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Solomon Islands and the United States have signed a Shiprider Agreement to strengthen maritime surveillance, protect marine resources and combat illegal activities across the country's vast maritime domain. Signed in Honiara, the agreement establishes a framework allowing authorized Solomon Islands law enforcement officers to embark on designated US vessels to conduct joint maritime surveillance and enforcement operations. Under the arrangement, Solomon Islands officers will exercise their authority in accordance with national laws and agreed operational procedures, particularly for activities within the country's jurisdiction. The Solomon Islands government said the partnership will enhance its maritime enforcement capabilities by providing access to additional patrol assets, surveillance platforms, technical expertise and improved information-sharing. The agreement is expected to bolster efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, transnational crime, illicit trafficking and other unlawful maritime activities while helping safeguard fisheries and marine resources that underpin the country's economy and livelihoods. The government emphasized that the agreement is a cooperative law enforcement arrangement that does not diminish Solomon Islands' sovereignty, noting that the country retains full authority over its territorial waters, exclusive economic zone and enforcement of domestic laws in accordance with international law. The partnership will also provide training and operational experience for Solomon Islands maritime and law enforcement personnel through collaboration with US counterparts. According to the government, the agreement will improve maritime surveillance, strengthen intelligence sharing, enhance enforcement against illegal activities and expand operational capacity without requiring Solomon Islands to independently fund advanced maritime assets. The government said the agreement forms part of its broader strategy to protect the country's ocean territory and marine resources for future generations.

Fiji is leading negotiations on international rules governing the closure of deep-sea mining operations during the Thirty-First Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica, while continuing to push for stronger environmental safeguards and a precautionary approach to seabed mineral exploitation. The ISA's 31st Session, which includes meetings of the Council from July 13 to 24 and the Assembly from July 27 to 31, is advancing negotiations on the Mining Code, the international regulatory framework that will govern commercial deep-sea mining. Fiji is leading discussions on draft regulations covering Closure Plans, which establish requirements for ending mining activities, including the decommissioning of infrastructure, rehabilitation of affected marine ecosystems, long-term environmental monitoring, and financial guarantees to ensure contractors meet their obligations. The Fijian delegation is headed by Permanent Secretary for Lands and Mineral Resources Paula Cirikiyasawa and includes Director for Multilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Anare Leweniqila and Policy Research Officer Samisoni Maravu of the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources. Working with Norway, Fiji proposed amendments to draft regulations on Environmental Management and Monitoring and Closure Plans. According to the delegation, most ISA Council members supported merging key provisions, marking progress toward resolving outstanding issues in the Mining Code. Beyond Closure Plans, Fiji is participating in negotiations on Effective Control, which addresses how sponsoring states oversee and regulate deep-sea mining contractors. The issue is considered particularly significant for Small Island Developing States. Fiji is also contributing to all 13 thematic informal working groups covering issues such as environmental management, benefit-sharing, inspection and compliance, regional environmental management plans, underwater cultural heritage, test mining, and coastal state interests. The Pacific nation continues to advocate for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining until sufficient scientific evidence is available, a comprehensive and enforceable regulatory framework is in place, and robust measures governing environmental protection, liability, and benefit-sharing have been established. Fiji said its participation aims to ensure Pacific priorities remain central to international decisions on the governance of deep-sea mineral resources. The ISA Assembly is scheduled to conclude on July 31, with members expected to adopt key Council decisions, including a roadmap for completing negotiations on the Mining Code and an indicative work program for the authority's 32nd Session in 2027.

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 Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) has released the findings of its Mid-Term Socioeconomic Survey, showing improvements in household livelihoods and quality of life in affected communities while highlighting persistent concerns over benefit sharing, environmental impacts and social issues. The survey, presented by consultant Gerard Fitzgerald to project stakeholders and development partners, assessed changes in social and economic conditions since the 2020 baseline study conducted before construction began. Participants included representatives from Tina Hydropower Ltd., Solomon Power, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, and other project partners. The study found that household livelihoods have shifted significantly, driven largely by the growth of artisanal gold panning alongside cocoa production and employment opportunities created during the project's construction. While household incomes have generally increased, the gains have been uneven, with a higher proportion of households living below the international poverty line compared with the 2020 baseline. Researchers also reported improvements in housing, road access, electricity, water supply and access to basic services. More than half of survey respondents said the project had positively affected their communities, citing employment opportunities, infrastructure improvements and stronger engagement with project developers. However, residents continued to raise concerns over river turbidity, dust, traffic safety and other construction-related impacts. The survey also found that many households still rely on rivers for water because some water supply systems remain non-operational, while perceptions of unequal distribution of project benefits and unmet community expectations persist. The study identified emerging social challenges, including increased alcohol consumption, road safety issues and concerns about the long-term sustainability of community infrastructure. Project officials said the findings will help guide ongoing social monitoring, community engagement and project planning as construction progresses. The Tina River Hydropower Development Project is the Solomon Islands' first utility-scale renewable energy project. Once completed, it is expected to provide cleaner, more reliable and more affordable electricity while reducing the country's dependence on imported diesel for power generation. The project is being implemented by the Solomon Islands government with financing and support from the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Green Climate Fund, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Government of Australia, and the Export-Import Bank of Korea's Economic Development Cooperation Fund.  

The Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) has awarded SBD 1.34 million in grants to four indigenous agribusinesses under the Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP), supporting the government's push to expand value-added agriculture, strengthen market access and improve rural livelihoods. The funding will support downstream processing, post-harvest development and farmer-to-market linkages in line with the GREAT Government's agriculture policy, which aims to increase domestic production, create jobs and raise rural incomes. The largest grant of SBD 724,000 was awarded to Cathliro Commodities Development Ltd. to complete a chocolate processing factory in Honiara. SOLKAVA Exporter received SBD 313,940 to upgrade its processing facilities, meet international quality standards and procure kava from provincial farmers. Goshen Enterprise was allocated SBD 200,000 to purchase taro, improve transportation and provide post-harvest training for farmers in Malaita Province, while MNEM Investment received SBD 106,000 to procure, process and package kava for domestic and export markets. Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi said the grants reflect the government's commitment to strengthening indigenous enterprises and promoting partnerships that generate employment and expand economic opportunities in rural communities. He urged recipients to use the grants responsibly, noting that the funds are public resources intended to support sustainable agricultural development and improve livelihoods across the Solomon Islands. Recipients said the funding would enable them to expand processing capacity, improve product quality, increase exports and create more reliable markets for local farmers. Several also highlighted the potential to generate employment and strengthen participation by women and young people in agricultural value chains. The grant agreements require recipients to use the funding only for approved activities, submit regular financial and progress reports, and comply with government monitoring and auditing requirements. The grants form part of the Commercial Agriculture Development Project, which supports the Solomon Islands government's efforts to modernize agriculture through greater private-sector participation, value-added processing and stronger market linkages. Agriculture remains one of the country's largest sources of employment and income, particularly in rural areas, where most Solomon Islanders depend on farming for their livelihoods.

The Fijian government, together with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has launched the Fiji Blue Economy and Green Community Development Programme (BE-GREEN), a $24.26 million initiative aimed at transforming rural livelihoods while restoring ecosystems on Vanua Levu. The multi-phased investment program will help rural communities transition from subsistence farming to market-oriented enterprises, including agroforestry, seaweed farming and eco-tourism. It also seeks to restore degraded forests, mangroves and abandoned sugarcane fields while strengthening value chains for cocoa, root crops, beekeeping, seaweed and sea grapes. Speaking at the launch on July 24, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the initiative supports Fiji's National Development Plan 2025–2029 and Vision 2050, which aim to promote inclusive economic growth, environmental protection and development in rural and island communities. Implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, BE-GREEN will support community-led business and environmental plans through matching grants for rural entrepreneurs and cooperatives investing in eco-tourism, agricultural processing and value-added products. The program will also pilot a partnership with the Reserve Bank of Fiji to encourage households to channel overseas remittances into productive rural savings and investments. The first phase is expected to directly benefit about 6,550 households, or approximately 39,300 people, with a focus on women, youth and iTaukei communities. IFAD Associate Vice President Donal Brown said the program demonstrates how restoring forests, freshwater systems and coastal ecosystems can improve rural incomes while protecting natural resources that support Fiji's agriculture and tourism sectors. BE-GREEN aligns with IFAD's Pacific Islands Regional Strategic Opportunities Programme (RESOP), which guides the organization's investments across 13 Pacific Island countries through 2033 to address rural poverty, food insecurity, climate change and geographic isolation. IFAD has supported development programs in the Pacific for more than four decades, mobilizing $557 million in investments, including $194 million from its own loans and grants, benefiting around 1 million people across the region.

Fiji has opened a new eco-tourism destination in Nabalabala Village, Ra Province, aimed at creating new income opportunities for local communities while promoting forest conservation and sustainable tourism. The Navatuvoka Eco-Tourism and Forest Park was officially launched to support community-led economic development through eco-tourism, handicrafts, guided tours and local food services while protecting the area's biodiversity and cultural heritage. Fisheries and Forestry Minister Alitia Bainivalu joined traditional leaders and residents to inaugurate the park, describing the initiative as an important step toward balancing environmental conservation with sustainable livelihoods for rural communities. The park will complement nearby attractions, including the Nabalasere Eco-Tourism Park, as part of a broader effort to attract more visitors to Fiji's interior and expand tourism-driven economic opportunities across the region. The launch comes as Fiji's tourism industry continues to grow. The country welcomed a record 986,367 international visitors in 2025, and provisional figures show 98,522 visitors arrived in June 2026, the highest number ever recorded for the month of June. The continued growth highlights strong demand for Fiji as a destination and underscores the government's efforts to diversify tourism beyond coastal resorts by promoting community-based and eco-tourism experiences in rural areas.  Navatuvoka also joins Fiji's growing network of protected forest areas, including Colo-i-Suva, Naduruvatu, Savumoli, Nadarivatu and Dakuinaroba, reinforcing the country's commitment to sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation and community-led tourism development.

  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.

PNG Air has officially bid farewell to its iconic Dash 8 fleet, marking the end of an important chapter in the airline's history and the completion of its transition to a modern, all-ATR fleet. For decades, the Dash 8 aircraft served Papua New Guinea with distinction, earning a reputation for reliability and versatility while connecting communities, supporting key industries, and operating into some of the country's most challenging airstrips. As the fleet enters its next chapter, all three Dash 8 aircraft will continue their operational service with new operators overseas. One aircraft recently departed for Kenya, where it will join Renegade Air to support both domestic services and United Nations operations. PNG Air Chief Executive Officer Mr Brian Fraser said the farewell marked both a proud achievement and a significant milestone for the airline. "The Dash 8 has been an extraordinary aircraft for PNG Air and for the people of Papua New Guinea. These aircraft have connected communities and supported our nation's growth for many years. While we bid farewell to an important part of our history, we are excited about the future as we continue our transition to a modern ATR fleet," Fraser said. The retirement of the Dash 8 fleet forms part of PNG Air's broader fleet modernisation programme. As the airline transitions to the ATR 72-600 and ATR 42-600, it is investing in the future of regional aviation through modern technology, enhanced safety systems, greater passenger comfort, improved operational performance, and increased environmental sustainability. The ATR fleet offers industry-leading fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions, supporting PNG Air's commitment to providing safer, more reliable, and more sustainable air services. The aircraft are also well suited to Papua New Guinea's unique operating environment, with the capability to serve regional and remote destinations efficiently. About PNG Air For nearly four decades, PNG Air has connected the people of Papua New Guinea through safe, reliable, and affordable air services. The airline currently operates more than 460 flights each week across 22 destinations, providing essential passenger and cargo services throughout the country.

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.