Landowners’ identity highest priority: Pok

By Lemach Lavari

PETROLEUM Minister Dr Fabian Pok said landowner identification is the highest priority in regard to projects in the mining and petroleum sector.
Pok told the PNG Mining and Petroleum conference in Port Moresby that the government was sensitive to the correct identification of landowning units before the PNG LNG production could begin.
He said the government was confident that the integration and synergy between Total and ExxonMobil would result in proper landowner identification.
He also assured the private sector that the government will provide stability for investments.
He said no major fiscal changes would be done without proper consultations with stakeholders.
Pok said the country was recovering from the recent unfavorable commodity prices.
“This is the perfect storm, Oil prices are beginning to rise. This is the best time to build another LNG project in Papua New Guinea,” he said.
Pok said the government would have zero tolerance for exploration companies sitting on their exploration licences for long.
He thanked Interoil (now acquired by ExxonMobil) for their efforts in the exploration of Elk Antelop project.
He thanked the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Commerce for hosting a successful conference.
The conference was held at The Stanley Hotel and Suites from Tuesday to yesterday.