NPL losing millions as illegal miners flood Porgera Mine
Thursday, 9 October 2025, 2:56 pm
NPL Country Manager, Karo Maha-Lelai, warned that continued invasions could force regulators to shut down operations entirely, as the presence of illegal miners violates mine safety standards (NBC News)
The New Porgera Limited [NPL] has reported massive losses caused by thousands of illegal miners entering its open pit mine, describing the situation as one of the company’s biggest operational challenges.
Between January and September 2025, a total of 129,979 illegal miners were caught inside the Porgera Mine. The highest number was recorded in May, with 26,853 illegal miners, followed by September with 22,380.
These figures were revealed by NPL Country Manager and Barrick [PNG] Country Manager, Karo Maha-Lelai, during the Enga Provincial Law and Order Summit held in Wabag last week.
Ms Lelai said that while the Mulitaka landslip, ongoing tribal conflicts, and security issues along the Highlands Highway have affected operations, illegal miners remain the mine’s biggest threat.
She said illegal miners not only steal and disrupt operations by slashing and setting fire to equipment but also harass and rob mine workers inside the pit, posing serious safety risks.
“For one day of shutdown, that’s approximately three million kina lost in revenue,” Ms Lelai said.
Members of NGO's working in Enga, provincial government representatives, and locals attending the law and order summit (NBC News)
She warned that continued invasions could force regulators to shut down operations entirely, as the presence of illegal miners violates mine safety standards.
Ms Lelai said these ongoing disruptions have placed a heavy financial burden on NPL and are affecting the company’s bottom line.
She stressed that as a business, NPL’s main responsibility is to generate dividends in a safe and lawful environment, adding that Porgera could produce more depending on gold prices if operations were stable and secure.
Ms Lelai also revealed that discussions are underway with government authorities on a new Tax Credit Scheme proposal, which would amend the Income Tax Act to allow NPL to dedicate 3 to 4 percent of its annual assessable income to support law and order initiatives in Enga Province.
