SIG technical team undertakes fact-finding mission on PNG’s mineral resources sector

Honiara, 13 October 2026: A Solomon Islands Government (SIG) technical team undertook a one-week fact-finding and technical mission to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG), from 20 to 26 September 2026 to learn from PNG’s experience in managing and developing its mineral resources sector, including gold refining, downstream processing and related institutional arrangements.

The mission led by Dr Chris Vehe, Permanent Secretary for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, comprised senior government officials from the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), Mr Sam Kaupa, Mineral Sector Advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office, and Mr Mckinnie Dentana, former Permanent Secretary of MoFT.

Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Mr William Soaki, also joined the delegation and assisted in coordinating the programme of engagements in Port Moresby.

The visit formed part of the Solomon Islands Government’s efforts to strengthen its understanding of the policy, regulatory, financial and institutional frameworks underpinning PNG’s mineral resources sector. Key areas of interest included gold sector development, mineral processing and refining, downstream value addition, resource ownership and management, and the broader economic benefits that can be generated from mineral resources.

During the mission, the delegation held technical discussions with key institutions and industry stakeholders, including the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited (KMHL), Italpreziosi South Pacific Limited and the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC).

These engagements provided the delegation with valuable insights into PNG’s experience in establishing and managing institutional arrangements for the minerals sector, including the respective roles of government agencies, state-owned enterprises, financial institutions and private-sector operators.

Discussions also examined gold refining, downstream processing and value addition, with particular attention to the opportunities and challenges involved in developing domestic capacity to retain more economic value from mineral resources.

The mission comes at an important time for Solomon Islands as the Government continues efforts to strengthen the legislative and institutional framework for the responsible and sustainable development of its mineral resources. A Mineral Resources Bill is expected to be presented to Parliament soon, providing an important legislative foundation for the sector.

The technical mission therefore offered a timely opportunity for the delegation to examine PNG’s practical experiences and institutional approaches that could inform ongoing policy, legislative and institutional development in Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Islands Government expressed its appreciation to the Government of Papua New Guinea, the institutions and the companies that met with the delegation for their cooperation and willingness to share their experiences, technical knowledge and insights.

The High Commission of Solomon Islands in Papua New Guinea looks forward to continued engagement and cooperation between relevant agencies of the two countries as Solomon Islands advances its efforts to develop a responsible, sustainable and economically beneficial minerals sector.

-ENDS-