Papua LNG Project Development Forum to recommence after court order stay

The Papua LNG Project Development Forum is set to resume tomorrow, August 6, 2026, at the APEC House in Port Moresby, following a significant legal development. Minister for Petroleum Jimmy Maladina announced the recommencement, highlighting that the Supreme Court has issued a stay on National Court orders that had previously halted the Ministry for Petroleum and the National Petroleum Authority from convening the forum.

Maladina expressed his satisfaction with the court's decision, which allows the project's development discussions to proceed as originally planned. Tier One (1) meetings will take place at the Apec Haus, while consultations with landowners will be held in designated conference rooms throughout the week. This resumption is crucial for advancing the development of the Papua LNG Project.

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I am happy to announce that the Supreme Court has stayed the National Court Orders that have restrained the Ministry for Petroleum and the National Petroleum Authority from convening and progressing the Development Forum. We will commence as originally planned with the Tier One (1) meetings at the Apec Haus and landowners consultations in the respective lodging conference rooms throughout the week.

As the Minister for Petroleum, Maladina seized the opportunity to thank all stakeholders involved. He extended a particular invitation to all landowners impacted or affected by the Papua LNG Project, urging them to participate actively and meaningfully in the forum. The minister emphasized the importance of their input in the ongoing development process.

The Papua LNG Project is a major undertaking for the nation, and the development forum serves as a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration between the government, project developers, and the local communities. The successful progression of these discussions is vital for the project's future and its contribution to Papua New Guinea's economy.

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As Minister for Petroleum, I take this opportunity to thank all stakeholders and encourage all Papua LNG impacted/affected landowners to participate meaningfully in this Forum.