Case studies
Linking rural infrastructure with agricultural initiatives for lasting impact
As Hidden Valley mine considered its contribution to host communities and alignment with district development plans, it became clear that safe and fit-for-purpose rural roads are essential for supporting agricultural entrepreneurship. In FY22, the mine launched its community roads programme to improve and maintain roads to a standard that promotes connectivity, accessibility, and supports economic growth opportunities. Reflecting Harmony’s long-term commitment to the success of these initiatives, the mine employs a dedicated civil works superintendent, roads project manager, and an agriculture team.
By the end of FY25, the mine invested R33 million (PGK6.9 million) in maintaining around 68km of community road and supporting bridge improvements. In a strong show of local ownership, Nauti village contributed a further R4 million (PGK0.8 million) towards road maintenance, funded through the Hidden Valley Mine Trust. The investment, while driven by the needs of the local coffee growers, has delivered broader benefits to the entire community, improving access to schools, markets and essential services.
In parallel, the mine has expanded agricultural development initiatives to more host communities, delivering training and resources for coffee, beekeeping, tilapia, broiler chicken and potato farming. Around 1 500 farmers, nearly half of them women, from Watut and Biangai areas now participate in the coffee programme, reflecting the initiative’s focus on inclusion and social equity. By supporting economic diversification in Bulolo and Wau-Waria districts, these initiatives aim to strengthen community resilience and enable sustainable, income-generating activities long into the future. The Tia Hanama Weta Cooperative Society, founded in Nauti, exemplifies what local determination, coupled with the right resources and support in place, can steadily bring to life.
Highlight: Tia Hanama Weta Cooperate Society’s journey
Since 2018
Building on Nauti’s ideal climate, fertile soils, and residents’ long-standing coffee cultivation practices, Harmony has supported agricultural business development through training and education, provision of nursery seedlings, equipment and infrastructure, and assisting aged tree rejuvenation. Nauti farmers made their first coffee sales in 2019, igniting community hunger to participate in the sector.
Since 2022
Harmony supported Nauti coffee farmers to establish and register a cooperative society, enabling equitable benefit sharing. The society, with seven elected executives and over 500 members, collectively manages 250 000 coffee trees, generating an estimated annual income of R0.5 million (PGK0.1 million).
Since 2023
Tia Hanama Weta Cooperate Society Limited – which means “the light that will never dim” – was formally registered with the Cooperative Societies Unit of Papua New Guinea’s Department of Trade Commerce and Industry. First sales through the cooperative society began in July 2023.
This year
Nauti coffee, which contains a unique blend on account of its organic origin and certification, has been showcased at several national events, receiving positive reviews. Through the sale of roasted packaged coffee, the cooperative society is working to establish the brand among coffee consumers in Papua New Guinea and international markets.
seedlings nursery at Nauti village