Port Moresby, January 30, 2024 – Petroleum Minister Hon. Jimmy Maladina today expressed his strong desire to see the Papua LNG Project in Gulf start this year, following the Final Investment Decision (FID) by developer Total Energies
Minister Maladina conveyed this determination after embarking on his inaugural visit to the project’s footprint areas in Gulf on Monday, January 29, 2024.
“I want to ensure that the Papua LNG Project becomes operational this year,” stated Minister Maladina.
“My primary objective in visiting these areas was to see the project sites and to address any outstanding concerns, particularly those pertaining to landowners.”
Accompanying Minister Maladina on this vital visit was Kerema MP, Hon. Thomas Opa and the President for Ihu LLG .Together, they visited various villages within the footprint areas of the Papua LNG Project.
Their itinerary included visits to Iokea Village along the Gulf coast, Kerema Town, Wabo Station, and Poroi Village and flying over the well heads in PRL 15. During these visits, Minister Maladina and MP Opa engaged in discussions with local residents to gain insights into their perspectives on the Papua LNG Project. The trip also afforded Minister Maladina the opportunity to better understand the region’s geography.
Addressing the landowners at Wabo and Poroi, Minister Maladina revealed that whilst there are some issues with the previously compiled list of landowners, drafted and gazetted by former Petroleum Minister Kerenga Kua, it is not his intention to revoke this determination including the benefits earmarked for the beneficiaries identified.
Minister Maladina said, “I will ensure that all other beneficiaries suggested are identified, catered for and included in the benefit sharing arrangements going forward. This will not include any dilution in the benefits of the landowners already identified contrary to recent suggestions.
“The Government has adequate resources at its deposal to cater for the additional beneficiaries who are impacted by the Project and the Government must be seen to be fair in looking after its citizens.
“We will approach this issue cautiously, and ensure that all landowners will be adequately heard.
“My department’s officials are thoroughly reviewing the situation and will present me with a comprehensive report once they have completed their assessment. I will make a decision based on the reports.”
Minister Maladina announced that his department will organise pre-Development Forum meetings at the earliest convenience to ensure that all landowner concerns are resolved prior to the FID.