in key projects including OK Tedi, PNG LNG, and now Papua LNG.
“Over 50% of OK Tedi’s output is sold to Japan. You are not just buyers — you are trusted partners in our national development.”
A Long-Term Resource Partner in the Pacific
Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister reassured attendees of PNG’s enduring role as a resource-producing nation and its ongoing openness to Japanese capital and expertise.
“As long as our country exists, we will remain a resource-producing nation. God has blessed us with abundance — and we intend to use it responsibly, in partnership with our neighbours and friends like Japan.”