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The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and Steamships Trading Company (Steamships) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a framework for collaboration between ABG institutions, traditional land custodians and Steamships. The MOU follows a longstanding series of consultative engagements between traditional land custodians, key ABG departments and Steamships aimed at strengthening alignment on the land engagement process in Bougainville. These engagements brought together the Office of the Chief Secretary; the Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Environment, Conservation and Climate Change; the Department of Community Government and District Affairs; the Department of Commerce, Trade, Industry and Economic Development; and the Department of Justice and Legal Services, providing a platform to work together to address key land management matters. This collaborative process will assist the ABG in sustainably developing land with titleholders and future developers, allowing the government to realise its full economic potential for the benefit of the people of Bougainville. Steamships holds title to properties in Central Bougainville acquired prior to the Bougainville Crisis. Noting that this process commenced in 2021, the company reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to working through a structured and considered consultative process in partnership with traditional land custodians and the government to address the various complexities associated with undertaking such critical foundational work. This collaborative process is guided by a focus on responsible investment, stakeholder engagement and alignment with Bougainville’s broader economic priorities. As a responsible developer, Steamships emphasised that its future decisions will consider opportunities to support local economic participation, employment and sustainable development outcomes. Representatives from the ABG and traditional land custodian groups welcomed the consultative and collaborative approach. The formalisation of this framework marks a significant step in strengthening cooperation between government, traditional land custodians, the private sector and foreign investors as Bougainville continues its recovery and development journey toward independence.

Lion One Metals has appointed underground mining executive Eric Setchell as director of operations as the company advances operational improvements at the Tuvatu gold mine in Fiji, including higher development rates and expanded mining areas underground. The company said Setchell previously served as Lion One’s director of operations from January to December 2025, during which time Tuvatu recorded steady improvements in gold production and mine development, culminating in record quarterly gold output in the December 2025 quarter. Lion One Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Walter Berukoff said Setchell’s return comes as the company continues ramp-up activities at Tuvatu and focuses on increasing operational efficiency and mining performance. According to the company, current mine development at Tuvatu remains ahead of budget, with underground operations now accessing additional mineralised zones as part of efforts to support higher production rates. The company said recent operational improvements include enhanced mine planning, upgraded underground equipment availability and improved ore handling systems. Lion One added that stope production and development advance rates have continued to improve since the beginning of 2026. Setchell is widely recognised for his experience in underground mining operations, operational optimisation, safety performance and team development. Lion One said his leadership previously contributed to operational improvements and stronger mine performance at Tuvatu. Tuvatu is located on Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu and is positioned within the highly prospective Navilawa Caldera, which hosts multiple alkaline gold targets.

Fiji’s fuel supply remains stable despite mounting global price pressures, with the government moving to cushion households and key sectors from rising costs, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said. In a national address, Rabuka said Fiji currently holds about 45 million litres of fuel in onshore storage, with a further 22 million litres expected before the end of April, bringing total supply for the month to roughly 67 million litres. Daily consumption stands at about 2.5 million litres. He said stock levels are projected to fall to around 40 million litres, or 29 percent of storage capacity, by month-end — a normal cycle to accommodate incoming shipments. Looking ahead, suppliers have committed to deliver about 118 million litres in May, which is expected to lift national reserves to more than half of total capacity, keeping the country in what authorities classify as a “Phase 1” or normal supply condition. Rabuka stressed that Fiji is not facing a supply shortage but rather a price-driven challenge linked to global market disruptions, including tensions in the Middle East and shipping constraints around the Strait of Hormuz. Domestic price adjustments, he noted, are determined by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission to reflect international purchasing costs, with another increase expected in May. To mitigate the impact, Cabinet has approved the redeployment of FJ$56 million within the existing 2025–2026 budget, shifting funds from delayed projects to immediate relief measures. The government has earmarked FJ$4 million to support bus operators, including absorbing a 10 percent fare increase for four months and providing a fuel rebate of 20 cents per litre to maintain affordable public transport. Fuel subsidies will also be extended to power utility Energy Fiji Limited to ensure stable electricity generation, while social welfare recipients will receive a temporary 50 percent top-up for three months starting May. In the agricultural sector, FJ$28 million has been allocated to support sugar cane farmers through a price top-up for the 2025 crop season. Rabuka said all measures will be funded through internal budget savings, alongside cost-cutting directives across government agencies. “Fuel is available. Government is acting. And Fiji is prepared,” he said, urging citizens to conserve fuel and energy amid ongoing global uncertainty.

Pacific Islands Forum leaders have invoked the Biketawa Declaration to coordinate a regional response to worsening fuel supply risks linked to ongoing instability in the Middle East, amid growing concerns over the vulnerability of Pacific economies to global energy disruptions. The move was announced following discussions among the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Troika, comprising Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., and Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua. The leaders agreed to activate the region’s crisis response mechanism as Pacific nations face rising fuel costs and the threat of supply shortages. According to the Forum, the declaration was invoked to enable a coordinated regional approach to the emerging energy crisis and to strengthen preparedness measures across member states. Leaders said early intervention was necessary as global fuel supply chains continue to face disruption. The Biketawa Declaration, adopted by Pacific Islands Forum members in 2000, provides a framework for collective regional action in response to crises affecting peace, security and regional stability. It was previously invoked during the COVID-19 pandemic and ahead of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). Regional governments are already grappling with elevated fuel prices, while some countries have begun implementing emergency measures to manage fuel consumption and maintain essential services. Reports indicated that Tuvalu had declared a state of emergency over fuel supply concerns, while other Pacific nations were reviewing contingency plans. The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat said the coordinated response would focus on strengthening regional energy security, supporting emergency planning, and ensuring continued access to fuel supplies for essential services and economic activity. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia supported the Forum’s decision and would work closely with Pacific governments and regional institutions to help maintain supply stability across the region. Analysts and regional observers have warned that prolonged disruptions to global oil markets could have severe economic and humanitarian consequences for Pacific island nations, many of which remain heavily dependent on imported fuel for electricity generation, transport and food supply chains.

A livestock outreach programme conducted by the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation, or SIART, initiative is helping strengthen food security and improve farming practices in rural communities across Makira Province. Through activities including livestock outreach, agribusiness support and extension services, the programme aims to build the capacity of rural farmers and improve long-term livelihoods. Led by senior officers from the Livestock and Extension departments, the outreach covered the communities of Su’Ena, Hakanipua, Makia, Mwanipua, Tawarodo and Sungesau. The programme combined classroom-style awareness sessions with practical demonstrations focusing on livestock disease prevention, animal nutrition, husbandry practices and biosecurity measures. Farmers also received hands-on training in basic procedures such as pig castration and proper animal handling techniques. A community representative from Makia welcomed the initiative, saying the programme had provided practical knowledge that would directly benefit local households. “This programme has helped us better understand how to care for our animals,” the representative said. “We have learned practical skills that will improve the health of our livestock and support our families’ livelihoods.” Veterinary services formed a key component of the outreach, with livestock treated for common conditions including parasitic infections such as mange and worm infestations. Programme officers said many of the conditions identified were preventable through improved hygiene and feeding practices. A livestock officer from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, or MALD, said the initiative aimed to strengthen rural livelihoods through practical training and improved animal health management. “Our goal is to empower farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent disease and improve productivity,” the officer said. “Programmes like this are essential in strengthening rural livelihoods and ensuring sustainable livestock development.” The touring team said limited knowledge of animal husbandry remained a major challenge in many rural communities, but outreach initiatives such as the SIART programme played an important role in bridging knowledge gaps and supporting long-term capacity building. Despite logistical challenges, including transport and equipment constraints, the programme successfully delivered training, treatment and advisory services to participating communities. Officials said the initiative was expected to contribute to improved livestock productivity, stronger food security and more sustainable rural livelihoods across Makira Province.

The government of New Caledonia and the French Development Agency have signed an agreement to finance a strategic study aimed at strengthening and structuring the territory’s social and solidarity economy sector following economic disruption linked to the May 2024 unrest. The initiative was presented by Naïa Wateou alongside representatives of the French Development Agency, commonly known as AFD. Officials said the study would help establish a clearer framework for the development of the social and solidarity economy, or SSE, which includes organisations such as cooperatives, associations, mutual societies, foundations and socially oriented enterprises prioritising social and environmental outcomes alongside economic activity. Authorities described the sector as an important tool for improving resilience, strengthening social cohesion and supporting inclusive economic recovery in New Caledonia after the social and economic impacts of the events of May 2024. The initiative follows the adoption of country law No. 2025-13 on August 18, 2025, which formally established a regulatory framework for the social and solidarity economy in the territory. The legislation defines the sector around principles including social utility, democratic governance and regulated profit management. Wateou said the new study would provide government with the operational tools and updated data needed to better identify and support SSE actors across the territory. “Without a regulatory framework, we have no way of recognising the actors in the social and solidarity economy,” Wateou said. The study mission, financed by AFD for nearly 7.5 million CFP francs, will include mapping and inventory work on the SSE sector, assessment of funding access conditions and analysis of sector support needs, including governance, project engineering and economic model sustainability. The project will also examine opportunities for accessing public, national and international financing and develop recommendations for a long-term territorial strategy for the sector’s development. Julie Doiteau said the agency considered it important to support local authorities in strengthening the sector. “For the AFD, it was natural to support the government and its partners in carrying out this study,” Doiteau said, describing the initiative as a step toward addressing challenges faced by SSE organisations in the territory. Officials said the agreement would help lay the foundation for a more structured and sustainable development pathway for social and solidarity economy activities in New Caledonia.

The Union of Hotels of New Caledonia has signed a statement of intent with the New Caledonian government to support preparations for the 14th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, or FESTPAC, scheduled to be held in the French Pacific territory in 2028. The agreement was signed on May 21 by Mickaël Forrest and Philippe Etwiller as part of broader efforts to strengthen accommodation capacity and tourism readiness ahead of the regional cultural event. According to the parties, the agreement aims to improve coordination between the government and the hotel sector to ensure delegations from Pacific countries and territories are accommodated under optimal conditions during FESTPAC 2028. The partnership will focus on increasing the territory’s accommodation capacity, promoting Oceanian culture within tourist establishments, strengthening communications around the festival, improving the experience for delegates and visitors, and supporting the economic recovery of the hotel industry. The government said FESTPAC represented a major opportunity to showcase New Caledonia’s cultural identity and tourism sector across the Pacific region and internationally. Under the proposed cooperation framework, both parties will explore initiatives including the promotion of hotels and accommodation venues as spaces for cultural experiences, the development of dedicated FESTPAC travel packages, and the creation of a “FESTPAC 14 Partner Hotel” label offering tariff advantages for participating establishments. The partnership will also seek to align the values of FESTPAC with sustainability goals and the promotion of local identity across participating hotel operators. FESTPAC is one of the Pacific region’s largest cultural gatherings, bringing together artists, performers and cultural representatives from across Oceania to celebrate and preserve Indigenous and Pacific cultural heritage. The 14th edition will be hosted by New Caledonia in 2028.

  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.

Westpac is making a significant investment in strengthening leadership capability across its Pacific businesses with the rollout of its best-in-class LEAD program in Papua New Guinea and Fiji this year, delivering training to 120 employees across the two markets. LEAD is Westpac Group’s flagship leadership development program focused on building future-ready leaders through experiential learning, coaching, and strategic capability uplift. The LEAD program is designed to build practical leadership capability, equipping participants with the skills, confidence, and mindset required to lead teams, support customers, and contribute to Westpac’s long-term success in the Pacific. The program will be delivered through in-person training sessions supported by online modules, ensuring the learning is relevant, grounded in local context, and immediately applicable in day-to-day roles. By delivering the program locally, Westpac is enabling participants to learn alongside peers, strengthen networks across the business, and apply leadership learning directly within their teams and communities. The world-class format also supports deeper engagement, discussion, and reflection, reinforcing Westpac’s commitment to investing in meaningful, high-quality development experiences for its people. The program covers: • Leading Self – building self-awareness, confidence, and personal leadership effectiveness • Leading Others – developing strong people leadership, communication, and coaching skills • Strategic Thinking – strengthening decision-making and broader business understanding • Leading Change – equipping leaders to navigate change and lead with agility • Customer & Outcome Focus – linking leadership behaviors to customer and business outcomes • Pacific Context Application – applying leadership skills in real-world PNG and Fiji settings Maria Stefanac, Head of People, Pacific, said the LEAD program represents a significant investment in Westpac’s Pacific workforce. “LEAD is a major investment in our people in Papua New Guinea and Fiji. We know that strong leadership is critical to creating a positive culture, delivering for our customers, and building a sustainable business for the future,” Stefanac said. “This program has been designed to support our people to grow as leaders, build confidence in leading others, and develop skills they can apply immediately in their roles. By having Westpac Group trainers deliver the program here in the Pacific, we’re ensuring our leaders benefit from global expertise while learning in a way that is relevant, practical, and grounded in local context," she added. Stefanac said the program also reflects Westpac’s broader commitment to developing talent from within and creating clear pathways for growth and progression. “Investing in leadership capability is an investment in our future. Through LEAD, we are supporting our people to step into leadership roles, strengthen their impact, and continue to serve our customers and communities with confidence," Stefanac said. Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141. The liability of its members is limited. Westpac is represented in Papua New Guinea by Westpac Bank - PNG - Limited. The LEAD program forms part of Westpac’s ongoing focus on capability building and people development across the Pacific, recognizing that empowered, well-supported leaders play a critical role in driving strong performance, engagement, and customer outcomes. By continuing to invest in programs such as LEAD, Westpac is reinforcing its long-term commitment to its people in Papua New Guinea and Fiji and to building leadership capability that supports sustainable growth across the region.

Matthew Cooper Wale has been elected Prime Minister of Solomon Islands after securing majority support in a parliamentary vote held on Friday following the removal of the previous government through a motion of no confidence. Wale, Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga Constituency and former opposition leader, defeated Peter Shanel Agovaka by 26 votes to 22 in a secret ballot conducted at Parliament House. Of the 50 members of parliament, 49 ballots were cast, with one member absent and one ballot declared spoilt. The result was formally declared by Sir David Tiva Kapu, Governor-General of Solomon Islands, following recent political developments that culminated in the successful motion of no confidence that vacated the office of prime minister. Wale’s election marks a significant political shift in Solomon Islands, where he has emerged over recent years as one of the country’s most prominent advocates for governance reform, accountability and anti-corruption measures. Born on 13 June 1968, Wale has represented Aoke/Langalanga Constituency since first entering parliament in a 2008 by-election following the death of former prime minister Bartholomew Ulufa'alu. He later served as education minister under former prime minister Derek Sikua, where he championed free basic education, expansion of tertiary education opportunities and the establishment of a national university. Following the 2019 national election, Wale became opposition leader and was widely recognised for pushing governance reforms and transparency measures. During the civil unrest in Solomon Islands in 2021, Wale publicly called for the resignation of then prime minister Manasseh Sogavare and filed a motion of no confidence against the government, although the motion was defeated at the time. He again contested the prime ministership after the 2024 national election but lost to Jeremiah Manele, who secured 31 votes against Wale’s 18. In 2025, Wale was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his political and public service. Before entering politics, Wale was involved in civil society advocacy, peacebuilding initiatives during the ethnic tensions period and governance policy work in Solomon Islands. Consultations on the formation of a new government and cabinet appointments are expected to continue in the coming days.