The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE), formerly known as the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum (PNG CMP), was established in 1987 in response to the rapid growth of the mining and petroleum industries during the mid-1980s. In the years 1984 – 1986, the mining and petroleum industries were expanding rapidly in Papua New Guinea which led to the two industries desirability of a group to collectively represent their industries to the Government and the people. The support for this was strengthened in 1986 and as a result The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Mines and Petroleum was launched in 1987. The Chamber was created as a unified body to represent these sectors’ common interests to the government and the people of Papua New Guinea.

 

The Chamber’s first Executive Director, Greg Anderson, served from 1989 to 2016, followed by Professor Albert Mellam until his resignation in 2022. Over the years, the Chamber has been led by various influential presidents representing major resource companies such as CRA, Oil Search, Barrick PNG, Bougainville Copper Limited, and TotalEnergies PNG. The current president, Anthony Smaré, has held the position since 2021.

 

The Chamber has played a pivotal role in promoting investment and fostering dialogue through key events like the Mining and Petroleum Investment Conference (since 1995), now held as part of PNG Investment Week, and the PNG Asia Investment Conference (launched in 2017). CANCONEX, the annual forum focused on community affairs and national content, is now featured within PNG Resources Week.

 

A significant milestone was the rebranding of the organization to PNG CORE, officially launched on 13 November 2023, reflecting a broader representation of the country’s evolving resource and energy landscape.