Mining
From The Report: Papua New Guinea 2016
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In line with the downward cyclical trend still buffeting the industry globally, the mining sector in Papua New Guinea remains in a cooling period in terms of exploration and production activity. To counter act tighter profit margins brought on by sluggish global demand for minerals and the corresponding drop in commodity prices, mining companies across PNG have responded by increasing efficiency and taking cost-cutting measures. Adding to the challenge of these market realities were other factors beyond the control of mining operators in 2015, such as a drought that lowered river levels enough to limit access to some mines and cut shipments, as well as temporary shutdowns due to health and safety concerns. These factors aside, the country’s historically strong copper and gold mines remain a crucial component of the economy.

This chapter contains an interview with Michael Johnston, President and CEO, Nautilus Minerals.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Holding steady: New and ongoing projects are rolling out across the sector as activity picks up
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In line with the global industry as a whole, as a result of the downward cyclical trend still buffeting the industry, the mining sector in Papua New Guinea remains in a cooling period in terms of exploration and production activity. To counteract tighter profit margins brought on by sluggish global demand for minerals and the corresponding drop in commodity prices, mining companies across PNG have responded by increasing efficiencies and taking cost-cutting measures. Adding to the challenge…

Interview

Deep thinking: OBG talks to Michael Johnston, President and CEO, Nautilus Minerals
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Interview:Michael Johnston Out of many potential locations, why did you choose the site off the coast of East New Britain? MICHAEL JOHNSTON: The project is in cold and deep waters, in an area that shows high sedimentation rates. Volcanic activity occurring deeper in the ground propels high-temperature waters through the fault at the bottom of the sea and sets off a mineralisation process. These are well-known systems and the ones in Papua New Guinea were discovered in the late 1980s. This…

Analysis

New digs: Exploratory work continues to stake out potential mine projects
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The string of successful mines dotting Papua New Guinea, from the Panguna mine in Bougainville to Ok Tedi in the Western Province, has demonstrated many times over the substantial mineral potential lying just beneath the surface across the country. These proven success stories, which have rewarded the efforts of earlier pioneering mining operations, are now acting as a guide for the next generation of miners seeking to carve out their own mark in the industry. Bucking the current trends of…