THE Geosciences, Exploration, and Extraction (GEE) 2024 Conference, held from August 7 to 9 at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, emerged as a crucial platform for discussing sustain-able resource extraction.
With over 350 delegates attending in person and thousands more participating via live stream, the conference continued the tradition of excellence established by its inaugural event in 2022. This year’s confer-ence focused on sustainable practices in managing Papua New Guinea’s rich mineral and petroleum resources, addressing both environmental concerns and the challenge of resource depletion.
The conference began with an address by Jerry Gerry, Managing Director of the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), who delivered a speech on behalf of Prime Minister James Marape.
Marape’s address highlighted the theme of this year’s conference: “Research and Innovation in Geosciences, Exploration, and Extraction for Sustainability.” He emphasized the urgency of addressing the depleting mineral and hydrocarbon reserves in Papua New Guinea, noting the lack of significant discoveries over the past four decades.
Marape underscored that the exploration and extraction of resources are critical missions that directly impact the livelihoods of many communities. He called for the adoption of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and minimize environmental harm, urging the industry to embrace sustainable mining practices.
The conference featured a range of sessions that explored various aspects of sustainable resource extraction. Discussions covered the roles of government, industry, universities, and society in advancing geosciences and energy extraction, highlighting the need for cohesive strategies among these stakeholders. The event also addressed national and regional geoscience challenges and their intersection with global trends, exploring how Papua New Guinea’s efforts contribute to broader international knowledge.
Sessions included a tribute to Professor Hugh Davies, focusing on PNG and Pacific geology and tectonics, and discussions on mining practices and economic implications. The conference examined engineering challenges and geotechnical issues in mining, emphasizing innovations that en-hance safety and efficiency. Environmental impacts and future directions for mitigating adverse effects were also key themes, with a focus on sustainable mining practices and technologies that reduce environmental footprints.
Additional discussions covered the inter-section of geoscience with environmental and planetary management, geohazards and risk management, and energy and coastal geoscience. A pre-conference field trip provided practical insights into key locations, including Varirata National Park and the PNG Power Rouna 2 Hydropower Facility.
The GEE 2024 Conference was supported by a range of sponsors and partners, including Platinum Sponsors such as the Mineral Resources Authority and Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited, and Gold and Bronze Sponsors like K92 Mining and Ok Tedi Mining. Various conference partners contributed to the event’s success.
Overall, the GEE 2024 Conference under-scored the critical need for sustainable resource extraction practices. Through comprehensive discussions and collabora-tive efforts, the conference highlighted the importance of integrating advanced tech-nologies, fostering interdisciplinary part-nerships, and prioritizing environmental stewardship.
The insights and strategies shared will play a crucial role in shaping the future of resource extraction in Papua New Guinea and beyond, ensuring that the industry can meet the demands of a growing global population while protecting the environment for future generations.
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