Air Niugini encourages customers to take advantage of the “NambaWan Fares” as well as other frequently discounted airfares. With the current “Nambawan fares” it provide up to 60 percent off standard ticket fare and is designed to make travel more affordable and encourage more people to fly, whether for business, tourism, medical or simply visiting family and friends within the country. The nambawan fares present an excellent opportunity for those looking to explore new destinations without having to dig deeper into their pockets. With five price points available, customers can purchase tickets now for travel in as little as three days or up to two weeks later. Many customers expressed excitement and joy after securing cheaper nambawan fares. A couple from Bukapena in the Mul-Baiyer district of Western Highlands Province, Mr Samuel Opa and wife, Wati were among customers who took advantage of the nambawan fares when they called into Air Niugini’s new sales office at Dobel in Mt Hagen this morning. “We are happy with the Nambawan fare, as it has made it possible for us to travel to Port Moresby to witness our kid’s graduation”, said Mr Opa. Other customers, like Messrs. Kenneth Karagu, Tavadai Tamari, and Cholai Sipayau, who purchased fares earlier at the sales office in Mt Hagen, echoed similar sentiments, praising the airline for making travel more feasible for them and their loved ones. Mr. Tamari said, “I reside with my family in Mt Hagen, and with this special fare of K413, I was able to take my family with me to Port Moresby and back recently.” Meanwhile, Mr. Karagu added, “It’s good to ensure more people travel, especially those in rural areas for school, work, or vacation; these special fares will really help to cut down on costs. I purchased one recently.” The joy of finding a great deal not only enhances their travel experience but also boosts overall morale as they look forward to future adventures with many customers now feeling empowered to explore new destinations without having to dig deeper to purchase airline tickets. The Nambawan fares are available for all Air Niugini domestic destinations. "We also encourage our customers to book early and plan ahead." "As with any travel plans, having an itinerary can help ensure you make the most of your trip while taking advantage of the discounted fares." "To stay informed on the latest deals and promotions, customers are encouraged to regularly check Air Niugini's Facebook page, website or call toll free 180 3444/7104 3444." "You can also visit your nearest Air Niugini sales office."

PNG KUMUL #166 will be the new Coach Development Manager for Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League The announcement of his appointment was made by the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) in a statement this week. PNGRFL is proud to announce that they have secured the services of Mr Stanley Gene to continue the development of rugby league in Papua New Guinea. Gene's outstanding playing career includes playing for Goroka Lahanis in 1993-94 and the former Lae Bombers the following year. He then played over 350 games in the English Super League and First Division competition in a career spanning over 17 years at top level Rugby League. He represented the PNG Kumuls in 16 Test Matches including 3 World Cups. Following his retirement, he moved into coaching and was the head coach of Gateshead Thunder and Assistant Coach at Hull KR to the Super League team. He was also the Head Coach of Hull KR Academy team. Gene’s immediate focus in the new role will be to support all Digicel ExxonMobil Cup coaches in the 2025 season. He will create a Talent Identification Program for coaches across the country, and the program will focus on coaches who are identified and want to progress into all the club pathways programs and beyond. PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina highlighted that with Mr Gene returning from England to help grow and develop the game is another wonderful step forward for PNG. “As a player who had such a distinguished playing career and represented our country with pride, having him back in the country and available to serve at the PNGRFL is a great opportunity.” “His recent experience in coaching in the Super League and Academy programs will be of great benefit to our clubs,” said Hondina. “As we continue to drive to improve the game, the importance of coaching at Youth, Santos Cup and Digicel ExxonMobil Cup level is critical.” Also speaking during the official announcement of his appointment Mr Gene thanked the PNGRFL for giving him the opportunity to come and work with the team who had done so much in bringing Rugby League to the next level. “I am very passionate about rugby league as this game gave me the opportunity to fulfil my dreams in playing and now coaching.” “To be given the opportunity of helping and giving back to our local coaches is something I am very excited about, and I cannot wait to get out to the clubs and start.”

Tropical Cyclone Alfred Category 1 has now moved away from Papua New Guinea and is now lying on the Eastern seaboard of Queensland. However, with the Tropical Cyclone season still in active in the Southern Hemisphere and rainy season in the country, the National Weather Service has reissued heavy rains and flash flood warnings. Warning areas that will possibly be affected are Western Province, Gulf Province, Central Province, Southern Highlands, Western Highlands and Jiwaka Province. Everyone who lives within these areas are urged to take necessary precautions during this period. All are warned to move away from water ways, river and creek banks and move to higher ground in case of flash flood during this heavy rain period. The warning is valid fore the next 24hrs whereby all four (4) regions will expect scattered showers and isolated thunderstorm with rain.

In a proactive effort to support the health and well-being of the Royal PNG Constabulary, Pacific International Hospital (PIH) is pleased to announce a Basic Health Check activity scheduled for Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Boroko Police Station, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. This initiative aims to provide over 700 police personnel with essential health services, including Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, Glucose Random Blood Sugar (GRBS) tests, and Blood Pressure (BP) monitoring. The event represents a significant corporate social responsibility (CSR) effort by PIH, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of those who protect our communities. As part of this initiative, police personnel who require additional care will be offered a 20% discount on outpatient consultations at Pacific International Hospital. The Basic Health Check at Boroko Police Station will be the first in a series of outreach events planned for various police stations across the region. This partnership not only aims to address immediate health needs but also fosters goodwill and collaboration between PIH and the Royal PNG Constabulary.

Remote South Fly communities have signed grant agreements to improve their livelihoods and for community development as well through the 29 ward development committee representatives from their eight wards in South Fly District, Western Province. The signing was done yesterday for the grant agreements for projects chosen by their communities aimed at community or economic development. The representatives gathered in Daru from 24 to 28 February for training and induction as part of their final preparations related to their respective PNG-Australia Partnership funded community and economic development grants. Provincial Administrator Robert Alphonse Kaiyun, Australian High Commission representative Ms Christine Charity and other dignitaries attended the event. Mr Kaiyun congratulated the grantees and thanked Australia for its partnership. “I would like to acknowledge our close long-term partnership with Australia to deliver on Western Province’s vision to strengthen economic development and build resilient communities.” “I expect the groups receiving these grants to take ownership and work to make their projects succeed.” Ms Charity was pleased to be in Daru to meet some of the grant recipients in person and applauded the achievements of the eight community groups from Morehead and Oriomo-Bituri LLGs. “I am privileged to join the ward and community representatives here in Daru to celebrate today’s signing of the first eight grant agreements, which will support egg production, sawmills, and farm equipment projects.” “These grant projects will support local communities and people to have money in the pocket and food on the table.” “This is the Western Provincial Government’s top priority, and Australia is proud to be working hand-inhand and side-by-side with the people of Western Province to reach some of the most remote and hard-to-reach communities.” In 2024, technical working groups co-chaired by the Australian High Commission and Provincial and District Administrations selected 20 community development and 10 economic grant projects through a competitive application process. Successful applicants from the Oriomu-Bituri, Morehead, Forecoast Kiwai and Fly Kiwai LLGs demonstrated that their projects would benefit the community, including women and people with disabilities, and contribute 10 per cent of project material costs. Local-level governments were closely involved with the applications and committed to assisting grantee communities with part of their contributions. Mr Sampson Tago, Chairman of Sibidiri Community’s Poultry Management Committee said, “The project will greatly assist in ensuring food and financial security because it is an investment to boost our community’s economic activity.” Signing on behalf of the Waidoro community, Ward Development Committee Chairman Mr Bazi Kazipam also expressed his happiness. “The Lucas mill project will help us improve our living conditions and develop our forestry sector through creating economic growth and supporting other local and inclusive initiatives.” The first 8 grants signed were for egg production, sawmills, and farm equipment projects. The remaining 22 grants for egg production, women’s resource centres, community halls, and bridges will follow in the coming months. During the grant period, the grantees will continue to receive technical support and skills development to successfully manage and implement their grants.

Alotau will now experience have more the enough electricity capacity to power the township including the surrounding arears of the town after PNG Power announced the successful commissioning of three (3) new 1-megawatt generators in Alotau, Milne Bay Province. The commissioning of the new generators marks a significant milestone in the province’s journey toward achieving reliable electricity for its residents, businesses, and government services. The commissioning ceremony, held at the Alotau Power Station recently, was attended by Alotau Governor Gordon Wesley, Alotau Open MP Ricky Morris, provincial administration officials, and representatives from PNG Power. PNG Power Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ivan Pekaea expressed his appreciation for the support of the Alotau Provincial Administration under the leadership of, Hon. Governor, Wesley for acquiring these generators for his province. Alotau's existing 1.6 megawatts of generation capacity would be increased by the three (3) brand-new, 728KW generators thus the installation of these generators increases Alotau’s electricity capacity from 1.6 megawatts to 2.2 megawatts, addressing the growing demand for power in the provincial capital and surrounding areas. The efficiency of the provincial capital’s energy generation and consumption will be improved after constant load shedding due to generation shortfall. “We are grateful for the support from the Alotau Provincial Administration and the continuous support from the Marape-Rosso Government, which has made this project possible,” said Pekaea. Governor Wesley expressed his gratitude to PNG Power for their commitment to improving electricity supply in Alotau. He also expressed the importance of this project in driving economic growth, improving public services, and enhancing the quality of life for the people of Milne Bay. “My government is fully committed to supporting this electricity project and ensuring that Alotau and the wider province have access to reliable power supply.” “I am liaising with PNG Power to prepare proposals and costings to meet the increasing energy demands of my province.” Alotau MP, Morris also expressed similar sentiments, reaffirming his commitment to partnering with the provincial government and stakeholders to bring tangible development to the district and province. “I am ready to support projects that will benefit our people and contribute to the growth of Milne Bay Province.” Meanwhile, the Acting CEO, Mr. Pakaea said that the operation of the ageing generation, line distribution infrastructure and fuel deliveries to the power stations throughout PNG, together with other operational running costs, needed to be addressed for PNG Power to retain and preserve electricity reliability. Pekaea further elaborated that this kind of partnership with the Alotau Provincial Administration can be replicated across all thermal centres in PNG to improve energy reliability and ensure that our people have access to consistent power supply. Thermal centres include Alotau, Wabag, Kerema, Daru, and other centres that rely on generators (fuel based) to generate electricity.

The Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Honourable Jelta Wong, on Monday 24th February 2025, addressed the gathering of Pacific Island Leaders at the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi) during the weeklong Honiara Summit. Minister Wong emphasized the vision behind ENBi as a collaborative platform aimed at enhancing coordination and cooperation among Pacific Island countries to advance our shared aspirations for sustainable tuna fisheries development. “When discussing the retention of value from our region’s tuna catches, we are reminded of the many challenges facing Pacific Island nations,” Minister Wong said. “These challenges include inadequate infrastructure, unreliable utilities, high operational costs, limited skilled labour, and geographical remoteness from major markets.” “These challenges will persist if we continue to operate independently, with each Pacific country pursuing tuna fishing and processing investments in isolation." "ENBi seeks to shift this paradigm by promoting regional collaboration and leveraging our collective strengths.” ENBi is founded on the belief that Pacific Island nations can achieve more by working together, leveraging each country’s unique strengths to overcome shared challenges. This approach creates opportunities to develop robust business cases that can be pursued with distant water fishing nations, leading fish trading companies, or forward-thinking investors. Minister Wong emphasized that stakeholders recognize the immense value Pacific nations bring as custodians of some of the world’s best managed tuna resources. ENBi serves as a platform for Pacific Island countries to identify strategic entry points, form alliances, and actively participate in commercial tuna ventures and supporting industries. “The essence of our Pacific way of life is at stake if we allow ourselves to be controlled by external forces dictating global prices,” Minister Wong added. “We are the rightful stewards of our resources." "It is imperative that we unite as a cohesive region, rather than allowing ourselves to be picked off one by one." "We must cultivate a narrative that reflects our collective identity, with ENBi as our vital connection.” “The so-called civilized nations that seek to guide our lives often overlook our rich traditions and cultures, offering misleading aid to maintain their relevance while their foreign policies aim to suppress us.” “Fellow Pacific Islanders, this is our moment to stand together." "Just as the tuna roam freely in our waters, we must recognize our power and potential.” He further quoted Lao Tzu, who teaches us: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach him to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” In our context, if we retain our fish within our region and process it ourselves, we will secure revenue for generations to come. “Now, more than ever, we can take decisive action amidst global tensions." "We must develop strategies that empower us and safeguard our future." "Let us no longer be passive observers.” “It is time for us to enact meaningful change." "No one understands the Pacific better than we do, and the responsibility to shape our destiny lies solely in our hands." "Together, we will forge a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.” Minister Wong stressed that, despite the vital role Pacific nations play in sustainably managing tuna fisheries, these efforts remain largely unrecognized in global markets. “Our investments in vessel monitoring systems, Observer Programs, and monitoring are integral to responsible fisheries management." "But who benefits from these investments and management plans? Is it us?” Minister Wong is hopeful that one day the ENBi logo will be on canned tuna products, signaling to customers that the benefits derived from the catch, processing, and sale of these products are shared by multiple Pacific Island countries. To realize this, it is imperative that all Pacific nations work with eco-label organizations and internationally recognized NGOs to amplify our message. Minister Wong pointed to the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ Pacific Island Tuna project with Walmart as a prime example of what can be achieved. This project disrupts existing supply chains by aggregating MSC-certified tuna through dockside offloading and freighting to tuna processors for Walmart. He expressed his satisfaction that the Republic of the Marshall Islands intends to scale this opportunity through partnerships with the Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, and potentially other Pacific countries. This is what ENBi is all about. “Papua New Guinea aims to position itself as a regional tuna processing hub, like several other Pacific countries." "PNG operates six processing plants, with a combined designed daily processing capacity of over 1,000 metric tonnes."

The final negotiations between the State Negotiating Team and RD Group (RD) for a Joint Venture (JV) between the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and RD to establish a 300 metric-ton (MT) fish cannery at Vidar in Madang was held this morning 25th February 2024. The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, in his opening address stated that the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone (PMIZ) was conceived by the Somare Government 15 years ago when the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare was still alive. But sadly, nothing was achieved up to today as a government even though PMIZ has been a priority of every successive Government. “The Marape-Rosso Government is extremely keen to see this project kick off next month with the establishment of a new cannery as the anchor project.” “We do not have to delay anymore." "We have been talking for 15 years." "By next month we must start this project.” “I want to see negotiations finalized today with the new Draft JV Agreement agreed to as soon as possible." “Once both Parties are happy, we will get the State Solicitor to clear it before taking it to the Cabinet for approval and then we can proceed to sign the Agreement and hand over funds to the new JV Company in the next two to three weeks." "We have spent enough time in the negotiations.” Minister Maru explained further that the scope of the project has changed from JV for a new fishing company to now a JV to build a new 300MT fish cannery. “I am thankful that RD agreed to partner the State through our investment vehicle, KCH, to establish this JV so we can start with the cannery which will take one-and-a-half year to complete if we can start the work now.” “Government is partnering RD because it has the experience and expertise in running a cannery and it already has a wharf and a cold storage.” “This project will be funded by the State Equity, but we will use KCH as the vehicle because it is the business arm of the Government.” “The State, Madang Provincial Government and the Madang and Sumkar District Development Authorities will hold 50% of the shares while RD will hold another 50%.” “The new cannery project will cost K160 million." "The State’s share of the equity funds is ready and will be released to the new JV Company to be called the ‘Kumul Fishing Limited’ as soon as the Project Agreement is signed,” said Minister Maru. “The people of Madang must also benefit from the vast spin-off business opportunities from the proposed Madang Integrated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) starting with the new cannery." Minister Maru thanked the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources and the National Fisheries Authority for the Domestication Policy which will be announced next month. “Under this policy, every fishing company in this country will be required to land between 25% and 40% of their catch in PNG, meaning there will be a lot of fish to process.” “At the moment we process 115,000MT of fish a year out of 550,000MT of fish caught in PNG waters, and this is only 20%.” “We are exporting jobs and losing so much value, so our government is moving towards Domestication, thus the new 300MT cannery is expected to create 10,000 new jobs which means 10,000 more people paying income tax and GST”. Maru highlighted that currently all these jobs are created outside the country, and we have been spectators for a long time as rent collectors and this is going to change with the introduction of the Domestication Policy and with the support of our partner, RD. Minister Maru further added, “We want to have ten fish canneries in Madang one day. We want to have a fully-fledged economic zone as a one-stop-shop with everything to do with fishing including fuel depot, slipway, water, wholesale, retail, staff houses, etc.” “We are looking at working with RD after this JV Agreement to bring in some global experts to do a master plan for the proposed Madang Integrated SEZ.”

From the Kokoda Track to the Battle of Milne Bay, Australia and Papua New Guinea share a rich history of standing together in times of adversity, our nations have fought side by side and step by step to protect our people and our way of life. On 24 February 2025, two Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning fighter jets from the 75 Squadron completed a flypast over Jackson International Airport enroute to Australia. Commanding Officer - Papua New Guinea Defence Force Air Transport Wing, Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Vavar and Australian Defence Advisor, Colonel Nicholas Trotter were both on hand to welcome RAAF pilots including Commanding Officer 75 Squadron, Wing Commander Andrew Nilson during their lightning visit. With Australia and PNG having a long history of defence cooperation, the visit from 75 Squadron today is just one example of the enduring relationship between our defence forces that extends from the battles of WWII, through to the work our soldiers, sailors, and aviators do together each day as part of our Defence Cooperation Program. The 75 Squadron’s historical connection to PNG is one of courage and resilience. The squadron’s Kittyhawk fighters first landed in Port Moresby in March 1942, playing a crucial role in defending PNG from invasion. The history that 75 Squadron has with PNG is just one small piece of the enduring defence connection between our countries. From the air, the land, and the seas, the defence forces of Australia and PNG have stood side by side. In PNG’s 50th anniversary year, we look forward to what the future of our defence cooperation will bring.

Kumul Petroleunm Holdings Limited (KPHL) has just stated gathering seismic data in Barikewa petroleum retention licence in Gulf Province this month. Kumul Petroleum Managing Director, Wapu Sonk explained that KPHL’s contractor, OilMin Holdings Limited, has for the last few months been engaged in landowner engagement, building camps, helipads and bridging, drilling holes for explosive charges, and laying out the recorders over approximately 80 kilometres in six seismic lines in our two licences, and this week we have started data collection. Mr Sonk explained that this was an historic moment - the first time a 100% national company had engaged in petroleum appraisal work in the country; and that the seismic work would gather additional information on gas already discovered in the two KPHL licences, to increase known volumes of oil and gas they contain and improve targets for possible further drilling. “From seismic results from the Barikewa field, and later in the Kimu field, we will have a better idea of the oil and gas volumes in these licences and be able to assess the economic feasibility of monetising the gas and select a development path.” Mr Sonk explained that the seismic work was in a remote area and thus access inn an out of the area was only possible by helicopter. Mr Sonk highlighted that line cutting was a labour-intensive activity and the OilMin managed operation employed more than 300 local casual employees. He also noted that OilMin and Kumul Petroleum were also involved in small scale community development in communities close to the seismic work activities. “KPHL’s role is to maximise the financial returns that PNG receives from the natural resources it has been blessed with, supporting our economy and development as a country.” “Now that Kumul Petroleum Holdings is actively involved in upstream petroleum appraisal we can progress further commercialisation of PNG’s gas resources, in licences where these discoveries had previously been considered uneconomic and ‘stranded’ fields.”

The Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Jelta Wong, MP, was pleased to announce early this week on Monday 17th February 2024, that Majestic Tuna Corporation will be reopening its tuna processing plant in Malahang, Lae, Morobe Province, before the end of the year, following a change in ownership structure and management. Minister Wong expressed his gratitude to the company’s shareholders—FCF Co. Ltd and Frabelle (PNG) Ltd—for their commitment to restarting operations at the plant, which has been closed since June 2023. With the Majestic Tuna Corporation to reopen it is expected to create over a thousand jobs and generate numerous opportunities for local businesses. This announcement follows the success of the Tuna Investor Consultation held in Singapore on February 17th and 18th, 2025. Minister Wong also highlighted a key outcome of the consultation: the realignment of RD Tuna Canners’ fishing and processing operations, supported by tuna-integrated companies Dongwon Industries, TriMarine International, and FCF Co. Ltd. This collaboration will help RD Tuna Canners strengthen its position as a leading PNG-based tuna processor. The Minister noted that the Tuna Investor Consultation marks an important milestone in the Marape-Rosso Government’s ongoing efforts to position Papua New Guinea as a prime destination for foreign direct investment in the tuna fisheries sector. Minister Wong added that he is pleased to report that the Papua New Guinea National Fisheries Board and the National Fisheries Authority, under his leadership, have worked diligently to review and refine the fisheries policies to facilitate this process. “Our objective is to establish a favourable investment climate that recognizes, and rewards genuine tuna processing companies committed to operating in Papua New Guinea.” “With the strong support of Prime Minister Hon. James Marape and the Economic Ministers, my Ministry, in collaboration with the National Fisheries Authority, has initiated key policy and legislative reforms.” “The participation of Honourable Richard Maru, one of the key economic ministers, in this investor consultation underscores the Government’s commitment to fostering a robust and competitive tuna industry.” Papua New Guinea is the leading tuna processor in the Pacific, with six processing plants and a combined daily processing capacity of over 1,000 metric tonnes. “While this is an impressive achievement, we acknowledge the need for continued improvement, especially in implementing policies that support investment, industry expansion, and operational efficiency through a collective approach.” “The implementation of sound fisheries policies by the National Fisheries Authority, through the rebate scheme and the Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) MOA, has yielded positive results. Tuna production at PNG’s tuna processing plants increased by 34%, from 79,209 metric tonnes in 2023 to a record 119,232 metric tonnes in 2024, despite the closure of Majestic Tuna Corporation.” Previously, the highest production throughput was 117,483 metric tonnes in 2021, this positive trajectory demonstrates that PNG is on the right path, and we remain optimistic about the future. The Minister also noted that all tuna processors, including the International Food Corporation, are receiving tuna catches for processing. “The reopening of Majestic Tuna Corporation and the renewal of partnerships between RD Tuna Canners and leading global tuna companies underscores our commitment to growing the fisheries sector and contributing to the PNG economy.” Minister Wong expressed confidence that additional investments, including new foreign direct investments, will flow into PNG’s tuna industry. He also highlighted that the launch of the Tuna Domestication Strategy and an updated National Tuna Fisheries Management Plan, expected in the first half of this year, will further strengthen the sustainable management and development of the tuna fisheries sector. The Government of PNG is committed to supporting the sustainable growth of the fisheries sector. “We are not merely making commitments; we are implementing policies that drive real change,” said the Minister.” “To further enhance the industry, we are establishing a sector-based State-Owned Enterprise, Fisheries Capital Limited (FCL).” “Once approved by Parliament, this SOE will facilitate joint ventures, address industry inefficiencies, and make strategic investments along the tuna value chain to improve the overall business environment.” Minister Wong further announced that PNG is pleased to be working with Pacific nations to implement the East New Britain initiative (ENBi) as a platform for increased coordination and cooperation on sustainable tuna fisheries development within the region. This initiative offers an opportunity to explore the potential for greater retention of the value of tuna catches within the Pacific and is beneficial for all Pacific nations. “Papua New Guinea is not just open for business; we are actively creating an environment that ensures long-term success for investors in our tuna fisheries sector. We look forward to meaningful partnerships that foster mutual growth,” said Wong.

Following an extensive review of the St Barbara portfolio, St Barbara has announced its intention to separate the Atlantic Gold Operations in Nova Scotia, Canada from its broader business portfolio, reinforcing its strategic focus on the Simberi Gold Operations in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea. The extensive review of the Company’s portfolio determined that the separation of Atlantic will create an opportunity to maximize value for shareholders and support the advancement of both Atlantic and Simberi projects. The separation is expected to attract capital specific to Atlantic and facilitate its development under a Canadian-listed entity with local leadership, allowing for closer engagement with regulators and its key stakeholders. Following this transition, St Barbara will emerge as a dedicated PNG gold producer, with its capital allocation and management priorities directed entirely towards Simberi. However, St Barbara remains committed to advancing the 5.0 Moz Simberi Sulphide Expansion Project, which is expected to extend the mine life beyond a decade and provide substantial economic and social benefits to the area of the project. The Simberi Sulphide Expansion Project has already demonstrated strong potential, and with this renewed focus, St Barbara will accelerate its efforts to unlock further value from this long-life asset. St Barbara’s Managing Director and CEO, Andrew Strelein, stated that the decision to separate Atlantic from St Barbara is underpinned by the opportunity to unlock the full value potential of the Atlantic projects under a Canadian listed company with a local leadership team. “This is to focus on delivering upcoming project milestones and benefit from being closer to regulators and key stakeholders.” “Atlantic is a highly attractive and financially robust project and has the potential to be in production within 12 months from permitting approval.” Mr. Strelein further added that the separation of Atlantic enables St Barbara to focus solely on the Simberi Sulphide Expansion Project. Recent progress at Simberi has underscored its importance in St Barbara’s future. The 10-year-plus mine plan for Simberi covers the mining of multiple open pits to extract both oxide and sulphide ore reserves. “The Sulphide Expansion Project, which will transition the operation from oxide processing to sulphide ore processing, is a key component of this plan.” A major step in securing Simberi’s future was the acceptance of the Mining Lease renewal application by the Mineral Resources Authority for an early renewal. While early renewals are not uncommon, the Company acknowledges the favourable consideration given to its submission, supported by technical documentation and letters of support from key stakeholders. The next step in the renewal process includes Mining Warden hearings, scheduled to take place in Simberi on 8 April 2025. Although not immediately required, the early purchase of an MMD Sizer identified for the Sulphides Expansion crushing duty has now been completed and is being installed. The equipment will provide significant improvements in crushing and grinding of current oxide and transitional ores in the interim until Sulphides use. Additionally, the early purchase and recent arrival of a new excavator and second low hour excavator required for Sulphides Expansion further supports mining activities, ensuring efficient material movement as the operation continues to advance. “A new accommodation facility has been purchased, including additional camp rooms, kitchen/mess and other buildings, and will provide housing for the additional contractors involved in the construction phase.” “Once completed, these rooms will transition to accommodate employees, supporting the project's long-term workforce as operations progress.” St Barbara is actively advancing the project with the goal of achieving first production from Simberi Sulphides in 2027. To support these objectives, St Barbara successfully completed a A$100 million institutional placement in November 2024. “The funds raised are being directed towards critical infrastructure developments, including the procurement and construction of a new larger 5.8MW ball mill circuit, the expansion of the wharf to accommodate concentrate vessels, and the construction of a new Runof-Mine (ROM) pad.” “These investments are essential to ensuring the efficient processing of sulphide ore and enhancing the overall operational capacity of Simberi.”