The Times Australia
News From Asia

.

Subsidiary of Singapore-owned Powerplus Group awarded licence to explore and mine copper, gold and manganese in Papua New Guinea

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 March 2024 - In late 2023, one of Powerplus Group Pte Ltd's ("Powerplus Group") subsidiaries, Niugini Resources and Investments Pte Ltd ("NRI"), a Singapore-based mineral exploration and development company, secured a concession as large as the country it is headquartered in for copper, gold and manganese.



Powerplus Excavators are robust equipment used for mining operations globally.
Powerplus Excavators are robust equipment used for mining operations globally.

The size of the concession which NRI was awarded with on 31 October 2023, by the grant of Minister, spans a land area of 202 sub-blocks which translates to approximately 700 square kilometers. This award is a culmination of a Warden's Hearing conducted on 30 August 2022 and an intensive deliberation by the Mining Advisory Council from the Mineral Resources Authority of Papua New Guinea. Substantial anomalies of copper, gold and manganese deposits have been observed in its initial phase of investigations and further feasibility studies are underway. Based on the workplan, NRI is scheduled to commence full scale operations by the end of 2024.

Comparison between the total land area of Singapore vs total land area of NRI’s mining concession.
Comparison between the total land area of Singapore vs total land area of NRI’s mining concession.

NRI's parent company, Powerplus Group, is a leading global manufacturer of heavy construction and mining equipment, with a history dating back to more than half a century ago. Powerplus Group offers a wide spectrum of products with its core product range revolving around earthmoving and transportation equipment, which is essential for any mining operation.

With the industry knowledge and technical expertise amassed over the decades from supplying equipment to established mining operations in Australia, Chile, Georgia, Ghana, Indonesia, South Africa and Tanzania, to the likes of Georgian Manganese Holding, Newmont Corporation, Vale S.A., PT Bukit Asam Tbk, etc, just to name a few, this venture is considered to be a natural extension of Powerplus Group's business as equipment supply will definitely not be an issue.

A fleet of Powerplus Excavators, Bulldozers & Articulated Dump Trucks which are used for general mining applications.
A fleet of Powerplus Excavators, Bulldozers & Articulated Dump Trucks which are used for general mining applications.

NRI has since brought onboard a team of specialists from Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea to perform in-depth studies of the mineral reserves of this mine, located in Rigo District, which is about an hour's drive of the nation's capital, Port Moresby. By applying modern mineral systems concepts with advanced desktop analytical techniques coupled with its prowess in heavy equipment, NRI intends to secure several further licences surrounding its current concession for further field work.

NRI's chief geologist, Mr Chris Wamugl, has recently reported that the findings of mineral composition have proven to be highly exceptional and the resources discovered are not limited to just copper, gold and manganese. Other minerals such as silver, cobalt and even nickel were also sighted and samples have already been sent for laboratory testing to determine their respective grades.

Powerplus Group remains committed and reassures the communities affected by this mining project that it will strictly adhere to safe and responsible operating procedures so as to minimize the impact to the environment and improve the standard of living of the people.

Warden’s Hearing conducted at Kwikila Station by Mineral Resources Authority on 30 August 2022. Left: Photo of Mr Marcus Ong, CEO of Powerplus Group, with PNG Mineral Resources Authority Officer. Right: Photo of local communities surrounding EL2744 who will benefit from the new jobs created and economic growth
Warden’s Hearing conducted at Kwikila Station by Mineral Resources Authority on 30 August 2022. Left: Photo of Mr Marcus Ong, CEO of Powerplus Group, with PNG Mineral Resources Authority Officer. Right: Photo of local communities surrounding EL2744 who will benefit from the new jobs created and economic growth

"We are fully committed to operating in a safe and responsible manner to uphold the quality of living standards for the communities and to ensure the long-term sustainability of this project." As emphasised by Mr Marcus Ong, CEO of Powerplus Group regarding the plans on the mining and exploration licence awarded.

Due to the large scale of this project, Powerplus Group welcomes interested parties to enter into joint ventures with its subsidiary NRI to hasten the development of this mine. For more information, visit Powerplus Group's page at www.powerplus.us/png2024 or write in to inquiry@powerplus.us.

Hashtag: #mining #construction #heavymachinery #mineral #exploration








The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Powerplus Group Pte Ltd

Powerplus Group Inc., USA, a leading global manufacturer of a comprehensive range of construction and mining equipment, is part of Worldwide Techno-Equipment Group (1973) Pte Ltd. Established more than 50 years ago, Powerplus Group has evolved into a world-renowned organization that offers machinery unparalleled in price, quality and performance.

Powerplus machinery are manufactured with enhanced capacities to exceed even the most stringent international standards of quality and safety. With the aim of producing machinery that is able to withstand even the most extreme climatic conditions and rugged terrains, Powerplus Research & Development team which has its Headquarters in the United States, has been the backbone behind all its innovative engineering solutions.

Optimizing the best of technology from the United States, Europe and Japan, Powerplus machinery is configured to its ideal technical capabilities. A multinational team of engineers analyzes the data collected from our network of distributors worldwide and are on the constant lookout for ways to maximize the life-span of Powerplus machinery.

Today the Company's clientele spans over 100 countries across 6 continents.

Times Magazine

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

The Times Features

What Is the Dreamtime? Understanding Aboriginal Creation Stories Through Art

Aboriginal culture is built on the deep and important meaning of Dreamtime, which links beliefs and history with the elements that make life. It’s not just myths; the Dreamtime i...

How Short-Term Lenders Offer Long-Lasting Benefits in Australia

In the world of personal and business finance, short-term lenders are often viewed as temporary fixes—quick solutions for urgent cash needs. However, in Australia, short-term len...

Why School Breaks Are the Perfect Time to Build Real Game Skills

School holidays provide uninterrupted time to focus on individual skill development Players often return sharper and more confident after structured break-time training Holid...

Why This Elegant Diamond Cut Is Becoming the First Choice for Modern Proposals

Personalised engagement styles are replacing one-size-fits-all traditions A rising diamond cut offers timeless elegance with a softer aesthetic Its flexible design wo...

Is sleeping a lot actually bad for your health? A sleep scientist explains

We’re constantly being reminded by news articles and social media posts that we should be getting more sleep. You probably don’t need to hear it again – not sleeping enough i...

Ricoh Launches IM C401F A4 Colour MFP to Boost Speed and Security in Hybrid Workplaces

Ricoh, a leading provider of smart workplace technology, today launched the RICOH IM C401F, an enterprise-grade A4 colour desktop multifunction printer (MFP) designed for Austral...