ExxonMobile spends K4.52 billion on landowner companies in PNG

EXXONMOBIL PNG Ltd has spent K4.52 billion on landowner companies in the impacted areas of the PNG LNG project in Papua New Guinea.

The company said in a statement that in total more than K11 billion had been spent in the country since the start of the liquefied natural gas project four years ago.

“To date, ExxonMobil PNG’s total in-country spending has reached more than K11.37 billion with K4.52 billion spent on Lanco (landowner companies) services,” a spokesperson said.

“The PNG LNG has invested significantly in developing the capacity of landowner companies to help them build long-term sustainable businesses.” ExxonMobil PNG was responding to three major landowner companies which had criticised the National Government for not giving full recognition to local companies in the project impact areas, especially in the awarding of major contracts.

The company said its enterprise centre in Port Moresby was an initiative of the PNG LNG project. “The centre supports PNG businesses, in particular landowner and other local companies, by building business skills, facilitating access to employment and business opportunities and ensuring efficient communication with ExxonMobil PNG, contractors and sub-contractors,” the spokesperson said. 

More than nine trillion cubic feet of gas is expected to be produced over the life of the project. 

The Central Supply and Tenders Board clarified last week that the awarding of contracts for works in the PNG LNG project impact areas came under the responsibility of the project developer.