PNG mineral boom: Harnessing the extractive sector to deliver better health outcomes

• Matthew Hancock, Jane Thomason
• Development Policy Centre, Crawford School of Economics and Government

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30 January 2011International experience has shown that mining and resources sector participation in Public‐Private Partnerships (PPPs) can realise substantial health benefits not only for the company, but also for its public sector partners and communities. This paper summarises the international experience, and presents examples of mining and resource sector participation in health care in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The extractive industries in PNG are already actively involved in health service delivery and improving health conditions in the area within which they operate. With the prospect of major economic growth in PNG comes an opportunity to further systematise and expand on the application of industry expertise to creating lasting development in the PNG health sector for the benefit of the private sector, the government and the community alike.

The paper also discusses some of the challenges in further harnessing the private sector as a partner in PNG development, including i) barriers to collaboration; ii) engaging with extractive industry partners; and iii) developing relationships and trust.