FIRST ENVIRONMENT PROJECT PERMIT APPROVED

By Ricky ISRAEL

The Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) has given the first environment permit for the Papua LNG Project. The permit was issued earlier this week in Port Moresby. This is the first of two important permits needed for one of Papua New Guinea’s biggest gas projects.

This first permit is for the downstream part of the project. It allows ExxonMobil PNG Antelope, a company linked to ExxonMobil PNG, to build and operate new facilities at the existing LNG Plant in Caution Bay. These new facilities will help manage, process, store, and export natural gas and condensate.

Before giving this permit, CEPA followed the Environment Act 2000. In July 2022, an Environmental Inception Report was sent to CEPA.

This report helped start a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that looked at how the project could affect the environment and how to reduce any harm. CEPA also visited local communities of Papa, Lealea, Boera, and Porebada to talk with people, listen to their concerns, and explain the project.

CEPA Managing Director Jude Tukulya said the permit was only given after a careful and detailed process.
This included expert reviews, technical studies, and listening to the public. He said the permit gives confidence to the government, landowners, and investors that the project is being done responsibly.

Mr. Tukulya thanked the government, CEPA staff, and consultants Stantec Australia and Coffee International, along with other partners, for helping to complete the permit process. He said CEPA will continue to follow the law and protect the environment.

Meanwhile, the second permit is for the upstream part of the project and is expected by September 2025. This part is being developed by TotalEnergies EP PNG and its joint venture partners who hold PRL 15.
CEPA is currently reviewing the environmental impacts of the upstream project and recently visited five communities in Purari for a Community Roadshow. They shared updates on the Environmental Impact Statement Addendum and listened to community feedback.

A national presentation on the EIS Addendum will be held on May 21, 2025, in Port Moresby, and a community re-engagement is planned for late May.

The upstream project will include gas wells, pipelines, and a Central Processing Facility.
It will also involve building 60 km of onshore pipelines and 250 km of offshore pipelines to connect to the LNG Plant at Caution Bay.