MRDC boss hails firm’s role in LNG project talks

THE inclusion of Mineral Resource Development Company (MRDC) in the State negotiating team for the Papua LNG project will allow improved representation of resource owners, says chief executive Augustine Mano.
He told The National they had not been part of the team for the PNG LNG.
“We are part of the State negotiating team for the Papua LNG that is coming up,” Mano said.
“I think the Government has learnt from the PNG LNG where we were not part of the negotiating team.
“This time they have put us there. This time around we will fight for the concerns of our provincial governments and landowners to make sure to get what they have been missing from the first LNG project.
“There are some lessons learnt from PNG LNG and we hope to correct it.”
Mano said MRDC was not yet a financial member of the agricultural project between ExxonMobil and Innovative Agro Industries but would come in after the first phase of scoping was done.
“We are not putting any money as yet, as ExxonMobil and Innovative Agro Industries are doing the feasibility studies,” he said.
“Once that is done, they will come back and we will make a decision on that.
“Most of the time, MRDC does investments in properties and all the other sectors to generate dividends for the landowners.
“There has not been any direct investment into the project area where the beneficiaries are.
“This partnerships between two credible corporate leaders in their fields allows us to be able to come in to partner in this project.
“This a first for us in terms of agriculture.”