Preparations for the highly anticipated Papua LNG Development Forum are now underway as the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) moves decisively to advance the project towards its Final Investment Decision (FID).
Minister for Petroleum Jimmy Maladina confirmed on 22 October that the State Team has commenced coordination with project operator TotalEnergies following his directive to begin logistical and planning arrangements for the forum.
Minister Maladina explained that the Development Forum is a mandatory process under the Oil and Gas Act 1988 and must be completed before the issuance of a Petroleum Development Licence (PDL). The forum serves as an important platform for the State, project developers, and affected landowners to discuss and agree on benefit-sharing and development commitments related to the Papua LNG Project.
“The Development Forum is an important step for the Papua LNG Project. It is required under the law and provides the platform for the State, project developers, and affected landowners to agree on benefit-sharing and development commitments,” Maladina said.
He confirmed that initial meetings between the State Team and TotalEnergies have already taken place, focusing on budgeting, logistics, and scheduling arrangements to ensure the forum is held at the earliest opportunity.
“Work on the Development Forum has kicked off with a meeting between the State Team and TotalEnergies. The focus is now on finalising the budget and logistical details to ensure the forum is held soon,” he said.
Minister Maladina reiterated the Government’s commitment to pushing the project forward, emphasising that all necessary requirements are being expedited to support an early FID. He highlighted that the recent signing of the Papua LNG Joint Equity Marketing Agreement between Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) and TotalEnergies marks a major milestone in that direction.
Maladina Congratulates New KPHL Board
In a related announcement, Maladina also congratulated the new Board of Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited, led by Chairman Gerea Aopi, on the successful signing of the Joint Equity Marketing Agreement. The Minister described the agreement as a “critical milestone” that demonstrates strong cooperation between the State and its development partners.
“This signing represents a major breakthrough for the Papua LNG Project. It demonstrates renewed commitment by both KPHL and TotalEnergies to advance the project towards the Final Investment Decision,” Minister Maladina said.
The agreement, which had been pending for over a year, now removes a key hurdle in the project’s transition to its development phase. Minister Maladina commended the leadership of the new KPHL Board for its decisive action and acknowledged TotalEnergies for its professionalism and continued partnership with the State.
“I acknowledge the tireless efforts of TotalEnergies’ management teams in Singapore and Port Moresby. Their professionalism and cooperation have been instrumental in bringing the project to this stage,” he said.
According to the Minister, the signing of the Joint Equity Marketing Agreement reinforces investor confidence and signals that the Papua LNG Project is entering a critical stage of progress.
“This achievement gives confidence that the Papua LNG Project is entering its development phase. The Government welcomes this progress as it will pave the way for greater investment, employment, and long-term benefits for Papua New Guinea,” he concluded.
Minister Maladina further assured that the Ministry and the Department of Petroleum are working closely with all relevant government agencies, TotalEnergies, and landowner representatives to ensure that the Development Forum is conducted efficiently, transparently, and in full compliance with legislative requirements.
As preparations gather pace, the Government’s strong stance underlines its determination to deliver the Papua LNG Project, one of the country’s most significant resource developments, taking it into its next phase and bringing tangible economic and social benefits to Papua New Guinea.
