As 2025 draws to a close, the PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo) stands out as one of the year’s most significant moments for the country’s resources and industrial sectors.
Held at the Stanley Hotel and Suites in Port Moresby from July 2–3, PNG Expo 2025 built on the momentum of its inaugural event to deliver its biggest and most impactful edition yet, bringing together industry leaders, suppliers, operators and community partners under one roof.
With more than 560 delegates attending across the two days, 60 per cent of whom were local to PNG, the event reinforced its position as a central meeting point for serious business, collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the region.
A growing marketplace for PNG’s resources sector
From the outset, PNG Expo 2025 was designed to reflect the growing scale and sophistication of PNG’s mining and industrial landscape.
A packed exhibition floor showcased a cross-section of the mining supply chain, with exhibitors including Metso, Sandvik, Lincom Group, TriCab, Blackwoods, Crusher & Screen Sales, D&T Hydraulics and many more presenting the latest products, services and innovations suited to PNG’s unique operating conditions.
For companies like TriCab, a returning silver sponsor, the expo continued to offer a rare opportunity to engage directly with customers, partners and decision-makers in one concentrated setting.
The event’s format, which places exhibitors, conference sessions and networking functions within the same venue, allowed delegates to maximise time on the ground and focus on meaningful conversations.
Knowledge sharing at the core
Alongside the exhibition floor, the two-day conference program once again proved a major drawcard.
Industry experts from PNG and Australia delivered presentations and case studies covering a broad range of issues shaping the sector, including safety and workforce development, community engagement, renewable energy and fuel strategies, and operational efficiency.
Highlights included a Metso case study examining a major VPA filter upgrade at Ok Tedi, as well as an Orica presentation unpacking key lessons from its past and present PNG projects.
Panel discussions also tackled the ongoing challenge of attracting, training and retaining talent in PNG’s fast-moving labour market.
The conference reinforced PNG Expo’s role not only as a marketplace, but as a forum for practical learning and shared experience.
Business, networking and connection
A defining feature of PNG Expo 2025 was its emphasis on structured yet relaxed networking.
Delegates kicked off proceedings with a poolside welcome drinks event on the Stanley Hotel’s fifth-floor deck, overlooking Port Moresby. Sponsored by TriCab, the evening set the tone for the days ahead, giving exhibitors and attendees a chance to connect in an informal setting before business ramped up.
At the conclusion of day one, the official gala dinner brought the full ballroom together for an evening of dining, entertainment and conversation. The dinner provided the perfect opportunity to deepen relationships formed on the exhibition floor and turn conversations into tangible business outcomes.
For many delegates, these sideline events were just as valuable as the formal program, creating space for organic discussions and long-term partnerships to form.
Community impact through charity partnership
In a new initiative for 2025, PNG Expo partnered with Project Yumi as its official charity partner, adding a strong community-focused dimension to the event.
Project Yumi works across PNG to improve education, healthcare and employment opportunities through initiatives such as Project Skul, Project Meri and Project Wok.
The partnership aligned closely with PNG Expo’s broader emphasis on sustainable development and meaningful engagement with local communities.
Representatives from Project Yumi shared insights during the conference program and addressed delegates at the official dinner, highlighting the importance of collaboration between industry and community organisations to deliver real, on-the-ground impact.
Record attendance and momentum into the future
The record attendance at PNG Expo 2025 reflected growing confidence and interest in PNG’s resources sector, as well as the event’s rising profile within the industry.
Representatives from major operators including Harmony Gold, K92, Newmont Lihir, OK Tedi, St Barbara, PNG Power and the Mineral Resources Authority were among those in attendance, reinforcing the expo’s relevance across all levels of the value chain.
As the year comes to a close, industry interest is already building for the next edition of PNG Expo, with many exhibitors securing early positions to ensure prime exposure and continued engagement with the market.
PNG Expo 2025 has firmly established itself as more than just an exhibition, it is now a cornerstone event for the PNG mining and industrial sectors, bringing together business, knowledge and community in one place.
Looking ahead: Momentum builds for PNG Expo 2026
Following a record-breaking 2025 event, momentum is already building for PNG Expo 2026, scheduled to return to the Stanley Hotel and Suites in Port Moresby from July 1–2 next year.
Organisers are planning an expanded exhibition floor in response to strong demand and year-on-year growth, with major industry players including Sandvik, Metso, Blackwoods, TriCab and Lincom Group already locking in their participation.
With the 2025 event recording a 10 per cent increase in attendance on the previous year, PNG Expo 2026 is shaping up to be the most significant edition yet.
The 2026 conference program will also expand, offering two full days of thought leadership focused on the challenges and opportunities shaping Papua New Guinea’s mining and resources sector.
Developed in collaboration with the PNG Mining editorial team, the free-to-attend program will feature discussions spanning public health and workforce wellbeing, sustainable mining practices, logistics and supply chain challenges, next-generation exploration technologies, investment pathways and community engagement.
Organisers say the program is designed to deliver practical insight while fostering collaboration between operators, suppliers, policymakers and community stakeholders.
Beyond the exhibition floor and conference sessions, networking remains central to the PNG Expo experience.
From welcome receptions and official networking functions to informal catch-ups throughout the venue, every element of the event is designed to spark conversation and create real business opportunities.
Prime Creative Media show director – mining events Rebecca Todesco said PNG Expo 2026 represents a rare chance to bring the entire PNG mining industry together in one place.
As interest continues to build, exhibitors and delegates are being encouraged to secure their positions early as PNG Expo looks ahead to another milestone year.
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