Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has confirmed that Papua New Guinea’s flagship Resource Projects, Papua LNG and Wafi-Golpu, remain top priorities for international investors following high-level Meetings at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Addressing the Media upon his return last night, Prime Minister Marape said discussions with key Project Partners reaffirmed strong commitment to progressing both developments in 2026.
“I made it absolutely clear – Papua LNG and Wafi-Golpu must move forward. There will be no warehousing of licenses,” he said.
The Prime Minister confirmed meetings with senior executives from TotalEnergies and joint venture partners involved in Papua LNG, who assured the Government that the Project remains their number one priority.
“Papua LNG remains 100 percent a focus Project. Our task now is to cross the remaining dots while preserving the Project’s value and return for both investors and the people of Papua New Guinea,” he said.
He revealed that a State Negotiating Team is currently engaged in technical discussions overseas, with further engagement planned with international partners once alignment is achieved.
Prime Minister Marape said the Government expects a definitive announcement on Papua LNG within this year, ideally before Papua New Guinea’s Independence anniversary on 16 September.
“This is a Project worth between US$13 to US$14 billion. It will be transformational for our economy,” he said.
On Wafi-Golpu, Prime Minister Marape confirmed meetings with Harmony Gold executives, who gave firm assurances that the Project remains a priority.
A Cabinet-appointed State Peer Review Team has been established to address outstanding technical matters, after which the Government will take a final position.
“I want the country to know: once we issue approvals, these Projects must move straight to development. That commitment has been agreed,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape said both Projects are central to unlocking billions of Kina in economic activity, employment, and downstream opportunities across the country.
“These Projects are not just about Mining and Gas – they are about building our economy towards a K200 billion future,” he said.