Publications - MRA - Mineral Resources Authority of PNG

History of Mining in Papua New Guinea

Admin — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 12:03:14 +0000

History of Mining in Papua New Guinea

Prior to Independence, since the mining days in Sudest, Misima, Wau Bulolo and elsewhere, all mining activities were administrated by the Territory of Papua New Guinea Administration.

All mining activities were regulated by the Mining Ordinances, based on the 1872 Queensland Mining Legislations. In the years leading to Independence, and with Panguna Mine blooming, the Administration started discussions on the Territory having its own Mining Act. The basis for this Act is to enable the benefits from Panguna to benefit the Territory or a Independent Papua New Guinea, hence the enactment of the Mining Act 1992.

The Mining Act 1992 is the legislation, currently administered by the Mineral Reasources Authority to regulate all mining activities. The Mineral Reasources Authority is sprouted from the Department of Mining.

Before that was the Department of Mining, Petroleum and Energy, which came from the old Department of Natural Resources.

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MRA Corporate Plan 2022-2027

Admin — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 02:05:20 +0000

Mineral Resources Authority Corporate Plan 2022-2027

It gives me tremendous pleasure to oversee the development of the 2022 Strategic and Visionary Corporate Plan for the Mineral Resources Authority,
(MRA).

This plan aims at improving efficiency, good governance and strengthening technical capabilities at the Mineral Resources Authority; demonstrate strong commitment towards stimulating resurgence of mineral exploration and long-term sustainability of the Mining Sector in PNG, beyond potential depletion of all existing mega mineral reserves by 2063; and, safeguards State revenue streams for the State and improves quality of lives for the mining impact communities.

Building on from our 15 years of evolutionary growth, anchored on strong foundation, this strategic plan intends to strengthen our capabilities, by improving our systems through recruitment, training and retention of highly-skilled multi-disciplinary human capital, backed by appropriate and innovative artificial intelligence systems, that can achieve our set goals and objectives effectively and efficiently.

To view more download a PDF

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K92 Mining Inc.

Admin — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:01:38 +0000

K92 Mining Inc.

This Presentation is being provided for information purposes only and does not constitute or form part of, and should not be construed as, an offer or invitation to sell or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for any securities of K92Mining Inc. (the “Company” or “K92”) in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative.

To view more download a PDF

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Mining Outlook – Papua New Guinea

Admin — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 23:54:06 +0000

Mining Outlook – Papua New Guinea

New wave of projects in the sector and forthcoming reforms.

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Mining & Exploration Bulletin 2018

Admin — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 06:12:21 +0000

Mining & Exploration Bulletin 2018

Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) was established to serve the nation’s needs for promoting a sustainable mineral industry in PNG, and acts as a regulator to the industry.

On 19th August 1998, the National Executive Council (NEC) considered a Policy Submission requesting approval for the creation of the Mineral Resources Authority through an Act of Parliament. On 9th November 2005, the National Executive Council certified the Mineral Resources Authority Act 2005 and which came into force on January 1, 2006

Organization Description
MRA is a state owned entity – a statutory organization, established by an Act of Parliament. The set-up or governance structure of the organization is as follows;

Vision, Mission & Goals

Vision: Improving the lives of all Papua New Guineans through the responsible management of the nation’s mineral resources.

Mission: Effectively promote a healthy and sustainable mineral industry and provide a regulatory environment which maximizes mining opportunities to ensure optimum benefits for the people of PNG

Goals: Achieving client & employee satisfaction through responsible management of our mineral resources today with tomorrow in mind.

The primary responsibility of the Mineral Resources Authority is to;

• Advise Minister on matters relating to management, exploitation, and development of PNG mineral resources
• Promote orderly exploration and development of PNG mineral resources
• Oversee administration and enforcement of Mining Act 1992, Mining Safety Act (chapter 195A), Mining Development Act, Ok Tedi Acts and Bougainville Copper Agreement Act
• Negotiate mining development contracts and MOAS
• Conduct geo-scientific investigations into PNG geological resources
•Provide small scale mining services
Collect, analyze, store, archive and disseminate and publish geo-scientific information

Corporate Governance
We set the highest standards of good governance, adopting uncompromised standards of integrity, transparency, professionalism, and ethical behavior in all that we do. We strive for efficiency and effectiveness in all of our processes, recognizing that we exist and operate on behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea.

Organization’s corporate social responsibility
We exist to service all our customers, stakeholders and investors in Papua New Guinea and beyond.

We value all stakeholders ensuring they remain at the centre of our decision-making processes.

We value the principles of Sustainable Development never conceding serious, long-term potential risks for the sake of easy short-term gains especially in matters of environmental care and/or social cohesion.

Divisional Functions
Development Coordination Division
Improve stakeholder consultation, project facilitation and management of mining benefit streams including small scale mining, from exploration to mining phases of development, by formation of a project facilitation function.

Geological Survey Division
Document, manage and provide regional geological, geophysical and geological resource information by formation of modified geological mapping…

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Mining Industry Quarter 2 OHS Bulletin 2017

Admin — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 07:10:51 +0000

Mining Industry Quarter 2 OHS Bulletin 2017

Despite the current economic gloominess, the mining industry in PNG is experiencing an increase in employee numbers when compared with the reporting period last year, consistent with rising productivity and commodity prices.

It also appears that the safety and health statusof our sector has improved over the same period, giving me confidence that the efforts of the Mineral Resources Authority, through the Mines Safety Branch’s emphasis on increased compliance is making a difference to ensure worker’s health and safety is improved at every opportunity.

The “Mining Industry OHS Bulletin – Quarter 2 – 2017”, is a continuation from the previous publications. It is our desire to see that this wealth of data could be utilized by management and stakeholders to influence both short and long term Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) outcomes.

This quarter continues the trend of fatality-free reporting periods. However, the number of serious incidents occurring in the industry reminds us to continue our effort and commitment to prevent planned events, as we are aware that these negative outcomes can have detrimental impacts on the livelihoods of individuals and their families.

Mines Safety Branch has up skilled the capabilities of its Inspectors with the recent Lead Auditor training in OHS to international standard; ISO 18001. Audits are a proactive effort to identify deficiencies in the health and safety management systems within our mines, enabling gaps in the system to be remedied. The management of MRA has allocated the necessary resources to ensure safety standards can be improved and maintained through similar training programs. It is also anticipated that the audits will be conducted in a more efficient and effective manner, thus leading to the better management of risks and safety exposures.

Mines Safety Branch, with the continuous support of senior mine management, and all other stakeholders, must continue to work together to ensure that mine workers get back to their home and families safe and healthy at the end of each shift or rostered period…

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Mining Industry Quarter 1 OHS Bulletin 2017

Admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 07:02:23 +0000

Mining Industry Quarter 1 OHS Bulletin 2017

The Mineral Resources Authority through the Mines Safety Branch of the Regulatory Operations Division is proud to provide to you the “Mining Industry OHS Bulletin – Quarter 1 – 2017”, which can be read in conjunction with and as a continuation of our previous publications. The 2017 Quarter 1 publication features Health and Fitness Performance of the Industry apart from Safety.

In the 1st quarter of 2017, it is pleasing to note that the mining industry in PNG experienced a fatalityfree reporting period. This outcome is a testament of the tireless and unseen efforts of all concerned stakeholders to ensure robust safety and health systems are developed and implemented. I urge all parties to continue to support these efforts and allocate resources to continue to make our mining operational areas safer places to work and live.

However, the recent occurrence of some serious accidents causing bodily injuries at our mines has tarnished the many good initiatives to arrest the recent past incident trends.

In spite of the many challenges that we are faced in our industry, it has been a collaborative effort thus far for MRA through the Mines Safety Branch along with mine management and employees to resource and identify risk exposures, and rectify these immediately.

I applaud the increased compliance efforts undertaken by the Mines Safety Branch and the continuous support of the mine senior management to ensure that workers’ health and safety are improved throughout all the mining operational sites.

We trust that these ongoing safety improvements will continue to provide workers and their families’ with an assurance that our mining industry can be held to the highest safety standards and practices…

To view more download a PDF

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Mining & Exploration Bulletin 2016

Admin — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 07:15:19 +0000

Mining & Exploration Bulletin 2016

The Mining and Exploration Bulletin is an official publication the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) of Papua New Guinea.

The Bulletin is a bi-annual publication that is intended to give information the performance and development of mineral exploration and mining projects in the country.

It also contains updates on government policies and activities relating to the sector.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2016 mining activities in terms of production to date are showing improvement compared to 2014 & 2015, despite the continued closure of Ok Tedi until March, and a 10 week closure of the Basamuk nickel and cobalt refinery. Whilst the lower mineral commodity prices for copper and nickel continue to impact on the country’s export revenue, gold and silver have reached recent record prices as a result of world geo-political and economic uncertainty.

Gold remains our key mineral, contributing 75% of our export mineral revenue. Production at the Lihir mine in New Ireland province is expected to exceed 900,000 ounces of gold in 2016 and will be within the top 5 globally for both reserves and production. New or re-opened mines to come on stream over the next 12 months include Crater Mountain, Kainantu and Tolukuma, which combined could contribute another 130,000 ounces of gold annually

Data from our Flexicadastre tenement management system indicates a levelling off in exploration tenement applications, but an increase in mining tenements aided by the lodgement of the SML and other associated tenements for the Frieda River gold and copper project.

The MRA is committed to facilitate the regulatory approvals being sought for the Frieda project and has commenced this process within government and with the project stakeholders.

The MRA through its geological survey division continues to make available new geological information through its numerous field mapping exercises covering parts of Oro, East & West Sepik, Central and Morobe provinces. The exciting discoveries of coal in the East and West Sepik provinces will open up opportunities for companies to apply for exploration licenses over these coal areas. In addition, we are continuing work on our regional geochemical studies covering the New Guinea Irelands region. The studies will produce baseline mineral occurrences data for potential explorers.

Despite the trying times in exploration, a good number of tenement holders have uncovered exciting discoveries. Harmony Gold Ltd’s Kili Teke prospect in the Hela province, produced excellent results from its maiden drilling program in 2015, and early results from their 2016 drill programs continue to be encouraging. Highlands Pacific and Anglo American, who are drilling the star mountains area, in the West Sepik province, also registered exciting drill results. Similarly, Ok Tedi Mining Limited at its Townsville prospect, adjoining the current mine tenement. Each is displaying characteristics of large porphyry systems. Diversified exploration company, Mayur Resources Ltd have completed pre-feasibility studies of their Orokolo Bay iron sands project and are now embarking on their definitive feasibility studies. Katana Limited is ready to lodge its mining lease application for its iron sands resource and two significant proven nickel resources in Oro province are under retention awaiting the recovery of the nickel price.

In summary, business in the minerals sector is slow, but still attractive for those still exploring and mining, and for new investors. There is still more to be discovered in this country if one is prepared to invest in the mineral prospect of PNG.

Enjoy the publication and trust that you will find the information useful for your purposes…

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Bulletin 1st Issue 2015

Admin — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 07:19:34 +0000

Bulletin 1st Issue 2015

The Mining and Exploration Bulletin is an official publication the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) of Papua New Guinea.

The Bulletin is a bi-annual publication that is intended to give information the performance and development of mineral exploration and mining projects in the country.

It also contains updates on government policies and activities relating to the sector.

The mining industry is cyclical. In 2013/2014/2015 we entered a difficult period following the decline of mineral commodity prices, almost across the board.

This downturn has led to financial constraints across the sector, reducing production and operating pressures at both existing mines and within the exploration space. Ok Tedi has since laid off workers from the mine.

The gold price, still the mainstay of PNG mining, has fallen up to 28% since the most recent peak in this commodity cycle.

The downturn has combined with a fall off in production from Ok Tedi, lower than forecast production at the Lihir, Simberi and Hidden Valley mines and a slower move to full production at the Ramu Nickel and Cobalt mine.

Production from PNG’s existing mines has, according to bank of PNG records, been in decline since 2007 for copper and 2010 for gold. PNG’s potentially significant new mineral prospects have yet to move into a development phase. This remains a concern of the government.

All the key minerals mined in PNG– copper, gold, silver, nickel and cobalt, have therefore been impacted by this current downturn with prices falling in value to varying degrees.

This uncertain environment leads directly to lower export receipts, less tax take, reduced royalties and levy, and reduction in direct expenditure within the PNG economy. The government recognizes the difficult times that now confront us.

The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) continues to operate diligently to ensure that the industry is sustainable for the people of PNG. PNG has always ranked highly on its international reputation for prospectivity.

PNG’s leading reputation for its traditional porphyry based gold and copper geology is now further embellished by the potential to diversify into other minerals such as coal, mineral sands, molybdenum and geothermal.

Mining may have currently hit the ‘pause’ button, but is merely in readiness for the next move to significant further development.

Several world class prospects already await that next phase. Therefore, despite these cyclical issues and delayed start-ups, the PNG government envisages a bright future for mining with significant growth upside.

The PNG government considers mining diversity, a ‘no surprises’ regulatory regime and targeted application of geoscientific studies the key to provide a monumental boost and broader based mineral footprint.

The government is investing in infrastructure and community development. It is reforming development.

With this will come a steady wealth expansion in PNG over the next 15 years. I am therefore confident that we will not only achieve our target of doubling mineral export receipts by 2030 but will in fact surpass it…

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Mining & Exploration Bulletin July-Dec 2012

Admin — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 07:24:32 +0000

Mining & Exploration Bulletin July-Dec 2012

The Quarterly Bulletin is an official publication of the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) of Papua New Guinea.

The Bulletin is a bi-annual publication that is intended to give information on the performance and development of mineral exploration and mining projects in the country.

It also contains articles on the administrative functions of the MRA as well as government initiatives and policies on the industry.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) undoubtedly is a mining state, with mineral export revenues driving the economy and services in the country, with almost 7 million people spread over a land area of 462,840 km2, and a GDP of USD$1900 per capita. It is endowed with vast natural resources in all sectors, in minerals, oil & gas, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.

nue, as well as royales to landowners, dividends to equity holders, business development income, and many tangible benefits to host communities that would not otherwise be provided from any source This trend will continue for the next 15 20 years

GEOLOGY & MINERALIZATION
The mineral wealth of Papua New Guinea is the result of its geology. The geology of the country is complex and much of it is not well According to the Bank of Papua New Guinea (June 2012 Quarterly Bulletin), just over 53 percent of the export receipts were from minerals exports. The first LNG export is destined for 2014, and that may influence the balance of powers on mineral receipts. However the mineral sector in Papua New Guinea is vibrant and progressive with four to five new mines scheduled to add to the existing eight mines, by 2020; it will continue to be a significant revenue earner. Of these 4-5 new mines, 3-4 will be world class mines with mine life of more than 20 years.

The mining industry is by far the major contributor to the GDP and Export Earnings of Papua New Guinea with up to 60-80% of total exports by value in the last 15 years. Mining provides more than one third of government tax reve-understood thus contributing to the difficulties in exploration and discoveries of mineral resources. Based on anomalies from past and current exploration efforts, it is known that Papua New Guinea can offer to explorers the opportunity to multi element discoveries, including rare earth elements (REE) which super powers of the world considers as strategic elements for world domination and power. Upthrust by the relatively recent collision between the Australian and Pacific plates, Papua Guinea’s mountains are twice as glory as Australia’s highest, and contain mineral-rich volcanic rocks, intrusive rocks and ultramafic rocks. Most of the igneous systems are now largely fossilized, but several systems, particularly on the north of mainland PNG and the islands, are still currently active…

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