PNG Expo 2026 is set to unite the leaders and innovators shaping Papua New Guinea’s growing mining sector.
Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) mining and resources sector is entering a decisive period of growth, with rising production, expanding projects and increasing demand for locally grounded solutions reshaping how the industry operates.
As this momentum continues, national industry forums are playing an increasingly important role in aligning stakeholders, including operators, suppliers and decision-makers, around the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Against this backdrop, the PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo) is positioning itself as a key player.
Taking place at the Stanley Hotel and Suites in Port Moresby from July 1–2, the PNG Expo will once again bring together businesses, government representatives and industry leaders from across the country and wider region for two days of connection, collaboration and innovation.
With exhibitor demand rising and a redesigned event footprint confirmed, the 2026 edition signals a new chapter for PNG’s premier mining and resources showcase. It will feature a comprehensive exhibition floor showcasing the latest products, services and technologies supporting the national mining sector.
Structured networking opportunities will provide attendees with direct access to decision-makers, suppliers and service providers, reinforcing the event’s reputation as a platform for the industry.
The timing of the event aligns with continued expansion across the mining and energy sectors. PNG’s economy is currently the fastest growing in Oceania, driven by record outputs from gold, copper and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects. With 2025 growth revised up to 4.6 per cent by the Asian Development Bank, suppliers and service providers are seeing increasing opportunities across the entire Pacific region.
In response to growing demand, PNG Expo 2026 will introduce an expanded floorplan, allowing for larger equipment displays and a broader range of exhibitors.
The evolution of the event also reflects the need for practical solutions that address the operational realities of working in the country.
Complementing the exhibition, the free-to-attend conference, with a program curated in collaboration with editorial staff at PNG Mining, will deliver expert-led presentations focused on local challenges, emerging opportunities and best practice across mining and industrial operations.
As projects continue to expand nationwide, the conference program provides a timely forum for knowledge sharing and collaboration. The event’s ability to deliver real commercial value has also been clearly demonstrated in the past. At its 2025 iteration, 65 per cent of attendees identified as being directly involved in decision-making processes within their organisations.
Domestic engagement was equally strong, with 62 per cent of attendees based in PNG, underlining the importance of local participation and partnership.
Australian industrial and safety supplier Blackwoods is among the companies returning to the PNG Expo to capitalise on these offerings, highlighting the event’s importance in connecting with the country’s growing industrial sector.
For Blackwoods business development manager James Stalker, the exhibition plays a critical role in facilitating meaningful engagement with clients and partners.
“The PNG Expo is a critical platform for Blackwoods Export because it brings together key decision-makers from mining, oil and gas, construction, and industrial sectors in one place,” Stalker said.
“It’s not just about showcasing products; it’s about building relationships, understanding local challenges, and reinforcing our commitment to supporting PNG’s growing industrial economy.”
The PNG market presents distinct challenges that require tailored responses from Blackwoods.
“The biggest challenges we see in PNG’s mining and industrial sectors include safety compliance and workforce protection in remote and high-risk environments especially around sourcing quality goods fit for task, ethical sourcing and supply chain reliability for critical consumables and PPE [personal protective equipment],” Stalker said.
Blackwoods addressed these challenges at the 2025 PNG Expo by showcasing innovative PPE solutions designed for tropical and rugged conditions, customised safety programs including glove audits and product standardisation, and integrated supply solutions that reduce downtime and improve procurement efficiency.
The company’s stand focused on practical demonstrations and real-world case studies, illustrating how clients can meet safety standards while optimising operational costs.
Stalker said the key takeaway from the event was the growing demand for solutions that reflect PNG’s unique operating environment.
“This reinforces our strategy to strengthen partnerships and deliver tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all products,” he said.
This year, Blackwoods is focused on showcasing further product innovations, connecting with new customers and strengthening relationships with existing partners. The company will continue to emphasise solutions that are technologically advanced, practical and resilient, particularly in response to logistical challenges and temperamental weather conditions.
More broadly, the PNG Expo continues to play an important role as a national industry event. By providing direct access to global suppliers and innovations, it enables businesses to see, test and compare products while engaging in discussions around safety, productivity and regulatory best practice.
Prime Creative Media show director – mining events Rebecca Todesco said the PNG Expo reflects the strong momentum currently building across the sector.
“The launch of our 2026 event marks a new phase for the PNG Expo and one we’re especially proud to lead,” Todesco said.
“From a redesigned floorplan to stronger content streams and bigger networking opportunities, everything we’re doing is designed to add value for both exhibitors and attendees.”
The PNG Expo, Todesco said, is a vital platform for long-term growth and collaboration.
“PNG Expo is about bringing people together,” she said. “When industry, government and communities meet in one place, it creates real opportunities for growth, collaboration and long-term success in the mining sector and across the country.”
With early bird tickets now available and strong interest from exhibitors and attendees alike, PNG Expo 2026 is shaping up as a must-attend event for anyone involved in or supporting Papua New Guinea’s mining and industrial sectors.
Secure your tickets now at pngexpo.com/attend
This feature appeared in the March-April edition of Safe to Work.
