PERTH--February 7, 2013--Researched by Industrial Info Resources Australia (Perth, Australia)--Mineral deposits in Papua New Guinea (PNG) including oil, copper and gold represent a major potential in export earnings. Industrial Info is currently tracking 42 projects in PNG, which total more than $38 billion in investment value. Out of the 42 projects, 27 are metals and minerals projects and 12 are oil and gas production projects. Xstrata Copper Asia Pacific (ASX:ZXT) (Toowong, Australia) in joint venture with Highlands Pacific (ASX:HIG) (Boroko, PNG) awarded the engineering, procurement and construction contract to Bechtel International Incorporated (Brisbane, Australia) and have continued detailed design and a bankable feasibility study for the Frieda River above-ground copper gold mine and mill.