The PNG mining industry’s most anticipated gathering is back, and it’s bigger than ever.
Following a record-breaking 2025 event that drew near-capacity crowds and generated enthusiasm across Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) resources sector, the PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo) returns to Port Moresby from July 1–2, 2026.
The Stanley Hotel will once again transform into the beating heart of PNG’s mining community, a dynamic hub where innovation meets opportunity, where industry veterans share insights with emerging leaders, and where the future of PNG’s resources sector takes shape through meaningful connections and collaborative solutions.
This isn’t just another industry event returning to the calendar. PNG Expo 2026 represents a deliberate evolution designed to match the growing momentum across the sector. With enhanced features, expanded opportunities, and a renewed focus on delivering tangible value to every participant, the 2026 edition promises to set new benchmarks for what a regional mining exhibition can achieve.
The message is clear: the country’s mining sector is levelling up, and PNG Expo 2026 is leading the charge.
Building on success
The decision to enhance PNG Expo for 2026 didn’t happen in a vacuum; it was driven by the resounding success and enthusiastic feedback from the 2025 event. Industry decision-makers, mining equipment, technology and services (METS) companies and researchers from across PNG and international resources sectors came together for two days of what the mining community was seeking: innovative case studies, knowledge sharing, and meaningful networking opportunities.
The numbers tell part of the story. PNG Expo 2025 achieved extremely strong attendance on its opening day, with delegates eagerly diving into comprehensive case studies like Metso’s groundbreaking work at the Ok Tedi mine.
The conference program resonated strongly with attendees, who gained valuable insights from learning and development professionals tackling PNG’s dynamic labour market challenges, while leaders from companies like Remote Global, Rescue Group Services, Imatech, Lincom and TriCab shared real-world stories of innovation and problem-solving from mining’s front lines in PNG.
But beyond the metrics, the quality of connections helped to set PNG Expo 2025 apart. The gala dinner saw a full ballroom of delegates taking the opportunity to relax, unwind and forge lasting relationships with colleagues and industry counterparts.
The exhibition floor buzzed with activity as companies like D&T Hydraulics, Sandvik, and Crusher & Screen Sales showcased the latest product innovations and services. These interactions are a first step to tangible business outcomes and ongoing partnerships.
What’s new for 2026?
With such strong foundations established, PNG Expo 2026 is taking a deliberate step forward through several key enhancements designed to maximise value for exhibitors and attendees.
At the heart of these improvements is a redesigned exhibition floorplan that is designed to create even more opportunities for meaningful engagement. The expanded floorplan is designed as a reflection of how industry professionals interact at mining events.
Improved traffic flow will ensure delegates can navigate the exhibition more efficiently, while increased exposure opportunities give exhibitors better visibility and more strategic positioning options.
The new design incorporates dedicated showcase areas that encourage deeper product demonstrations and technical discussions, creating immersive experiences that reflect the complexity of modern mining operations.
Sponsors and suppliers will benefit from enhanced strategic positioning opportunities that align with the natural flow of delegate movement and interest areas. This thoughtful approach to space utilisation means every square metre works harder to facilitate connections and business development.
The conference program is receiving equally focused attention through collaboration with the editorial team at PNG Mining. This partnership will help to ensure the 2026 content streams are not only relevant but anticipate the challenges and opportunities that will define the sector’s future. The free-to-attend format continues, and the content quality and industry relevance are being elevated to match the sector’s growing sophistication.
Perhaps most significantly, PNG Expo 2026 is doubling down on networking as a core event experience. Building on the positive feedback about relationship-building opportunities in 2025, the enhanced format creates more structured and informal networking touchpoints across both days.
“The launch of our 2026 event marks a new phase for PNG Expo, one we’re especially proud to lead,” Prime Creative Media marketing manager – mining events Rebecca Todesco.
“From a redesigned floorplan to stronger content streams and bigger networking opportunities, everything we’re doing is designed to add value for both exhibitors and attendees.”
Knowledge and insights
The conference program remains at the heart of PNG Expo’s value proposition.
Building on the successful case study format of 2025, delegates can expect deep-dive presentations from industry leaders with direct experience navigating some of the complex challenges that come with PNG’s unique mining environment. These sessions will move beyond theoretical discussions to explore real-world applications, providing attendees with actionable insights they can immediately apply in their own operations.
The program will also tackle the pressing issues that face mining professionals. Fuel and renewable energy solutions will feature prominently, addressing cost pressures and sustainability mandates that are reshaping operational strategies. Community relations and the significance of community development agreements will also receive focused attention.
In the same way, workplace safety remains a sector priority, and the conference will explore innovative approaches to building and maintaining safer workspaces in challenging environments.
“The aim is to bring together individuals with shared interests or expertise to share their knowledge about the industry and potentially collaborate on specific topics or projects,” Todesco said.
“We’re building a conference program that will help our delegates stay informed and aware of industry advancements.”
As the calendar turns toward the second half of 2025, PNG’s mining sector is experiencing a period of renewed optimism and significant activity. That ideally positions the July 2026 event to capture and amplify this momentum.
Current market conditions are creating compelling opportunities across multiple commodities, with global demand for critical minerals driving fresh interest in PNG’s diverse resource base. The country’s established mining operations are implementing efficiency improvements and expansion projects, while exploration activities are uncovering promising new prospects that could well define the next decade of development.
The growing sophistication of PNG’s mining ecosystem is particularly evident in the strengthening connections between the PNG and Australian mining sectors. Cross-border partnerships are becoming more strategic and comprehensive, moving beyond traditional supplier relationships to encompass technology transfer, skills development, and joint venture arrangements that leverage the complementary strengths of both markets.
This evolution is supported by improving infrastructure and regulatory frameworks that are making PNG an increasingly attractive destination for mining investment and innovation. The recent focus on local content requirements and community engagement is driving demand for solutions that can operate effectively within PNG’s unique social and environmental context.
PNG Expo 2026 arrives at the right moment to serve as a catalyst for these developments. With anticipation building toward the July event, companies across the sector are already identifying strategic initiatives and partnerships they want to advance through the networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities the expo provides.
More than just an industry gathering, PNG Expo 2026 represents a strategic investment in the country’s mining future.
