The New Porgera Limited (NPL) in Enga Province has temporarily suspended operations at its processing plant due to exceptionally low water levels in Waile Creek Dam caused by prolonged dry conditions associated with the current El Niño event.
The suspension is effective at a time when there is a surge in global gold prices and strong revenue growth that delivered nearly K1 billion in taxes and K1.7 billion in dividends last financial year.
The company said in a statement the temporary suspension affects only processing operations, while mining activities will continue as planned.
According to NPL, low rainfall events of this nature occur periodically at Porgera and have historically affected operations during previous El Niño years.
The temporary shutdown will also allow the company to undertake additional maintenance, and operational improvement works while waiting for water levels to recover.
New Porgera Limited expects Waile Creek Dam to gradually replenish as rainfall returns, allowing processing operations to resume periodically as conditions improve until normal weather conditions are restored.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its workforce and assured employees, business partners, landowners, and other stakeholders that the interruption is temporary.
Processing operations will resume as soon as sufficient water is available.
The operational pause comes despite another strong year of financial contributions by New Porgera Limited to Papua New Guinea’s economy.
During the last financial year, the company delivered a total of K985.77 million in taxes, including K960.71 million directly from New Porgera Limited. In the first half of the year alone, more than K456 million was paid in corporate taxes.
The company also declared approximately K1.7 billion (US$400 million) in total dividends for the year, with 51 per cent directed to Papua New Guinea interests.
In addition, K157 million in royalties had been accrued by the end of December 2025.
New Porgera Limited said it remains focused on restoring full processing operations as soon as water levels in Waile Creek Dam recover while continuing safe and responsible mining operations.