ENGA PROVINCE
LAGAIP-POGERA
The distinctive presence of Mt. Paiam towers over the Pogera township. Its impressive form is only overshadowed by the pit of the gold mine which began production in 1990 and is one of the largest gold extracting mines in the world.
Located in the west of Enga, with an altitude that ranges from 2,200 to 2,700 metres above sea level, Lagaip-Pogera District is a place of high rainfall, frequent landslides, earthquakes and gold.
While the mine has been responsible for opening up the western reaches of Enga, most of the population of more than 160,000 people still exist in tribals structures and traditional lifestyles.
POGERA MINE
The Pogera gold mine is one of the major contributors to Papua New Guinea's economy. Since it began operating, the mine has produced more than 16 million ounces of gold and almost 3 million ounces of silver, accounting for about 12 percent of Papua New Guinea's total exports.
The mine utilises both open-pit and underground mining methods for ore extraction. The open pit mine moves about 160,000 tonnes of rock material and gold-bearing ore per day, the underground mine over 2,000 tonnes.
NETE LYAIM FESTIVAL
The Nete Lyaim Festival is an annual cultural festival staged in far flung Nete Lyaim village near the border of East Sepik Province, in the Lagaip-Pogera district.
The newly established festival was first held in 2020, and aims to preserve traditional culture and encourage economic activity through tourism.
If you are interested in raw, authentic indigenous culture, Nete Lyaim you will certainly find it at the Nete Lyaim Festival.
ACCOMMODATION
Some of the best accommodation in Enga is found in Pogera. Thanks to demand from the mine, locals have established modern lodges and the area has developed a skilled hospitality workforce.
Mountain Lodge and Aumbi Guest house serve up wholesome meals prepared by professional chefs three times a day.
Pogera township is the ideal place to base yourself if you want to explore the western reaches of Enga and gain access to the annual Nete Lyaim Festival.