Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has praised New Porgera Limited (NPL) for its strong performance in the second quarter of 2025 and used the occasion to appeal directly to the people of Enga Province to end violence, protect public infrastructure, and embrace peace and development.
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that NPL had overcome a difficult restart in December 2023 and was now achieving production targets while delivering significant economic returns to the State, shareholders, and impacted communities.
“New Porgera is now performing exceptionally well,” said Prime Minister Marape. “In Q2 2025 alone, the company paid PGK 258 million in corporate tax to the Internal Revenue Commission, bringing its total tax contribution for the first half of the year to over PGK 456 million.”
He also welcomed NPL’s announcement of a second interim dividend of US$150 million (PGK 617 million) to shareholders, following a US$80 million dividend in Q1.
“These outstanding results speak volumes about the value of this national project. With a workforce that is 97% Papua New Guinean, New Porgera is not only producing for shareholders, but is also lifting our national economy and supporting local livelihoods,” the Prime Minister said.
He extended appreciation to NPL Chairman Sarimu Kanu, the Board, Management and Staff, as well as key partners including operator Barrick Niugini, the Enga Provincial Government, and Porgera and Hides landowners.
“As we mark 50 years of independence, New Porgera is a powerful symbol of how responsible investment, national ownership, and strong leadership can work together to create real progress for our country.”
Prime Minister Marape also noted that Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited, representing the State’s equity in the project, is now well-positioned to start receiving dividends.
“In terms of Porgera, Kumul Minerals may be in a position to receive dividends sooner rather than later. This is significant for us as a nation. I encourage everyone to continue supporting Porgera—a mine that was reopened under my government’s ‘Take Back PNG’ blueprint to secure greater benefits for our people. Given the current circumstances, we must ensure a stable and secure operating environment so the mine can continue to support our country, our province, and our landowners.”
However, the Prime Minister warned that law and order issues, particularly violence in parts of Enga, remain a serious threat to the province’s stability and economic future.
“While we celebrate economic success, I am also deeply concerned about growing violent activity and the destruction of key infrastructure. Roads and bridges are being deliberately damaged. These actions cut off communities, delay development, and threaten operations like Porgera,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Referring specifically to recent incidents in Mulitaka, he called on community leaders and citizens to reject violence and assist in restoring peace.
“When disaster struck Mulitaka, the nation stood with you. Now, as we try to rebuild that damaged bridge, I ask you to show the same unity. Report the culprits. These are not acts of strength—they are acts of sabotage that hurt your own people and children.”
The Prime Minister reminded landowners and impacted communities that benefit-sharing arrangements under the new Porgera deal have significantly improved:
“Previously, landowners received 5% equity and 2% royalty—a total of 7%. Today, you are receiving up to 18%—with 15% equity and 3% royalty, subject to the finalisation of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) with the State. This is real progress.”
He added that these benefits go beyond cash payments:
• More jobs for local people
• More spin-off opportunities for SMEs
• More tax revenue to fund education, health, policing, and development across PNG
“But peace is the foundation of progress,” he warned. “If lawlessness takes over, then all of these gains can be lost. Violence has no place in modern Papua New Guinea. Enga deserves better.”
Prime Minister Marape urged the peopleof Enga to take ownership of public assets and work together to protect the region’s future: “Protect your roads. Protect your bridges. Safeguard your environment. This infrastructure belongs to you and to the generations who come after you. Let’s not burn down the future we’re building together.”
He concluded by reinforcing that prosperity and peace go hand-in-hand: “Let’s build—not burn. Let’s unite—not divide. Let us stand together and show the nation that Enga is ready for peace, progress, and pride.”
Key Highlights
• PGK 456 million in corporate tax paid by New Porgera in H1 2025
• US$150 million (PGK 617 million) second interim dividend declared
• Landowner and provincial government benefits increased from 7% (5% equity + 2% royalty) to 18% (15% equity + 3% royalty)
• Kumul Minerals expected to receive dividends soon
• PM Marape condemns violence and urges infrastructure protection
• Strong appeal to Mulitaka and surrounding communities to restore peace and report culprits
• Porgera’s 97% PNG workforce highlighted as a key contributor to national growth