Petroleum projects in Papua New Guinea have recorded encouraging progress, with Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina welcoming significant advances on the APF Tie-In Project, citing major regulatory approvals and community agreements as critical milestones toward full project sanction.
Speaking from Singapore on behalf of the national government, Maladina confirmed that project operator Santos, together with its PNG LNG joint venture partners, has secured essential regulatory approvals from the National Petroleum Authority and the Conservation and Environmental Protection Authority. The approvals represent a key step toward a final investment decision and project sanction for the APF Tie-In development.
A further milestone was achieved on Feb. 5, 2026, when senior officials from the National Petroleum Authority, led by Petroleum Division Director Jimmy Haumu, visited the project area to witness the signing of the In-Principle Clan Agreement. The delegation attended on behalf of the Ministry of Petroleum and NPA Managing Director David Manau.
The agreement was signed between Santos and key landowning clans directly affected by the project, following an extensive period of consultation and engagement. It reflects landowner understanding and acceptance of the development and underscores the importance of structured community participation in major resource projects.
The In-Principle Clan Agreement aligns with arrangements already embedded within the broader PNG LNG project framework. It sets out clear processes for land access, community development initiatives, local business participation opportunities and ongoing stakeholder engagement.
The agreement also addresses the management of above-ground risks, including law and order considerations, which remain a critical factor in ensuring project sustainability and maintaining investor confidence in the sector.
“The national government, through the NPA and my ministry, is very pleased with the progress achieved so far, and I express my sincere appreciation to Santos and its joint venture partners, the key community leaders of Kutubu, the NPA and all stakeholders who have contributed to meeting these important project development objectives,” Maladina said.
“These milestones demonstrate the government’s commitment to encouraging further investment in the country and, importantly, Santos’ commitment to working collaboratively with local communities and regulatory authorities in a meaningful way to achieve project objectives,” he added.
Industry analysts say securing regulatory approvals alongside landowner agreements significantly reduces project risk and strengthens the investment case for the APF Tie-In Project. The progress signals continued momentum in PNG’s gas sector amid increasingly competitive global energy markets.
With regulatory clearances and community agreements now in place, the project is moving closer to full sanction, reinforcing Papua New Guinea’s position as a key LNG producer in the Asia-Pacific region and highlighting the government’s focus on attracting responsible, long-term investment in the petroleum industry.
