More than 2,000 women farmers from the Namatanai region around our Lihir operations have struck an innovative supply deal that benefits farmers, their communities, our business and employees.

Newcrest came up with the solution to enable the women, known locally as ‘meri gardeners’, to sell their produce to the mine’s camp kitchen. The new deal means the meri gardeners no longer have to walk for up to a day selling their produce for inconsistent sales and little or no return.

Promoting women’s economic empowerment generates savings, encourages self-governance and helps women develop new skills, and is a key development priority for Newcrest.

The deal is typical of the way we invest in development, building financial sustainability in our communities.

These programs are transformative for the women, their families and the village. The Lihir partnership has the potential to generate PGK4 million (A$1.66 million) a year for the Namatanai economy.

Under the partnership, farmers are paid when they deliver their produce to a central point, where it is weighed and sorted for quality. Our site buys some and the rest is shared between the hospital and local markets.

Our mine camp prepares 7,000 meals a day and we previously imported vegetables. The new arrangement provides our kitchen with high-quality, fresh local produce and guarantees a regular, reliable income to the farmers.

Similar partnerships are in place with communities near our Namosi Project in Fiji, where women are learning about financial management, use of business technology, and market development and expansion to secure a future beyond the life of the mine.