The economy generally can be separated into subsistence and market sectors, although the distinction is blurred by small-holder cash cropping of coffee, cocoa, and copra. The minerals, timber, and fish sectors are dominated by foreign investors.
Manufacturing is limited, and the formal labor sector consequently also is limited.
Government revenues and foreign exchange earning depend heavily on mineral exports. Indigenous landowners in areas affected by minerals projects also receive royalties from those operations. Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with gold, copper, oil, natural gas, and other minerals. Copper and gold mines are currently in production at Progera, Ok Tedi, Misima, and Lihir. New nickel, copper and gold projects have been identified and are awaiting a rise in commodity prices to begin development.