Workforce & Procurement: PNG Resource Week 2026 opened with calls for national collaboration to build a skilled workforce and lift PNG participation in procurement and supply chains for the resource sector. Public Finance Reform: Finance Secretary Samuel Penias says government is pushing “cheque-free” payments via Electronic Funds Transfer, targeting full transition by 2027 under the Public Finance Management Act. Resource Sector Local Content: PNG CORE president Anthony Smaré urged stronger partnerships across government, industry, landowners and communities, warning that major projects will strain skilled labour and stressing PNG suppliers must compete on safety, quality and delivery. Sovereign Wealth Fund: PNG’s Sovereign Wealth Fund is framed as the “game-changer” for long-term independence, converting finite resource revenue into savings for future generations. Mining & Community Benefits: Ok Tedi Mining says 49 landowner companies are contracted for goods and services and targets 80% local procurement by 2030, alongside community investment plans. Bougainville Drilling: Island Passage Exploration says drilling at EL02 could start in late August or September, the first outside Panguna in over 50 years. Transport & Connectivity: Air Niugini restarts direct Port Moresby–Tokyo flights from 18 July, restoring a key Pacific-Japan link. Digital Payments & Identity: NEC signed an MoU with Ava Labs to advance biometric on-chain identity and fraud prevention for AI-driven transactions. Road Claims Processing: MVIL and NCDPHA signed a five-year MoU to speed genuine Compulsory Third Party accident claims by verifying medical reports and tightening fraud controls.