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.”

Innovation PNG 2025 which is scheduled to happen in March from the 27th to the 28th 2025 at the Stanley Hotel, which will bring in together global leaders, industry pioneers and decision makers. The event will feature an impressive lineup of international keynote speakers, including Mark Pesce (Futurist), Sarah Foo (Xero), Kevin Jessop (IBM), and more. As digital transformation reshapes industries worldwide, Remington Group is proud to drive innovation in Papua New Guinea and is proud to be the Gold Sponsor of Innovation PNG 2025. Reminton company reaffirms its commitment to advancing business solutions, connectivity, and technology-driven progress in PNG, and as a leader in digital print, document, and business solutions, Remington Group will showcase three of its powerhouse business units: - BizPrint – High-quality, cost-effective printing and scanning solutions that enhance efficiency and branding. We streamline workflows, boost productivity, and let you focus on growth—while we handle your printing needs. - FX Business Centre – Advanced office equipment and business technology designed to maximize efficiency and performance. - OF Communications Limited (OFC) – Cutting-edge IT, cybersecurity, and enterprise communication solutions for a secure and connected business environment. These solutions optimise efficiency, automate workflows, and drive productivity, helping businesses stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. As part of its sponsorship, Remington Group is excited to welcome Kevin Jessop, IBM’s Lead FPM Solution Specialist for Asia Pacific, as a featured speaker. Kevin will share insights on AI-driven business intelligence and advanced analytics, aligning with Remington Group’s vision of a smarter, tech-enabled PNG. Navin Raju, CEO of Remington Group, says the Innovation PNG 2025 is a vital investment, thus embracing technology is key to unlocking PNG’s economic potential. “At Remington Group, we’re not just keeping pace—we’re leading digital transformation, our sponsorship reinforces our commitment to innovation, automation, and smart solutions, empowering businesses to thrive."

The Coca-Cola Euro Pacific Partners (CCEP) proudly hosted its third Annual Commercial Conference at The Stanley Hotel on 04th February 2025 here in Port Moresby. The third annual commercial conference brought together more than 80 employees including the commercial leadership team as well. The one-day conference involved the entire Sales and Marketing teams in the four regions with the focus on the 2025 business targets. CCEP PNG’s Sales and Commercial Director Tim Solly stated that It’s not every day that everyone gets to see and hear from colleagues across the country who are doing a phenomenal job delivering their most-loved brands to the PNG market, thus is exciting and refreshing. Mr. Solly acknowledged the team’s collective efforts in achieving 2024 targets, emphasizing the power of collaboration between sales, route-to-market, marketing, and brand teams. “Last year was a great year for the company because we met our target, and this was solely because of the collaborative efforts of our sales, route-to-market, marketing, and brand teams working in synergy.” The day’s sessions were structured to maximize engagement and strategic alignment. The morning session focused on reviewing how CCEP served customers and met consumer expectations in 2024, while also setting ambitious goals to expand and exceed performance in 2025. The afternoon session was a high-energy, interactive program featuring breakout discussions, coaching workshops, and strategy-building activities, culminating in a Q&A session with the Commercial Leadership Team. A highlight of this year’s conference was the inclusion of merchandisers from across PNG, who joined for the first time. For most of these 100 Merchandisers, it was a memorable experience travelling into Port Moresby, as they took a tour of Port Moresby, visited CCEP’s Plant site at Gordon’s, and experienced the Coke Lounge while catching a movie at the Paradise Cinema. Reflecting on the energy and enthusiasm of the conference, Solly added, “Seeing the passion, dedication, and drive from our teams reaffirms that we have an incredible year ahead.” “Our success is built on teamwork, and with the strategies we’ve set in motion today, I have no doubt we will continue to lead and grow in 2025.”

Kavieng Stadium in New Ireland province was packed this morning with people travelling in from all over the province to attend the memorial service for late Sir Julius Chan. Late Sir Julius Chan’s casket was placed in a tradition house in the middle of the stadium. The program started off with an hour service conducted by catholic priest Fr. Justin Amino followed by tributes. After the memorial service, the traditional customary Haus Cry obligation was conducted by various Local Level Governments, communities, business communities, representatives from other provinces and individuals, who came with pigs and traditional food items including traditional shell money (mis) as well as cash and presented all of that to the immediate family members of late Sir Julius Chan. Even the prisoners from the Kavieng Prison facility along with their Correctional Officers were present at the Customary Obligation Ceremony to pay their last respects. After a long 5 hours of Customary obligation activities done by others, the Chinese Community in New Ireland Province also turned up to pay their respect and participate in the program. The Chinese community presented K50,000 worth of food supplies which were already transported to Huris to late Sir Julius’ residents. A mis and K5000 was presented to Ms. Vanessa Chan by the Chinese Community Chairman, as a token of their contribution to the Chan family. The Chinese community also gave a mis and another K5000.00 to member for Namatanai, Minister Walter Shnaubelt. The Chinese community also presented 4 pigs and traditional food items on top of the cash contributions made. The Customary Obligation program ended at around 3:20pm, with the guard of honor by PNG Defense Force personnel, who then placed the casket on to the transporting vehicle and the casket left the Kavieng Stadium for the final time at around 3:45pm this afternoon, wrapping up today’s program.

The casket and the body of the Last Man Standing, the late Sir Julius Chan is now Lying in State at the National Parliament House for the last time. Whilst the casket is in the Parliament, members of the public, government officials and school students lined up outside the Parliament on the Independence Boulevard Drive to pay their last respect. Most came as early as 8am to wait outside to get a gleam of the casket as it made its way into the Parliament house for the last time. Students from Waigani Primary, Waigani Christian Academy, Wardstrip Primary,St Peters Primary and other schools in the Moresby North East and Moresby North West District graced the sides of the Boulevard Drive and the side of the Parliament fence with their school uniforms. These students will pay their last respect and bid farewell to one of our founding fathers,Late Sir Julius Chan. After the Lay in State, the casket will proceed to the APEC Terminal where it will depart for Kavieng New Ireland Province at 12:30pm.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a renewal of Gale wind warning for all Coastal Waters of Southern PNG -Indonesia border to Daru to Kiwai Islands, including Gulf of Papua and the Southwest of Coral Sea. The NWS is warning that there will be very strong Northwest winds of 34 to 47 knots that are expected to persist or continue for the next 24hrs and may cause very rough high seas that may lead to possible accidents at sea. Thus, all small crafts and boats are advised to take necessary precautions before going out to sea, or to completely avoid going out to sea, especially over the warning areas. Furthermore, the NWS is urging all people living along the coastlines and small islands take these warnings seriously as it will save lives, stating that it is better to be safe now and travel another time than to ignore warnings and find oneself in danger.

The Defence Rugby League Club will resume trainings for 2025 Port Moresby Rugby Season this month. Head Coach Mr. Wesley Laveliu stated that the club will be resuming its first week of training on Monday 3rd of February. “Trainings will start come this Monday and training start time is 4pm as usual, and the venue is at Murray Barracks.” “All players are encouraged to come prepared and ready to give your best for this new season.” Defence Rugby League Club also extends invitations to all interested players and new interested talents to join the club this season. “This is a new season, and we want to make this count and a season to remember, thus we want to kick it off with enthusiasm and determination starting from training all the way to the start of the season on the field.” Mr. Laveliu added that all are reminded that when coming for training all must wear proper training outfits and shoes, no jeans or other shorts are allowed, plus no slippers or being bare feet is allowed as it is important to be flexible and safe whilst on training.

The National Weather Services is currently monitoring a tropical depression, a system that is developing just North of Australia and Indonesia, however it has not reached the Tropical cyclone threshold yet. With the system still developing the National Weather Services has now issued strong wind warnings for the Southern Region, from Western Province all the way to the Milne Bay Province. The winds have reached the strong wind threshold and is now under monitor for the next few days, 48- 72 hrs, if it reaches the cyclone threshold or wind magnitude then the National Weather office will provide advisories and then issue warnings. Duty Forecaster Mr Carter Guri told PNG HAUSBUNG that strong Northwest winds of about 25-30 knots are expected to persist thus causing very rough seas. “Word of advice to small crafts and boats that they are expected to take precaution before going out to sea”. “Associated wave heights can go as high as 3 to 4 metre high, this can lead to possible accidents at sea.” The National Weather Services has also issued warnings for Coral Sea, Solomon Sea, Bismark Sea and the Pacific Ocean indicating that is not safe to travel out to sea because of the Northeast and Northwest winds that will be accompanied with isolated showers and thunderstorm. People are urged to listen in to their local radio stations for daily weather updates and warnings from the National Weather Services. Also, word of advice and warning for the people of Southern Highlands and Hela Province to be on alert for possible landslides and flash floods around this time. “With the strong winds and low-pressure circulations developing over the Southern part of Papua New Guinea and the Northern part of Australia as well as the Northwest winds from Indonesia side, this will directly impact Western Province, Tabubil and Telefomin”. “Thus, Southern Highlands Province and Hela are closer to Western Province, Tabubil and Telefomin, so this indicates that these two provinces are in the part way of the strong winds therefore strong winds hitting them will definitely associate with very heavy rains which may lead to natural disasters.” In the meantime, the wet season should stop around late March or early April as April is when the dry season kicks off.

The Road Traffic Authority (RTA) has successfully launched its Road Traffic Management System (RTMS) in Kimbe, West New Britain (WNB) province. The official launching was done by the West New Britian Governor Sasindran Muthuvel who highlighted the importance of this partnership in strengthening RTA’s presence across the country. The launching also marks a significant milestone in its commitment to extending services to provincial centres. The launch, conducted under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the West New Britain Provincial Government, included the first issuance of a vehicle registration using the newly implemented system, thus this achievement underscores RTA’s dedication to enhancing accessibility to essential services across Papua New Guinea. The RTMS initiative aims to modernize and streamline vehicle registration and traffic management services in provincial areas. RTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. John Avira announced plans to review the existing MOU with the West New Britain Provincial Government to incorporate a benefit-sharing arrangement that ensures sustainability for the RTA. “We are proposing a 70/30 revenue-sharing model to be included in future agreements. This will ensure that the RTA receives a portion of the revenue generated to cover operational costs, while continuing to deliver efficient services to the people,” he added. The launch was attended by RTA Chairman, Mr. Dominic Kaumu ML OBE and RTA Acting CEO Mr. Avira who acknowledged and thanked Governor Muthuvel for the support from his provincial government to successfully launch the RTA program in WNB. RTA plans to use the West New Britain model as a blueprint for rolling out similar initiatives in other provinces, bringing efficient road traffic management services closer to communities nationwide.

Simbu Province will be the next honey producing province in the country, thanks to a Chinese company based in Kundiawa, CBL Limited, who has partnered with local bee farmers, the Provincial Government and districts to develop bee farming. Consultant Mr. Andrew McCarthy, in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG said that a bee farming expert from Nepal, Mr. Sanjib Pokhrel, who is engaged with the CBL Limited to carry out the Honeybee project in Simbu, has been visiting existing local bee farmers giving training and technical support to them. “CBL will work with Simbu Provincial Government, District Development Authorities and Simbu Members of Parliament to deliver this impetus product; thus, Simbu Bee Farmers across the province will be supported by their Districts through special arrangement with CBL Ltd, whereby districts will provide funds to assist their farmers.” “Once funds are available for proper roll out of the bee projects in each district, bee farmers will be attending bee farming trainings in Kundiawa that will be run by CBL Limited so they can have clear knowledge on how to run their bee hives for better production of honey when they go back to their districts.” After the trainings, all certified bee farmers will be given Bee Keeping Manuals, training Kits and full startup equipment for bee farming. Mr. McCarthy highlighted that CBL Limited is also looking at building a state-of-the-art honey making factory in Simbu Province and this will mean that all bee farmers will have a market to sell their honey to. “CBL Limited will be supplying everything from production, processing and even place for marketing, thus this will be one of the biggest agriculture programs in the province once it rolls out in full.” The Bee keeping program, which started out late last year, should reach its full potential this year. This is what CBL limited is hopeful for.

Salt Nomane Karamui (SNK) is the only District in Simbu Province that to this day, has no proper district office of its own. The old district office was based in Kilau Station in the Salt Local Level Government back in the colonial era, however to this day no district office was built in the old district vicinity. For the last 25 years, term in term out, all MPs that came through as members for Salt Nomane Karamui has given least priority to building the district office. Sadly, Salt Nomane Karamui district is the last frontier in civilization and is by far the underdeveloped electorate in Simbu. With no District Office for decades, there has been no presence of government officials, no government services and nil major infrastructures for decades. The only government services are Education and basic Primary Healthcare which are operating in old buildings. For the last 25 years Salt-Nomane Karimui District office has been some random rental space in Kundiawa, thus there are no government official presence felt or seen on the ground back in the district. Mr. Andrew Ya McCarthy a community Leader and an Advocator in the district, highlighted in an exclusive interview with PNG HAUSBUNG that the people of Salt Nomane Karamui District are yet to see and experience development. Mr. Ya McCarthy highlighted instances where coffee growers had to carry 40kg bags of coffee beans and other garden produces up and down terrains, cross rivers to go into Gumini District of Sine Sine Yongumulg district to access PMVs to go into Kundiawa town. “This is sad, we cannot keep on living like this, we need better roads and infrastructures like brides.” He stated that it has been hand to mouth politics and "wantok system" politics for decades with no concern for the poor people in the district. “When we don’t have a district office, we do not know what is happening and what will happen, because we are lost.” “Everyone is anticipating for a change, for infrastructures and visible development and impacts projects to reach them.” Mr. Ya McCarthy added that early this month Francis Alua, the local MP has come out in one of the daily’s, stating that he will connect a major road link from Wiri to Dulai to Karamui plus other projects, this is welcomed by the people of SNK. “We look forward to this development because road link is essential for development to reach people.” “However, we want to see that our good member set a precedence and put his hand up to build our district office.” All other districts have their district office except for SNK; thus, it is important for government presence to be felt at the district level too. Ya McCarthy highlighted that a K10million was committed by the Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso to build the SNK district office, and out of the K10million, K1million was given, and contract was awarded, however after two years, not even a groundwork has started. “Simple appeal to the SNK District Development Authority and our local MP Mr. Alua to look into this matter and get the contractor to start work because K1million is a lot of money.” “We welcome the proposed road project by our good member, but at the same time, we ask for the construction of our district office to be done simultaneously since funding was allocated already.”

The fourteen (14) undergraduate students which Simberi Gold Company Limited (SGCL) took onboard last year to undergo their On-the-Job Training (OJT), recently completed their training with great success. From various fields of studies, of the 14 students, nine (9) were from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, two (2) from the Devine Word University, two (2) from St Joseph’s Catholic Technical School, and one (1) from the National Polytechnic Institute of PNG. On 13 January 2025, eight of the trainees presented to SGCL management and staff the projects they have been working on and what they have learnt during their time with the organization. SGCL’s Executive General Manager, Randy McMahon, was very impressed with the presentations and stated the each one of the presentations showed valuable insights into their challenges, growth, and the skills they have gained during their time with Simberi. ‘’These presentations not only show your progress but also help build your skills in public speaking and confidence building.” ‘’Your presentations were impressive and included updates on your final-year projects, which were assigned by your supervisors.” “For engineering students, these projects are crucial for you to meet the requirements to graduate, and it’s clear that you’re putting in the effort to achieve that goal," he added. Amongst the students was Miss Henrietta Morong, a final year student from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology who is studying Mineral Processing Engineering, was thrilled to share her experience with fellow trainees and SGCL staff from different departments. ‘’I am very grateful for the opportunity to do my industrial training at Simberi. SGCL has provided me with an excellent working environment to gain practical knowledge, and to also utilize my theoretical knowledge out in the field.” “Every day I get to learn something new and that for me has been very beneficial.’’ McMahon added that SGCL’s On-Job Training Program is an opportunity for students to gain practical, hands-on experience while applying the theories that third and final-year students have learnt in the classroom to real-world scenarios. ‘’SGCL is proud to be part of your journey, helping you achieve these important academic and professional milestones. Keep up the great work,” said Mr. McMahon. Through its OJT program, SGCL is committed to training and ensuring capability building, as it is an important part of nurturing the next generation of professionals.