Papua New Guinea’s mining sector took centre stage this week at the inaugural PNG Mining Seminar held at the Akasaka Intercity Conference Centre in Tokyo.

The event, co-hosted by Ok Tedi, marked a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between Japan and Papua New Guinea, showcasing the country’s untapped resource potential and inviting Japanese investors to join PNG’s journey of growth and development.

Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape, and Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, both addressed the 60-person-strong audience, consisting of Japanese smelter partners, industry peers and interested investors.

Ok Tedi Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit, who presented at the seminar on the mutual benefits of the PNG–Japan relationship, shared his vision for the future of mining in PNG

“This seminar marks a new chapter in our relationship with Japan—a country that has stood by Papua New Guinea for decades. We are proud to host this historic event and invite Japanese investors to walk with us into a future of shared prosperity,” Mr Ilimbit said.

“Ok Tedi is not just a mining company—we are a catalyst for change. We invest in growth, but we also invest in people, in communities, and in the future of our nation.”

Ok Tedi Mining Limited positioned itself as the partner of choice for Japanese investors seeking long-term, socially impactful ventures to support.

“Papua New Guinea is a land of opportunity. Our resources are vast, our people are resilient, and our potential is still largely untapped. We welcome partners who share our values and our vision,” said Ilimbit.

Kumul Minerals Managing Director Sarimu Kanu also attended the seminar and presented on the theme “partnering to build PNG mines”.

Key themes of the seminar included:

• Japan’s enduring partnership with PNG, built on decades of trust and trade.
• PNG’s untapped potential in mining and infrastructure.
• Social impact and inclusive growth, with Ok Tedi leading the way.
• Strategic investment opportunities for Japanese stakeholders.

The event was proudly co-hosted by Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), whose support reflects Japan’s strategic interest in PNG’s resource sector and the importance of regional cooperation for mutual growth.