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Solomon Islands and Serbia are seeking to translate growing bilateral ties into practical development outcomes, with potential cooperation identified in renewable energy, education, digitalisation, sports, tourism and community development. The areas of cooperation were discussed by Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination Peter Kenilorea Jr and Serbia’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Rade Stefanovic, during a bilateral meeting in Koror, Palau. Stefanovic said Serbia had received approval to explore a bilateral development cooperation programme with Solomon Islands, with a focus on small-scale, community-based projects that can deliver direct benefits to local communities. “Serbia is a small country but we have a sincere approach to helping our partners as much as we can,” Stefanovic said. Serbia has supported similar community-focused initiatives in other Pacific countries, including projects involving solar energy, water and sanitation, and education. Kenilorea welcomed the approach, saying Solomon Islands was seeking partnerships that could produce tangible benefits at the community level. “The community-focused approach is particularly welcome. We are interested in small projects that have a direct impact on people and communities,” Kenilorea said. He said the Solomon Islands government would work with Serbia to identify projects aligned with national priorities, particularly in energy and education. Cooperation across key sectors Serbia also indicated its intention to contribute to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), strengthening its support for Pacific climate resilience and sustainable development priorities. The two sides also reviewed progress on existing bilateral agreements, including a visa waiver agreement and a memorandum of understanding on political consultations. Serbia has completed its domestic procedures for the visa waiver agreement and is awaiting confirmation from Solomon Islands before it can enter into force. Kenilorea undertook to follow up on the matter. Both sides also expressed interest in activating the political consultations mechanism, which would provide a framework for more regular senior-level engagement and follow-up on agreed areas of cooperation. Scholarships and digitalisation Education emerged as another area with potential for expanded cooperation. Serbia is offering scholarships to Solomon Islands students in fields including medicine, engineering, information technology, forestry and agriculture. Serbia also offered to share expertise in digitalisation and e-government, drawing on its experience in developing online public services. Sports cooperation is likewise being advanced, with the two countries working toward finalising an existing sports cooperation agreement. Solomon Islands invited to EXPO 2027 Stefanovic also invited Solomon Islands to participate in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, including through the Pacific Century Pavilion. The event would provide an international platform for Solomon Islands to showcase its culture, tourism, traditional arts, music and sports. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral relations and move beyond diplomatic engagement toward practical cooperation supporting Solomon Islands’ development priorities. The proposed community-level projects, scholarship opportunities, digitalisation cooperation and participation in EXPO 2027 form part of efforts to convert the growing relationship between Solomon Islands and Serbia into initiatives with direct and measurable benefits for Solomon Islanders.

New high-grade gold results from Lion One Metals’ Tuvatu project in Fiji have highlighted geological similarities with Papua New Guinea’s Porgera mine, as the Canadian company continues underground drilling at one of Fiji’s emerging gold operations. Lion One reported an intercept of 4.2 metres grading 715.15 grams per tonne gold, including 0.45 metres at 6,571.20 g/t, from underground drilling at its 100-per-cent-owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project. The company said the result was the highest-grade assay returned from the project to date. The drilling programme covered 3,337.3 metres of underground infill and grade-control drilling, targeting the southern and down-dip extensions of the Ura and Murau lodes in Zone 2. Fourteen of 18 drill holes intersected high-grade mineralisation, while three holes were abandoned. Lion One said most of the high-grade intersections were located between 15 metres and 75 metres from existing underground development and within 50 metres vertically. The company expects the results to be incorporated into its mine plan over the next 12 months. Porgera comparison  The latest results have particular relevance for PNG because of the similarities Lion One has identified between Tuvatu’s mineralisation and the alkaline gold systems at Porgera and Vatukoula in Fiji. The 715.15 g/t intersection was located about 55 metres from the Western Decline and cut a shallow-dipping, roscoelite-bearing vein forming part of the Murau lode system. Lion One said roscoelite mineralisation is a defining feature of alkaline gold systems and is directly associated with high-grade gold. Similar mineralisation occurs at Vatukoula and Porgera, which has produced more than 25 million ounces of gold. The company also pointed to Porgera’s Stage II quartz-roscoelite-pyrite veins, which contain native gold and occur within Zone VII of the Roamane fault zone. Zone VII produced 5.1 million ounces of gold at an average grade of 27 g/t, with individual veins locally containing hundreds to thousands of grams per tonne gold, according to Lion One. Lion One said five assays from the latest 14 holes that intersected high-grade mineralisation returned more than 100 g/t gold, including the record 6,571.20 g/t result. The company also noted that the Ura shrinkage stope at Tuvatu, located about 100 metres above the latest drilling, previously produced 5,704 tonnes at 10.6 g/t gold. Underground expansion  Lion One president and chief executive Ian Berzins said the latest results demonstrated the potential to expand the Tuvatu resource through further underground drilling. “We’re extremely pleased with the new results from our Zone 2 drilling,” Berzins said. He said the 715.15 g/t result over 4.2 metres was the highest-grade intersection over width in Tuvatu’s history and came from an area with limited previous drilling. “The Ura and Murau systems are a developing target and this type of intersect is testament to the potential of the system as we continue to drill and expand the resource at Tuvatu,” he said. The Ura and Murau systems remain open at depth and along strike, presenting opportunities for further resource expansion, the company said. The Murau structures, known locally as “flatmakes”, are shallow- to flat-dipping mineralised veins. They generally strike east-west and dip at about 20 degrees to the north or northwest, with mineral assemblages including quartz, roscoelite, arsenian pyrite and visible gold. Lion One said the latest drilling is focused on areas outside its current resource and mine plan, with the results expected to support additional mining levels in Zone 2. Drilling remains ongoing, with the company continuing to test the Ura and Murau lodes below existing underground workings. The company said the Tuvatu project includes a high-grade gold deposit, underground mine, pilot plant and assay laboratory, with exploration continuing across the wider Navilawa Caldera.

Here’s a PNG-focused news rewrite, leading with Santos’ increased stake and the implications for Papua LNG. Santos to lift Papua LNG stake to 21% as ExxonMobil takes operatorship PORT MORESBY, Sept. 7, 2026 — Santos Ltd. will increase its participating interest in the Papua LNG project to 21% after agreeing to acquire an additional 3.3% stake from TotalEnergies as part of a broader restructuring of the project's ownership and operatorship. TotalEnergies has agreed with ExxonMobil to transfer operatorship of Papua LNG to ExxonMobil PNG Antelope Limited, while partially selling down its participating interest to the other Papua LNG joint venture partners in proportion to their existing interests. Santos said it has executed a binding agreement to acquire the additional 3.3% participating interest, calculated after the Papua New Guinea state's back-in, in PRL 15 and the Papua LNG project for approximately US$189 million. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and the project reaching a Final Investment Decision (FID), currently planned for the fourth quarter of 2026. If completed, the acquisition will be effective from Jan. 1, 2026. Santos expects the additional interest to increase its equity LNG production from Papua LNG by about 19% to approximately 1.2 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa). The company said the acquisition is consistent with its strategy of disciplined, value-accretive growth around existing infrastructure and increasing exposure to Asian LNG demand. ExxonMobil to operate Papua LNG The proposed operatorship transfer would give ExxonMobil responsibility for Papua LNG while it continues to operate the existing PNG LNG project, a move Santos expects to generate operational synergies and strengthen project execution. Santos Managing Director and CEO Kevin Gallagher said the transaction would better align the company's interests across PNG LNG and Papua LNG ahead of the planned FID. “The Papua LNG project is a world-class development, strategically positioned to supply premium Asian markets and offering multiple value streams for Santos,” Gallagher said. “ExxonMobil brings a proven track record of project delivery and reliable operations in Papua New Guinea, including PNG LNG, and is expected to realise significant synergies by operating both the upstream and midstream project scopes.” Gallagher said Santos was prepared to increase its investment in Papua LNG because of the project's expected long-term production profile. “Papua LNG is a world-class project and this is the right time to increase our position,” he said. Santos said the proposed changes to equity interests and operatorship would improve alignment among the Papua LNG and PNG LNG joint venture participants. FID remains key milestone Completion of Santos' acquisition remains conditional on regulatory approvals and Papua LNG achieving FID. Santos said it will provide the market with an update at FID on the project's cost, schedule and economics. The transaction comes as Papua LNG moves toward its targeted FID in the fourth quarter of 2026, a key milestone for the proposed development and its future LNG production capacity in Papua New Guinea. Santos also acknowledged TotalEnergies for its work advancing Papua LNG over the past decade and said the project remains on track for FID later this year.

The Tina River Hydropower Development Project has formalised a customary reconciliation process with the Roha and Gaegae tribes through a Chupu Ceremony at the Powerhouse site, alongside the signing of a memorandum of understanding. The ceremony, held on July 28 in Central Guadalcanal, brought together representatives of the Roha and Gaegae tribes, Habusi/Komureo and surrounding communities, the Tina River Hydropower Project Office, Tina Hydropower Limited, Hyundai Engineering Company and government agencies. The Chupu is an important Guadalcanal customary protocol and was conducted to acknowledge the traditional land rights of the affected tribes and address the impact of project construction activities on Roha and Gaegae customary land. It also provided an opportunity for the Project Office and Tina Hydropower Limited to reaffirm their respect for customary authority and engage with the tribes over the ongoing process of acquiring additional land around the Powerhouse area. Customary protocol and land acquisition The first Chupu was presented by Project Office representatives Baltazare Rongo and John Korinihona to the Roha Tribe and received by Chief Daniel Una. A second Chupu was presented to representatives of Chango Land and received by Berry Kepulu on behalf of his father and Gaegae tribal representatives. Project Manager Pradip Verma, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, thanked the tribes for accepting the Chupu and acknowledged complications in the land acquisition process. Verma said the government was grateful for the patience and understanding shown by affected tribes while the Commissioner of Lands progresses the formal process. Chief Una formally accepted the Chupu on behalf of the Roha Tribe and commended the Project Office and Tina Hydropower Limited for engaging with the tribes through customary protocol. He described the approach as a demonstration of respect for Guadalcanal cultural traditions and called on members of the Roha Tribe to uphold the significance and intent of the customary presentation. Berry Kepulu similarly accepted the Chupu on behalf of the Gaegae Tribe and Chango Land representatives, affirming their willingness to work with the relevant authorities to resolve outstanding land matters. Surveyor General Leslie Volalia, representing the Commissioner of Lands, stressed that the Chupu Ceremony complements but does not replace the formal statutory land acquisition process. He said the customary land identification and acquisition process would begin once the newly appointed Commissioner of Lands formally assumes office. MOU reinforces cooperation Chief Whitlam Kikolo, chairman of the Bahomea House of Chiefs, described the ceremony as an important step toward rebuilding relationships and strengthening cooperation among the parties. He called on tribal members and other stakeholders to respect the significance of the ceremony and the government's gesture, noting the continuing importance of Chupu as a customary practice of the Guadalcanal people. The ceremony concluded with the review, endorsement and signing of a memorandum of understanding involving representatives of the landowning tribes, the Project Office, Tina Hydropower Limited and Hyundai Engineering Company, witnessed by representatives of the participating parties. The agreement and customary ceremony are intended to support continued communication and engagement while the statutory land identification and acquisition process proceeds. The project office said the ceremony marked a milestone in strengthening goodwill and mutual respect between the Tina River Hydropower Development Project and customary landowners in the Powerhouse area. It also highlighted the project's approach of incorporating customary cultural protocols into stakeholder engagement while maintaining compliance with the formal legal requirements governing land acquisition. First large-scale renewable energy project The Tina River Hydropower Development Project is the Solomon Islands' first large-scale renewable energy project and is intended to provide more affordable electricity and improve access to cleaner and more reliable energy for communities. The project is being implemented by the Solomon Islands Government with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, Asian Development Bank, Australian government, Green Climate Fund, Korea EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund and World Bank.

Fiji and China deepen agricultural cooperation through technical partnership SUVA, Fiji — Fiji and China are strengthening their longstanding agricultural partnership through expanded cooperation in research, technology, training, food security and climate-smart agriculture. The partnership was highlighted at the Fiji-China Agricultural Cooperation Visit and Technical Symposium at Koronivia Research Station, bringing together policymakers, researchers, technical experts and industry stakeholders from both countries. Deputy Secretary for Agriculture Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Dr Tekini Nakidakida, said the symposium provided an opportunity to review the achievements of more than a decade of cooperation and identify priorities for its next phase. Nakidakida said agricultural cooperation between Fiji and China has continued since 2012 through eight agreements, memorandums of understanding and contracts covering rice research, Juncao technology, waterways infrastructure and capacity building, with five remaining active. The partnership has delivered improvements in rice research and mechanisation, Juncao technology, waterways development and technical capacity. With Chinese technical support, five local rice varieties have been improved, while demonstration sites have been established at Koronivia, Dreketi and Vanua Levu. Modern equipment, including planters, tractors, harvesters and driers, has also been introduced to Fiji's rice sector. Juncao technology has expanded beyond mushroom cultivation to livestock feed and land and riverbank restoration. More than 2,500 farmers have been trained, with four commercial mushroom enterprises established. The China-Pacific Island Countries Juncao Technology Demonstration Centre, inaugurated in Fiji in 2023, has further strengthened Fiji's role as a regional hub for the technology, Nakidakida said. Chinese technical expertise has also supported river dredging works on the Ba, Rewa, Navua and Sigatoka rivers, which the ministry said have delivered benefits for community safety and livelihoods. Since 2012, more than 140 Ministry of Agriculture officers have received training in China in areas ranging from hybrid rice seed production to climate-smart agriculture and leadership. Nakidakida said the cooperation has evolved through practical experience in adapting technology to Fiji's farming conditions. “It is precisely this kind of open, continuing dialogue that today’s symposium represents,” he said. Chinese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Wang Yuan said agricultural cooperation was “injecting new impetus into the sound growth of our bilateral relations.” Wang said the programme represented a practical step toward translating the Global Development Initiative into action and implementing the understanding reached by the leaders of Fiji and China to deepen agricultural cooperation. He said the training programme was tailored to local needs and aimed at addressing challenges facing Fijian farmers, including climate change, labour shortages, limited access to appropriate technology and marketing difficulties. The programme covers the breeding and cultivation of citrus, rice, sugarcane, sweet potato and potato, alongside practical field sessions. Wang also highlighted the agricultural experience of Fujian Province, saying technologies and practices adapted to local conditions could provide useful lessons for Fiji. He said the training could serve as a bridge for sustained agricultural exchanges between the two countries, including greater cooperation in agricultural technology, talent development and food processing. Future priorities Looking ahead, Nakidakida identified protected cropping technology, reducing food loss and waste, expanded rice and crop research, climate-smart agriculture, and agricultural trade and investment as priority areas for future cooperation. Protected cropping technology could also support Fiji's tourism sector by strengthening domestic food production and supply, he said. “For Fiji, this partnership strengthens our food security, supports our farmers’ livelihoods, and builds our resilience to climate change,” Nakidakida said. He encouraged participants to ensure the symposium produces clear priorities and practical follow-up actions. The five-day programme combines indoor technical presentations led by visiting Chinese experts with afternoon field demonstrations. The programme is designed to provide participants with technical knowledge and hands-on experience relevant to Fiji's agricultural conditions. The Ministry acknowledged the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Chinese Embassy and the visiting delegation for their continued commitment to strengthening agricultural cooperation between Fiji and China.

The Asian Development Bank has approved a new rapid-response financing project for Vanuatu, giving the Pacific island nation faster access to funds following disasters and other major emergencies. The Vanuatu Rapid Response Contingent Project is the first project approved under ADB’s Rapid Resource Reprogramming and Deployment Option (3RDO), a region-wide mechanism that allows countries to redirect existing undisbursed ADB financing towards emergency response and early recovery. ADB said the financing can be used to support affected families, provide essential supplies and equipment, and restore damaged public services and infrastructure. “The economic shocks hitting the region from the conflict in the Middle East are the latest crisis, but they won’t be the last,” ADB President Masato Kanda said. “Vanuatu will face any crises in the future with a financing route open and ready to move money where it is needed most. This project is designed to get help to families and restore essential services before a shock becomes a prolonged emergency.” Disaster exposure  Vanuatu has suffered average annual disaster-related losses of $35.7 million since 2006, with weather-related events including tropical cyclones, droughts and floods accounting for 86 per cent of those losses, according to ADB. The bank said Vanuatu’s dispersed islands, limited infrastructure and underlying social and economic vulnerabilities make disasters particularly disruptive to agriculture, fisheries, tourism, health, education and housing. The new financing mechanism can be activated following earthquakes, tsunamis, tropical cyclones, severe droughts and El Niño-related impacts. It can also respond to food, health and biological emergencies, pollution or contamination incidents, as well as economic crises, including external price shocks, disruption to connectivity and prolonged utility outages. Under the 3RDO mechanism, small island developing states such as Vanuatu can reallocate up to 25 per cent of their undisbursed and uncommitted public-sector ADB portfolio through a pre-arranged rapid-response contingent project. ADB said the mechanism would be integrated into Vanuatu’s national disaster risk-management system and complement existing disaster-risk financing instruments. It is also intended to strengthen the country’s institutional preparedness so that financing can be deployed more quickly when a crisis occurs. Regional mechanism  The Vanuatu project represents the first use of 3RDO since ADB introduced the mechanism to accelerate emergency financing across Asia and the Pacific. The bank said the approach is intended to ensure that countries do not have to establish a new financing arrangement from scratch after a disaster, allowing resources to be redirected through a pre-arranged structure. ADB said the mechanism would help Vanuatu respond to future shocks while supporting early recovery and the restoration of essential services. The initiative comes as Pacific island countries face continuing exposure to climate-related disasters and economic disruptions, while their geographic dispersion and infrastructure constraints can increase the cost and complexity of emergency response.

A New Zealand-funded grant has helped the Vilu War Museum in West Guadalcanal improve visitor interpretation, with 30 new signs providing historical context for the World War II relics preserved at the site. The Vilu War Museum, which holds one of the Solomon Islands’ most significant collections of large World War II relics, has completed the production and installation of new interpretive signage with support from a grant facilitated by Business Link Pacific (BLP). The Solomon Islands WWII Heritage Association (SIWHA) applied for the grant on behalf of the museum in April 2025. The project was developed in response to the museum’s growing number of cruise ship visitors and the need to provide clearer information about the exhibits in the outdoor museum park. The collection includes the remains of Japanese and American aircraft and artillery pieces associated with the Guadalcanal Campaign of 1942–43, during which major battles were fought on and around Guadalcanal. Bringing greater context to WWII relics The grant supported the production and installation of 30 interpretive signs throughout the museum grounds. Two large overview signs were installed at the entrance, providing visitors with background on the Guadalcanal Campaign and its key battles. The remaining signs were positioned alongside individual exhibits, linking the historical information directly to the aircraft, artillery and other wartime relics on display. The museum said the project represented an important improvement to the visitor experience. “Thanks to a New Zealand–funded grant from Business Link Pacific, we’ve been able to produce 30 new interpretive signs for the outdoor exhibits — a big step toward improving the visitor experience and preserving these stories for future generations,” the museum said. The signage project also made extensive use of local participation. Graphic design was completed in-house, while installation was carried out by volunteers from the Vilu War Museum and SIWHA. As a result, almost all of the grant funding was spent directly on producing the signs through a local sign maker, keeping the project focused on the intended visitor improvements. Longer visits and stronger visitor engagement The museum has reported changes in how visitors interact with the site since the signs were installed. Visitors are now tending to stay longer, while the additional information has also reduced the need for museum staff to personally guide every visitor through the outdoor exhibits. The museum said visitors have responded positively to having more detailed historical interpretation available at each display. Tour operators have also provided positive feedback, with some sharing photographs of the museum and its exhibits on social media, helping increase the site's visibility as a heritage tourism attraction. For a museum built around physical remnants of one of the Pacific's most significant World War II campaigns, the project demonstrates how relatively modest visitor infrastructure can improve the way historical sites are experienced and understood. Supporting Pacific tourism businesses The Vilu War Museum project was supported through Business Link Pacific, which facilitates small and medium-sized enterprise access to business advisory services and financial support. BLP provides online tools that allow businesses to assess their needs, including its Business Health Check, Business Continuity Planner and Climate Action Sensor. Businesses can also connect with local BLP partners for face-to-face diagnostic support. For Vilu War Museum, the grant has provided a practical investment in interpretation while supporting the museum's ability to accommodate growing visitor numbers and preserve the historical stories associated with the Guadalcanal campaign.

  Since being signed in October 2025, the ‘U.S.-Australia Framework for Securing Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths’ (“Framework”) has gained momentum against the backdrop of intensifying global competition for strategic resources. The initiative reflects a broader structural shift: critical minerals are no longer simply commodities, but are increasingly becoming instruments of economic security, industrial policy and geopolitical leverage. At its core, the Framework seeks to integrate two resource-rich, politically aligned jurisdictions into a more resilient supply chain for minerals essential to defence systems, semiconductors, electric vehicles and clean energy infrastructure. It aims to do so by incentivising cross-border investment, accelerating permitting and facilitating preferential offtake arrangements. From a policy standpoint, the Framework aligns with parallel efforts such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and Australia’s Critical Minerals Strategy, each designed to reduce dependence on concentrated supply sources and to “friend-shore” production capacity. In practical terms, the Framework may unlock access to U.S. government-backed financing, including through the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. and the U.S. Department of Defense’s industrial base programmes, materially improving project bankability. For developers and investors, this signals opportunity. However, history — and recent arbitration trends in the mining sector — suggest a more complex reality: geopolitical stability at the macro level often masks heightened instability at the project level. Indeed, the acceleration of capital deployment, compressed development timelines and increasing politicisation of resource allocation are all well-established catalysts for disputes. Where disputes are likely to emerge 1. Native title and land access pressures A significant proportion of Australia’s critical mineral deposits are located on or near land subject to Indigenous rights and cultural heritage protections. The consultation and consent requirements under the Native Title Act 1993 are rigorous, and for good reason. However, where projects are fast-tracked under strategic imperatives, tensions inevitably arise. Recent experience across the mining sector shows that insufficient consultation or procedural shortcuts can trigger injunctions, heritage disputes and long-tail reputational harm. From a disputes perspective, these conflicts are increasingly hybrid, combining domestic administrative litigation with contractual and investor-State dimensions. 2. Joint venture and offtake fragility in volatile markets Critical minerals projects are capital-intensive and often structured through complex joint ventures and long-term offtake agreements. These arrangements are particularly vulnerable in environments of price volatility and shifting policy incentives. As seen in lithium and rare earth markets over the past five years, divergence between contracted prices and spot markets can become extreme. This creates fertile ground for disputes over: • price review and hardship clauses**;** • force majeure and “change in law” provisions**; and** • operator control and capital allocation decisions. Where projects are strategically significant, these disputes may escalate quickly, with broader political or regulatory implications. 3. Regulatory complexity and judicialisation of approvals Australia’s regulatory landscape, spanning federal regimes such as the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act and a patchwork of state-based mining and environmental laws, remains inherently complex. The addition of a “strategic project” designation does not eliminate this complexity; it may, in fact, intensify scrutiny. Third parties, including environmental NGOs and local communities, are increasingly sophisticated and willing to challenge approvals through judicial review mechanisms. This trend mirrors developments in other jurisdictions, where expedited approvals tied to energy transition goals have been successfully contested, delaying projects and increasing costs. 4. Export controls and sovereign reallocation risk The Framework itself is non-binding and operates within a fluid geopolitical environment. Export controls, domestic reservation policies or shifts in alliance priorities can materially alter the commercial assumptions underpinning a project. Investors structuring projects around anticipated U.S. demand or preferential access may face realignment risk if political priorities shift. This raises complex questions around: • stabilisation clauses**;** • sovereign interference**; and** • potential recourse under investment treaties. Recent ISDS jurisprudence demonstrates that resource nationalism, particularly in strategic sectors, continues to generate high-value claims, often centred on indirect expropriation and fair and equitable treatment standards. A structural observation: ESG as shield and sword An emerging dynamic worth highlighting is the dual role of ESG considerations. On the one hand, ESG compliance is increasingly positioned as a prerequisite for access to financing and market entry under frameworks like this one. On the other, ESG obligations are being invoked by States as a regulatory justification in disputes. This creates a paradox: ESG can operate both as a shield for States and as a sword for claimants, particularly where regulatory measures are inconsistent, disproportionate or applied retrospectively. Conclusion: Strategic alignment, legal complexity The U.S.-Australia Framework represents a sophisticated attempt to align industrial policy with geopolitical realities. It will likely accelerate investment and unlock significant value across the critical minerals supply chain. But for project developers, investors and financiers, the key takeaway is clear: the risk profile is evolving, not diminishing. Careful attention must be paid to: • contractual risk allocation (particularly around price, force majeure and regulatory change); • dispute resolution mechanisms (including the selection of the arbitral seat, governing law and enforcement strategy); and • the interaction between domestic regulatory frameworks and international investment protections. For project developers, investors, offtake counterparties and financiers active in Australia’s and/or the US’s critical minerals sectors, careful attention should be given to contractual terms in light of the rapidly changing regulatory environment which, in some respects concerning the Framework, remains undefined. In short, the next phase of the critical minerals boom will not only be defined by “big deals”, but also by increasingly complex, high-stakes disputes.   Ryan Cable, Partner (Brisbane), and Diora Ziyaeva, Partner and U.S. Region Co-Lead in Mining and Natural Resources (New York), are members of Dentons’ global International Arbitration and Investment Treaty Arbitration groups. They advise clients across the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors on project development, joint ventures, dispute resolution and regulatory compliance.

Santos is proud to recognise a historic milestone at the Kumul Marine Terminal (KMT), with the appointment of Jackson Jim as Team Leader, working back-to-back with Willie Mapal. This marks the first time the facility has been led entirely by Papua New Guinean nationals. The achievement represents a significant moment in the history of one of Papua New Guinea's most important energy export facilities and reflects decades of investment in workforce development and capability building. Located in the Gulf of Papua, the Kumul Marine Terminal is a critical piece of national energy infrastructure, serving as the primary offshore export terminal for crude oil production. Since commencing operations, the facility has played a vital role in supporting Papua New Guinea's petroleum industry and contributing to the country's economic development through safe and reliable oil exports. Santos PNG Vice President PNG Operations, Rhys Ward, said the milestone demonstrates the strength of national talent and the company's commitment to developing Papua New Guinean leaders. "The appointment of Jackson and Willie to lead the Kumul Marine Terminal is a proud achievement for Santos and Papua New Guinea. It reflects the dedication, professionalism and capability of our national workforce and demonstrates what can be achieved through long-term investment in people and leadership development. "KMT is a critical asset within our operations. Seeing it fully led by Papua New Guinean nationals is a testament to the depth of talent within our workforce and our commitment to building sustainable careers for Papua New Guineans." Santos Country Chair PNG, Leon Buskens, said the milestone reflects the company's long-standing commitment to developing Papua New Guinean talent and leadership. "The Kumul Marine Terminal has been a cornerstone of Papua New Guinea's oil export industry for many years, and seeing it now fully led by Papua New Guinean nationals is a significant and proud achievement." Jackson Jim, Team Leader, Kumul Marine Terminal, said he was proud to be part of the first fully Papua New Guinean leadership team at KMT, demonstrating Santos' commitment to developing local talent. "I started with the company as an apprentice in 2007, so this is a proud moment for me personally. As PNG's petroleum industry continues to grow, I hope this achievement encourages more Papua New Guineans to see the opportunities available and pursue careers in the sector." As Team Leader, Jackson Jim will oversee the safe and efficient operation of the terminal while continuing to champion operational excellence and workforce development. Together with Willie Mapal, the leadership team will continue to build on KMT's strong safety culture and commitment to reliable performance. Santos congratulates Jackson, Willie and the entire KMT team on this landmark achievement and recognises their contribution to the continuing success of Papua New Guinea's oil and gas industry. Background: Jackson joined the company in 2007 as an Apprentice, while Willie joined in 2002 as a Platform Operator Trainee. KMT commenced export operations in 1992. The first export cargo, #0001, was loaded on 27 June 1992 onto the Ten-ei Maru tanker, carrying 650,000 barrels. KMT has safely completed 1,064 loadings since that date. KMT has exported approximately 664.8 million barrels of oil in total, based on 1,064 loadings of approximately 650,000 barrels each. As of 31 August 2026, the facility has been in operation for 12,749 days, or approximately 34 years and two months. Throughout this period, KMT has safely exported oil from Papua New Guinea 1,064 times. Some KMT crew members have worked at the facility for more than 20 years, contributing to a highly experienced team.  

Customs leaders from 24 Pacific administrations will gather in Fiji this week for the 28th Annual Conference of the Oceania Customs Organisation, focusing on strengthening border security, facilitating trade and supporting economic growth across the region. The conference, to be held from June 2 to 4 under Fiji's chairmanship of the Oceania Customs Organisation, will bring together heads of customs agencies, senior government officials, development partners and international organizations under the theme, "Scaling Up the Commitment of Customs to Protect and Grow our Pasifika Communities." The meeting comes as Pacific nations face increasing pressure from transnational organized crime, shifting trade patterns and growing demands on border management agencies. According to organizers, discussions will focus on enhancing regional cooperation and building customs capabilities to address emerging security and trade challenges. Recent large-scale narcotics seizures across the Pacific have highlighted attempts by organized criminal networks to exploit maritime and aviation routes across the region. Customs administrations also continue to confront risks linked to human trafficking, illicit financial flows, customs fraud, environmental crimes and the smuggling of prohibited goods. OCO Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Udit Singh, said customs agencies play a critical role in protecting communities while supporting economic development. "Customs today is far more than a border agency. We are guardians of our communities, facilitators of trade, protectors of government revenue, and partners in economic growth," Singh said. "The work of Customs directly impacts the prosperity, safety, and resilience of our Pacific nations." Singh said Pacific countries, despite being geographically dispersed, face common challenges that require collective action and stronger regional partnerships. "The scale and complexity of modern border threats mean that no country can address these issues alone. Regional cooperation is essential. When one Pacific border is strengthened, the entire region becomes safer and more secure," he said. He noted that the Pacific occupies an increasingly strategic position within global trade and transport networks linking Asia, Australasia and the Americas, making effective customs administration critical to regional and international security. The conference will feature contributions from international partners including the World Customs Organization, the United Nations and the World Bank. Key agenda items include border security, maritime enforcement, trade facilitation, passenger processing, digital transformation, leadership development and intelligence-sharing across Pacific jurisdictions. During Fiji's tenure as OCO chair, the organization has prioritized regional capacity building, leadership development, customs modernization and stronger partnerships with international agencies. Organizers said these initiatives have helped strengthen customs administrations across the Pacific and improve their ability to respond to emerging threats and opportunities. This year's gathering marks the first time in more than a decade that Fiji has hosted the OCO Annual Conference, reflecting the country's continued role in regional customs cooperation. Members of the Oceania Customs Organisation include Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru, Palau, Timor-Leste and other Pacific jurisdictions.