The 2025 PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo) is looming, and the mining industry is abuzz with anticipation. This event, set to take place in Port Moresby from July 2–3, is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the sector, with industry heavyweights like Metso, Blackwoods, Sandvik, Draeger, Lincom, the Mineral Resources Authority, and Putzmeister already securing their spots. The excitement is palpable, and for good reason. This is not just another conference; it’s a catalyst for change and collaboration.
Austmine, the key industry association for the Australian mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) sector, is once again throwing its weight behind the PNG Expo. Sheldon Varcoe, manager of international projects at Austmine, is bullish about the opportunities the event presents. “There are substantial opportunities to deepen collaboration across the Australian and PNG mining ecosystems,” he asserts. Varcoe is not just talking about collaboration for collaboration’s sake. He’s talking about fostering safe, sustainable, and productive operations. He’s talking about ushering in change.
The 2024 event provided a glimpse into what’s possible. It was a chance to explore the products and services being utilised in PNG, to develop new partnerships, and to highlight the latest trends and technological advancements. But the 2025 PNG Expo is set to build on that success. It’s not just about the curated exhibition floor and the informative speaker program. It’s about the networking opportunities, the chance to kick off the festivities at welcome drinks, and to do so against the backdrop of the Port Moresby skyline.
Siobhan Rocks, events manager at Prime Creative Media, remembers the welcome drinks from the 2024 event fondly. “It was an amazing opportunity for the exhibitors to come together in a relaxing environment,” she recalls. The Stanley Hotel, a premier business location in Port Moresby, provided the perfect setting. The location, the staff, the food, the music – all of it came together to set the scene for what would be an amazing few days.
But the PNG Expo is more than just a social event. It’s a platform for businesses to gain insights into market trends, to understand industry needs, and to explore innovative solutions. It’s an opportunity to share expertise, to demonstrate high-quality solutions, and to support other businesses in achieving their goals. In short, it’s an opportunity to drive the sector forward.
So, how might this news shape development in the sector? For one, it could accelerate the adoption of new technologies and practices in PNG. With industry trailblazers showcasing their latest solutions, there’s potential for a significant shift in how mining operations are conducted. Moreover, the event could foster a stronger relationship between the Australian and PNG mining ecosystems. This could lead to increased investment, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
But perhaps the most significant impact will be on the people. The PNG Expo is not just about the big players. It’s about the engineers, the technicians, the innovators. It’s about giving them a platform to share their ideas, to learn from each other, and to drive the sector forward. It’s about empowering the next generation of mining professionals. And that, more than anything, is what makes the 2025 PNG Expo an event the sector cannot afford to miss.
