PNG University of Goroka Student Fatally Attacked Following Car Dispute

Mining and petroleum continue to dominate Papua New Guinea’s export landscape, with the Bank of Papua New Guinea reporting the sector as the nation’s top revenue earner.

At the 2025 PNG Resources Week, BPNG Deputy Governor Jeffery Yabom announced that mineral exports reached K43.9 billion last year—equating to 85% of PNG’s total export revenue. In contrast, the non-mineral sector contributed just K7.8 billion, or 15%.

Mr Yabom also voiced concern over illegal gold smuggling, which has been linked to a dramatic drop in alluvial gold export earnings. He noted a decline from K650 million in 2021 to K270 million in 2022.

He clarified that while BPNG oversees gold export licensing, the responsibility for addressing smuggling activities lies with PNG Customs.

The Deputy Governor reiterated that PNG’s reliance on mineral exports has remained unchanged since 1975, cautioning that the trend could be risky if companies choose to store earnings offshore.

BPNG data further shows that the extractive industry contributes around 30% to PNG’s gross domestic product, underscoring its economic importance.

Also read

PNG University of Goroka Student Fatally Attacked Following Car Dispute