Latest News

Finance and Treasury Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has ordered the immediate termination of all Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) relating to tax exemptions in the mining, forestry and fisheries sectors, a move aimed at strengthening fiscal governance and ensuring compliance with existing laws. In a statement issued on June 17, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury said the decision closes fiscal loopholes and reinforces legal processes governing the approval of tax exemptions. According to the ministry, authority to grant tax exemptions rests solely with the Revenue and Customs Exemption Committee under existing legislation. While finance ministers may have signed MoUs relating to fiscal arrangements in the past, the ministry said such agreements do not constitute a legally valid mechanism for granting exemptions outside the statutory process. “Any fiscal arrangements previously covered under MoUs will no longer be recognised,” Lilo said. All companies operating in the mining, forestry and fisheries sectors have been directed to comply with existing legislation and regulations and to submit any future exemption requests through the Revenue and Customs Exemption Committee. The ministry said the measure is intended to improve transparency, strengthen public revenue management and ensure that all investors are subject to the same regulatory framework. The decision follows a broader push by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury to tighten fiscal controls and strengthen revenue administration. In May, Lilo directed that all tax exemption applications be processed exclusively through the Revenue and Customs Exemption Committee, stating that requests submitted directly to the minister's office would no longer be considered. On the same day as the MoU termination announcement, the ministry also ordered the suspension of pre-release arrangements for goods at ports, container terminals and bonded warehouses as part of efforts to strengthen customs controls, improve compliance and reduce revenue leakages. The latest measures signal a wider government effort to improve fiscal discipline, enhance accountability and ensure tax concessions are granted only through established legal channels. Officials said the move is expected to help safeguard government revenues while creating a level playing field for investors operating across the resource sector. The decision could affect companies that previously relied on MoU-based fiscal arrangements, requiring them to seek any future tax exemptions through the formal approval process administered by the Revenue and Customs Exemption Committee. The ministry said the reforms form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic governance and ensure public revenues are protected as Solomon Islands continues to pursue sustainable economic development.

Kalo Gold Corp. has identified multiple in-situ low-sulphidation epithermal quartz veins at the Wainikoro prospect within its wholly owned Vatu Aurum Project in Fiji, as the company advances exploration and prepares for the next phase of drilling. The company reported surface values of up to 3,397 detectORE units (dU), equivalent to an estimated 3.40 grams of gold per tonne, from quartz vein float surrounding a newly identified in-situ chalcedonic quartz vein. The vein itself returned 1,157 dU, equivalent to an estimated 1.16 g/t gold. The results form part of Kalo Gold's 2026 surface exploration programme at Wainikoro. Kalo Gold said the latest geological mapping, soil geochemistry and airborne magnetic survey data have expanded the previously identified arsenic-in-soil anomaly at Wainikoro from more than one kilometre to approximately 1,800 metres of strike length. The anomaly is oriented north-west to south-east within a central magnetic-low feature that the company believes represents a key structural control on mineralisation. Additional surface sampling returned values of 2,728 dU from a chalcedonic-banded quartz vein hosted in silicified bedded tuff and 1,364 dU from an adjacent silicified polymictic volcanic breccia. Other samples from silicified host rocks and epithermal quartz veins also returned elevated gold responses. Trenching undertaken as part of the programme returned channel sample values of up to 1,446 dU. A 13-metre interval in trench TR26-011 averaged 275 dU within silicified fault-controlled structures, while point samples returned values of 724 dU and 701 dU from separate trench locations. The company noted that detectORE values are used for exploration screening purposes and are not equivalent to certified fire assay results. According to Kalo Gold, the latest results support its revised geological interpretation announced in May, which views the 367-square-kilometre Vatu Aurum Project as a single, multi-phase, structurally reactivated volcanic complex rather than a collection of separate prospects. The company said geological mapping, trenching, soil geochemistry, detectORE screening and airborne magnetic data are increasingly converging on the same structural targets at Wainikoro. The company identified the West-East Transfer Zone as a regional corridor for fluid movement and said north-west to south-east trending oblique faults, transfer faults and shear structures appear to play a significant role in controlling gold mineralisation across the project area. The strongest gold responses occur where these structures intersect the transfer zone and the margins of the Nubu Graben. Kalo Gold has completed a 6,212 line-kilometre airborne magnetic and radiometric survey across the project and is integrating the results with geological mapping, trenching and geochemical data. The company plans to mobilise an induced polarisation survey at Wainikoro in July, with drilling expected to follow after completion of the integrated geological and geophysical interpretation. The 2026 exploration programme has collected 9,994 soil samples to date, with a further 5,390 samples planned across newly defined magnetic targets. Preliminary portable XRF analysis continues to identify arsenic, antimony and mercury anomalies associated with magnetic-low features, supporting the company's interpretation of a large low-sulphidation epithermal gold system. Looking ahead, Kalo Gold said it will undertake follow-up trenching at the newly identified chalcedonic quartz vein and adjacent silicified breccia and quartz-vein targets at Wainikoro to better define the extent of mineralisation. The planned induced polarisation survey will test the subsurface geometry of magnetic-low features and structural intersections identified through recent geological and geophysical work. The company also plans to complete the integration of airborne magnetic and radiometric survey data into its project-wide geological model, while advancing a bulk leach extractable gold stream-sediment sampling programme and detailed geological mapping at the Coqeloa prospect. Kalo Gold said further drilling across the Vatu Aurum Project will not commence until the airborne magnetic dataset has been fully incorporated into the exploration model. The company is also awaiting certified fire assay results from drill holes VA26-DH18 and VA26-DH19. President and Chief Executive Officer Terry Tucker said the company had progressed from identifying kilometre-scale arsenic anomalies in soil to discovering multiple in-situ epithermal quartz veins in rock, including the newly identified chalcedonic vein. He said the integration of geological mapping, structural interpretation, geophysics, trenching and geochemistry was helping define a growing pipeline of drill-ready targets across the Vatu Aurum Project. “We have moved Wainikoro from kilometre-scale arsenic anomalies in soil to multiple in-situ epithermal quartz veins in rock in the last month — including a newly identified chalcedonic vein — with detectORE™ surface values up to 3,397 dU, approximately 3.4 g/t Au estimated. That is a real step forward," Tucker said. "What I find particularly compelling is that our geological mapping, structural interpretation, airborne geophysics, trenching and geochemistry are now converging on the same ground at Wainikoro — telling us not only where the gold sits but why it sits there. As we trench the vein targets, plan to mobilise IP in July, and integrate the 6,212 line-kilometre airborne magnetic datasets, we are building a strong pipeline of drill-ready opportunities across the Vatu Aurum Project," he added. The Vatu Aurum Project covers 367 square kilometres on Vanua Levu and contains a series of low-sulphidation epithermal gold targets that Kalo Gold is advancing through drilling, trenching, geochemistry, structural mapping and airborne geophysical surveys.

The upstream and downstream operators of the Papua LNG Project have been issued amended environmental permits by the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), following more than seven months of consultation between the regulator and project operators. The amended permits were presented on May 29, 2026, following extensive discussions involving CEPA, upstream operator TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited and downstream operator ExxonMobil PNG Antelope Limited. According to CEPA, the amendments reflect changes to both the upstream and downstream project designs and are expected to reduce potential environmental and community impacts associated with the development. Michael Wau, executive director of CEPA's Non-Renewable Resources Environmental Protection Wing, said environmental permits are living documents that must be reviewed and updated to strengthen environmental protection, water resource management and biodiversity conservation. "That is exactly what TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited and ExxonMobil PNG Antelope Limited have done by reviewing the project and requesting amendments to the environmental permits," Wau said. The original environmental permits, EP-L3 (1008) and EP-L3 (1030), were issued in March and September 2025. They covered a range of planned activities, including the construction and operation of a Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) buoy system and associated marine infrastructure. Since the permits were issued, revisions to the project design have eliminated the need for several originally planned components, including the CALM buoy system, marine exclusion zones and related infrastructure. Wau said the changes would significantly reduce environmental impacts, particularly in Caution Bay. "There will be minimal environmental impact as the condensate pipeline, which was initially permitted to traverse Caution Bay, will instead connect with the Santos-owned Kumul Marine Terminal floating storage and offloading facility," he said. According to CEPA, the amendments will deliver several environmental and community benefits, including: • Avoiding extended travel times for local communities caused by marine exclusion zones; • Preventing disruptions to artisanal and subsistence fishing activities; and • Protecting sensitive marine and coastal habitats, including mangroves, intertidal zones and benthic environments. "This is a great win for the environment and the people," Wau said. TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited said it looks forward to continuing its collaboration with CEPA and other government agencies to ensure the Papua LNG Project is delivered in a sustainable, responsible and efficient manner. "We are committed to delivering Papua LNG to the highest environmental standards in close partnership with CEPA," the company said. ExxonMobil PNG Antelope Limited Chairman and Managing Director Dinesh Sivasamboo thanked CEPA for its review and approval of the amendments. "We greatly value this collaboration and the constructive engagement throughout the process to ensure that the Papua LNG Downstream Project is delivered responsibly and in full compliance with the amended environmental permit," Sivasamboo said. The amended permits are expected to support the continued development of the Papua LNG Project while reducing environmental impacts and preserving access to marine resources for surrounding communities.

The World Bank's Environment and Social Framework (ESF) Practice Manager, Africa Olojoba, has visited the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (THDP) in Solomon Islands, highlighting construction progress, strong safety practices and environmental stewardship at the country's first large-scale renewable energy project. Olojoba was joined by a World Bank delegation comprising Lead Environmental Specialist Nathalie Staelens, Environmental Specialist Khine Thwe Wynn, Social Development Specialist Joyce Onguglo and Energy Specialist Yulia Zakrevskaia during the March 27 site visit. The delegation began its visit at the Hyundai Engineering Company site office, where project officials provided a safety induction briefing outlining workplace health and safety protocols. The team then toured the dam site and the powerhouse site, including the main tunnel system currently under development. Speaking during a meeting at the Garivera camp site, Olojoba outlined three key observations from the visit. He cited the project's substantial development progress, noting the advancement of major structures, ongoing construction activities and milestones achieved to date. Olojoba also commended project teams for maintaining strong occupational health and safety standards across the construction site. In addition, he highlighted the project's environmental performance, particularly areas of natural revegetation and the replantation programme being implemented as part of biodiversity management efforts. The World Bank is one of the principal financiers of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project and has played a key role in supporting the project's objective of delivering clean, affordable and sustainable energy to Solomon Islands. Once completed, the hydropower facility is expected to reduce the country's dependence on diesel-fired electricity generation, lower power costs for consumers and support national climate commitments. The Tina River Hydropower Development Project is being led by the Solomon Islands government with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Australian government, the Green Climate Fund, Korea EXIM Economic Development Cooperation Fund and the World Bank. The project is the first large-scale renewable energy development undertaken in Solomon Islands and is expected to improve access to cleaner and more reliable electricity for households and businesses while supporting the country's long-term energy transition.

The Fiji Development Bank (FDB) is expanding support for the country's rice sector through its Rice Mobility Package, a financing facility designed to help farmers improve productivity, expand operations and strengthen Fiji's long-term food security. The package provides financing for both existing and new rice farmers, enabling them to invest in land development, farm machinery, equipment, labour and other operational requirements needed to increase production and improve efficiency. According to FDB, the initiative is designed to support mechanisation and mobility across the rice value chain while helping farmers transition from subsistence farming to more commercially viable operations. The facility is available to individual farmers, joint ventures, cooperatives and companies involved in rice production. Financing can be used for agricultural land purchases, land development, machinery acquisition, seedling purchases, working capital and other farming-related activities. FDB said the package is built around a value-chain financing model in partnership with Fiji Rice Limited, providing farmers with access to a secured market while helping reduce barriers that have historically limited access to finance in the sector. The bank noted that one of the programme's key features is its ability to support farmers who may not hold formal land leases or land titles, provided they meet alternative eligibility requirements. The Rice Mobility Package offers financing ranging from FJD5,000 to FJD250,000, with interest rates starting from 4.99 per cent per annum for eligible farmers. The facility is intended to support both new entrants and existing producers seeking to expand their operations and invest in productivity-enhancing equipment and technology. FDB Chief Executive Officer Saud Minam previously said the package was developed to address longstanding barriers faced by rice farmers, including limited access to financing, equipment and secure market opportunities. The initiative also seeks to strengthen linkages across the agricultural value chain, benefiting suppliers, machinery operators, transport providers and other supporting businesses. The financing programme forms part of broader efforts to reduce Fiji's reliance on imported rice and support greater domestic production. Fiji currently imports the majority of its rice requirements, with local production accounting for only a fraction of national demand. FDB said the latest promotion of the Rice Mobility Package reflects its continued commitment to supporting agricultural development through practical financing solutions that improve productivity, strengthen rural livelihoods and contribute to national food security. Established in 1967, the Fiji Development Bank operates 11 branches nationwide and provides financing for agriculture, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and commercial businesses. The bank also continues to promote Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) through its products, services and workforce initiatives.

Fiji is moving forward with plans to establish its first peer-to-peer lending platform as part of broader efforts to expand access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises and support the growth of alternative funding markets. The initiative forms part of the implementation of the Access to Business Funding Act 2025, which introduced new financing mechanisms including peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, equity crowdfunding and small offers regimes aimed at improving access to capital for businesses. To support the development of the platform, the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development, the Reserve Bank of Fiji and the Asian Development Bank’s Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative selected ThirdRoc through a competitive Request for Proposals process conducted through the Fiji Innovation Hub. The proposed platform is expected to connect MSMEs directly with lenders through a regulated digital marketplace, helping address some of the barriers businesses face in accessing traditional sources of finance. Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development and co-chair of the Access to Business Funding Implementation Taskforce Esrom Immanuel said the strong response to the proposal process highlighted growing interest in financial innovation in Fiji. “We were impressed by the strong field of proposals, particularly the depth of technical capability we have here in Fiji. This shows that Fiji is open for innovation and that the Government’s reform agenda is gaining real traction,” Immanuel said. “We look forward to working with the selected partner, ThirdRoc, to expand financing opportunities for MSMEs.” ThirdRoc is the Fijian subsidiary of an Australian-headquartered fintech company focused on alternative credit and enterprise lending technology across the Pacific. Backed by Antler Australia, the company holds a Credit Representative Licence with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and is a member of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. The company said it uses consented data, artificial intelligence-driven insights and regional partnerships to support lending decisions and improve access to finance for small businesses. According to ThirdRoc, it is developing a Fijian structure for a proposed P2P lending platform that aligns with governance and licensing requirements established by the Reserve Bank of Fiji and is engaging potential consortium partners and investors to support the platform’s launch. Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor and taskforce co-chair Ariff Ali said the initiative represents an important step in opening new financing pathways for businesses while maintaining appropriate safeguards. “Fiji is leading the Pacific in opening up new, innovative pathways to finance for businesses and the Reserve Bank of Fiji is committed to ensuring these pathways are developed with strong investor protections and sound risk management,” Ali said. “ThirdRoc’s proven technology, deep experience, and clear commitment to working within Fiji’s regulatory framework gives us confidence in their ability to deliver a platform that meets these standards.” Jeremy Cleaver, financing growth specialist with the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative, said P2P lending could help address financing gaps for businesses that have historically been underserved by conventional lending channels. “P2P lending has the potential to genuinely expand access to finance for MSMEs in Fiji, including those that have been underserved by the traditional channels,” Cleaver said. As part of the next phase of development, ThirdRoc is participating in a tailored accelerator programme through the Fiji Innovation Hub that includes knowledge transfer and engagement with experienced international P2P lending practitioners. The programme is expected to support the development of a launch-ready platform design, with pilot and rollout plans to be considered as the project progresses. ThirdRoc director Shiv Maharaj said the company had been working with local partners to improve access to finance for entrepreneurs and small businesses while increasing transparency for lenders and investors. “Since establishing our presence in Fiji, we have worked closely with partners to improve access to finance for MSMEs and entrepreneurs, while giving lenders and investors greater visibility and confidence in how credit is assessed and monitored,” Maharaj said. “We are working through the RBF process with local institutions to ensure the model is structured safely and built for Fiji’s long-term needs.”

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has released its official Post-Event Report for the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) 2026, highlighting record-breaking participation, stronger regional collaboration, and significant progress toward sustainable tourism development across the Pacific. Held from March 24–26 at the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort and Spa, SPTE 2026 attracted more than 225 trade-floor participants, including 82 sellers representing 17 countries and territories, 60 international buyers from 16 countries, and eight ancillary providers. The report revealed that the event achieved an 84 percent seller conversion rate, an increase of 16 percentage points from 2025, while facilitating a record 2,809 business-to-business meetings at an 80 percent booking rate — the highest figures recorded in the history of the exchange. A notable highlight was the increased participation from Papua New Guinea, which expanded its presence from one seller in 2025 to seven sellers in 2026. The event also welcomed the Federated States of Micronesia for the first time, further broadening Pacific representation. Development partner support enabled 11 tourism operators from Smaller Island States and Territories (SISTs) to participate, reinforcing SPTO’s commitment to inclusive regional development and ensuring that emerging destinations could access international tourism markets. Several new initiatives were introduced during SPTE 2026, including the inaugural Industry Day, which attracted 93 participants and featured expert-led discussions on tourism trends and opportunities. The event also hosted a Women in Business Showcase, highlighting women-led tourism enterprises from six Pacific Island countries. Media engagement exceeded expectations, with 10 media representatives from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and Italy generating more than 200 pieces of digital content before, during, and after the event. SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker said the strong outcomes demonstrated the Pacific tourism industry's growing unity and readiness to compete in international markets. “SPTE 2026 demonstrated that the Pacific’s unified approach to tourism is delivering real commercial value for our members,” Cocker said. “The strong participation, high-quality meetings, and positive stakeholder feedback show that the region is moving forward with confidence, collaboration, and a clear commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth.” Cocker acknowledged the contributions of industry stakeholders, member countries, tourism operators, and development partners who helped make the event a success. He also extended special appreciation to Fiji Airways, the event’s Platinum Partner, for its significant in-kind support, which enabled the hosted buyer programme and strengthened international participation across key source markets. The SPTO Chief Executive further recognised the support of numerous sponsors and partners, including New Zealand Māori Tourism, UnionPay International, the Fiji Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, South Sea Cruises, Vanuatu Tourism Office, Tahiti Tourisme, SPREP, Samoa Tourism Authority, Tourism Solomons, Tourism Fiji, Pacific Trade Invest Australia, South Pacific Pocket Guide, and several other industry supporters. According to the report, stakeholder feedback indicated high satisfaction levels among participants and strong intentions to return for SPTE 2027. Fiji has secured hosting rights for next year’s event, reaffirming its position as one of the Pacific region’s leading tourism hubs and reflecting confidence in the country’s capacity to deliver one of the region’s premier tourism business events. The report recommends continued efforts to expand market reach, improve event operations, and strengthen support for Smaller Island States and Territories and emerging tourism operators. SPTO said the results of SPTE 2026 demonstrate the growing strength and resilience of Pacific tourism and reinforce the value of regional collaboration in driving sustainable economic growth throughout the region.

  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.

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.