Drill & Blast Superintendent, Gelam Iamo, at Newmont Lihir’s gold mining operation. Picture supplied.
Newmont today announced that its Lihir operation contributed K1.1 billion in taxes, royalties and government payments in 2025, continuing its significant role in supporting Papua New Guinea’s national and provincial development priorities.
According to Newmont the 2025 total includes K654,916,430 in Corporate Income Tax, along with payments across key statutory obligations such as Customs Duties, Production Levy, Salaries & Wages Tax, Withholding Taxes, and Royalty Withholding Tax.
Newmont Lihir General Manager, Dawid Pretorius, said the site’s performance reflects the hard work of employees and the strong support of local communities and government.
“In 2025, Lihir’s operating performance delivered significant and tangible value to Papua New Guinea through taxes, royalties, and statutory payments. More than K1.1 billion was paid in corporate income tax and other government levies, reflecting both the strength of our operations and our commitment to meeting our fiscal obligations in full.
“These contributions are only possible through the dedication of our workforce and the enduring support of Lihir landowners, the New Ireland Provincial Government, and the Government of Papua New Guinea. We are focused on sustaining this level of tax contribution as we continue to operate safely, responsibly and transparently into 2026 and beyond,” he said.
In addition to taxes, Newmont Lihir also delivered substantial direct benefits to landowners, communities, and New Ireland Province through K162,389,893 in royalties and compensation payments to landowners. Royalties are paid directly into individual household bank accounts to ensure that benefits reach local landowners equitably and transparently.
These contributions bring Newmont Lihir’s total tax and government payments since operations began in 1997 to more than K6.49 billion (US$1.5 billion).
Lihir’s strong contribution to public revenues was underpinned by solid operational performance in 2025. The site produced 585,000 ounces of gold, supported by ongoing investment in operational improvements and site performance initiatives.
Newmont also continues to drive national economic participation through its supply chain.
In 2025, Newmont Lihir purchased K1.24 billion in goods and services from Papua New Guinea businesses, with a strong focus on Lihir, New Ireland, and PNG-owned suppliers.
This commitment to national content includes recent decisions such as sourcing lime for processing from Pacific Lime and Cement Limited in Central Province, strengthening PNG manufacturing and supply capability.
