Papua LNG Project Forum Reconvened Amid Calls for Trust and Fair Benefits

Papua New Guinea's Minister for Petroleum, Jimmy Maladina, has reconvened the Papua LNG project Development Forum in Port Moresby, calling for renewed stakeholder commitment. The minister acknowledged the patience and understanding shown during a period of uncertainty, which included legal proceedings that had temporarily halted the forum.

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Now, as a government, we can reconvene the forum and ask all stakeholders to come together.

"Now, as a government, we can reconvene the forum and ask all stakeholders to come together," Maladina stated, reiterating the government's commitment to due process. He assured that the ministry and the National Petroleum Authority would ensure legitimate beneficiaries receive adequate representation and an equitable share of the project's benefits. The minister recognized the frustrations experienced by some landowners due to delays in travel, accommodation, and allowance payments, particularly those from the Gulf province.

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From the outset, and I have said before, myself, my ministry and the National Petroleum Authority have and will always follow due process as per the law in ensuring the legitimate beneficiaries get adequate representation and equitable share of benefits from the Papua LNG project.

Maladina highlighted the Papua LNG project as a pivotal economic opportunity for Papua New Guinea, with the potential to generate employment, bolster global businesses, improve infrastructure, and provide long-term benefits for the nation. However, he stressed that the project's success hinges on building trust among the government, landowners, developers, and impacted communities. "Trust that every stakeholder will be treated fairly, respectfully, and in accordance with the law of Papua New Guinea," he added.

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I recognize the frustrations this has caused to everyone, and especially our landowners from the remote part of Gulf.

The development forum is crucial for fostering meaningful dialogue, mutual understanding, and the establishment of fair, balanced, and sustainable agreements for future generations. The minister affirmed the government's commitment to swiftly resolving any outstanding issues to maintain focus on the project's development.

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The Papua LNG project is not simply another resource development project. It represents one of Papua New Guinea’s most significant economic opportunities with the potential to create employment, strengthen global businesses, improve infrastructure and generate benefits for our people for generations to come.