This article will be featured in the September/October edition of PNG Mining.
Working with major mining companies in Papua New Guinea, Belt Wise is helping promote greater conveyor capabilities.
Having a foothold in Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) mining and resources sectors is one thing, but actively supporting the industry’s growth is another.
Through technical support seminars held in Port Moresby, Belt Wise does both.
Operating out of Port Moresby and Lae, the company serves the industry with conveyor, optimisation, engineering and material-handling solutions designed to improve performance, reliability and efficiency across industrial operations.
Working with several key clients, including copper and gold miners, Belt Wise’s seminars focus on conveyor optimisation and engineering excellence as well as local engagement and community contributions.
“This is a real cornerstone of what we do here in PNG,” Belt Wise managing director Beau Weiss told PNG Mining.
“It’s not just about having the expertise and the team members to support our clients; it’s about making a real difference.
“The seminars reflect our philosophy that knowledge being shared strengthens industry, collaboration improves performance, and local empowerment builds sustainable success.”
Weiss’ connection to PNG dates back almost two decades, with his father raised in the country and working directly in the mining sector, giving him valuable insight into material handling.
“From a conveyor perspective, there has historically been limited conveyor-specialist presence based in PNG permanently,” Weiss said. “That’s where we’re different.”
Complementing already-established relationships in the country’s mining industry, the sessions focus on immediately applicable practical knowledge, whilst giving operations exposure to best practices in conveyor engineering.
“Strengthening capabilities is a win-win for all involved, not just because it means operations run smoothly but because it shows Belt Wise’s knowledge and expertise too,” Weiss said.
“Coupling this with the team based in PNG, it’s a recipe for long-term success.”
Key takeaways from the seminar include advanced conveyor optimisation strategies, failure analysis and root cause diagnostics, belt tracking and mistracking solutions and troubleshooting methodologies.
The initiative also reflects a broader focus on strengthening local capability within PNG’s resources sector. By bringing technical expertise directly into operating environments, Belt Wise aims to bridge the gap between global best practice and the practical realities of remote operations.
“This is the type of experience we can bring to this rapidly emerging market. These technical skills are the foundation of optimised performance across operations,” Weiss said.
“Providing equipment is one thing, but the support that goes with it is another and can often be missed, especially with PNG’s unique geography. The support we provide isn’t just presentations, but collaborative working sessions.”
The outcomes are real, with major mining companies already gaining value from past sessions.
“It was great to shake people’s hands at the end, knowing they were more knowledgeable about conveyors and how to keep them rolling than they were when they entered,” Weiss said.
“There were times when I saw those ‘lightbulb’ moments on the faces of those in attendance. That’s when I knew we’d done our job.”