Japanese mining company Nittetsu Mining Co. Ltd has expressed strong interest in investing in Papua New Guinea’s resource-rich mining sector, particularly in copper and limestone projects. The move comes as PNG continues to court foreign investment to revitalise its economy and build domestic industrial capacity.
During a recent visit to Tokyo, PNG Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru held discussions with Nittetsu’s General Manager, Shinichiro Mita. The meeting focused on exploring Nittetsu’s potential participation in mid-tier mining ventures in Papua New Guinea, with emphasis on copper extraction and limestone processing.
Maru extended an invitation for the company to attend the upcoming Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Investment Summit, scheduled to be held in Port Moresby later this year. The summit is expected to showcase a suite of investment-ready projects across mining, energy, and industrial processing sectors. “We are not only looking for investors who can extract resources but also those who are willing to help us build our downstream processing capacity,” Maru said. “We welcome Japanese technology, skills and long-term partnerships.”
Nittetsu Mining, a subsidiary of Nippon Steel Corporation, has a strong presence across Asia in both ferrous and non-ferrous mining, as well as in construction materials such as limestone, dolomite, and silica. Its potential entry into the PNG market would bring technical expertise and investment capital to a sector in need of modernisation and value addition.
The company’s interest is seen as part of a broader trend of renewed Japanese engagement with Papua New Guinea’s economy. It also reflects growing investor confidence in PNG’s improved political stability and its renewed focus on economic reforms.
The Trade Minister said PNG is seeking reputable international firms that can support local workforce development, transfer technology, and contribute to infrastructure in areas surrounding mine sites. “We do not want fly-in, fly-out miners. We want companies that will help build communities and generate jobs.”
Nittetsu’s potential investment aligns with the government’s broader agenda to diversify mining operations and ensure that resource extraction delivers sustainable, long-term benefits for Papua New Guineans. Discussions are expected to continue at the SEZ summit, with the hope of concrete commitments later this year.
