Duban warns developers to show ‘proof’

 PETROLEUM and Energy Minister Nixon Duban has warned developers of petroleum resources in the country to show proof of their work, after being issued petroleum development licenses.

He told the Mining and Petroleum conference in Port Moresby yesterday that when companies “warehouse” licences, they were doing PNG a great injustice. 

As an example, he said Spanish company Repsol should start showing proof of its work because its petroleum development licence had been issued already.   

“We have issued the license for Stanley Gas,” he said. 

“Unfortunately they are now taking a review for the cost of the project.

“They are likely to submit a review of the project in the next couple of weeks.

“The Government is a bit concerned that while the oil prices are low, we have issued a petroleum development license. 

“And I must caution Repsol and Horizon Oil who are in that project to take notice that the Government is very strict as a result of the review on all the licences and licenses have been cancelled already.”