The ask
A major international mining organisation preparing for field operations in a geopolitically sensitive and logistically challenging region of Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The client was planning to re-enter operations in a remote province with a complex history of conflict. They needed to ensure operational readiness, reputational protection, and the safety of its personnel, while engaging in early-stage assessments.
Recognising the operational importance of a proactive, intelligence-informed approach, the client commissioned ERS to lead a security risk assessment workshop in Port Moresby, culminating in a comprehensive Security Threat and Risk Assessment (STRA) and on-the-ground security support.
What we did
Navigating multiple sensitivities, ERS developed a detailed assessment and understanding of operational risks, scalable and practical risk mitigations, including:
- Conducting a PESTLE analysis to identify key political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental risks, to inform the broader operating picture, downstream planning and communications.
- Facilitating a detailed security workshop in Port Moresby, bringing together corporate representatives, field planners and regional experts.
- Applying a hybrid methodology that integrated ISO 31000 principles with the client’s internal security risk framework.
- Providing on-the-ground tactical support and security for the workshop.
What we achieved
The result was a calibrated risk posture that balanced prudence with purpose for the client. It took into account the complex local PNG environment, which included armed conflict, lack of infrastructure, tribal sensitivities and limited medical and emergency response.
ERS’s assessment and advisory process enabled the client to engage with local stakeholders responsibly, operate within acceptable risk thresholds, and meet legal and ethical obligations for staff safety.
Local sentiment was proactively monitored and managed.
Communications, logistics, and intelligence inputs remained synchronised across all teams, and the mission was successfully completed without incident.
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