Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed that the Government is firmly committed to progressing the Wafi-Golpu and Papua LNG projects, while ensuring that Papua New Guinea secures fair and equitable benefits for its people.
Responding in Parliament today to questions raised by Bulolo MP Hon. Sam Basil Jr, Prime Minister Marape dismissed claims that the Government is delaying these Projects, instead emphasising that ongoing engagements are aimed at securing better outcomes for landowners and the nation. “Our Government is not delaying these Projects. Our Policy direction is very clear – we are working to secure a fair share of benefits, targeting around 55 percent total take for Papua New Guinea within the provisions of our existing laws,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He explained that the Government is not seeking additional concessions beyond what is already provided under the Mining Act and Oil & Gas Act, but is determined to fully exercise PNG’s sovereign rights under these laws.
Papua LNG: Agreements in Place, Awaiting Investor Action
Prime Minister Marape clarified that the Papua LNG Gas Agreement, signed in April 2019 prior to his Government taking office, remains in force, and that the State has upheld its commitments. “The Agreement has been standing from 2019 to today. It is now up to the Investors to progress the project to Final Investment Decision (FID),” he said.
He noted that delays in reaching FID are largely driven by Investor-side processes such as tendering and financing, and not Government inaction. “If Investors seek incentives, they must understand that this Government will not give away free incentives. Any concession must deliver fair value to our country,” he added.
Wafi-Golpu: Protecting National Interest and Landowner Equity
On the Wafi-Golpu project, Prime Minister Marape highlighted that previous arrangements would have left PNG with only a 20 percent stake, below the 30 percent allowed under law. “I am here to improve Returns for our Landowners and our country. I will not sell my country too cheaply,” the Prime Minister stated firmly.
He emphasised that negotiations are focused on ensuring compliance with PNG laws while delivering long-term benefits to Morobe Province and the nation. Despite the Project not yet reaching FID, the Government has already committed funding to support impacted communities.
“Even before FID, we have allocated infrastructure development grants and business development funding to prepare our people for participation in these Projects,” he said.
Economic Growth Beyond Resource Projects
Prime Minister Marape used National Economic Data to demonstrate that PNG’s Economy has grown significantly under his Government, even without Wafi-Golpu and Papua LNG coming online.
Government Revenue increased from K14 billion in 2018 to approximately K25 billion in 2025. GDP expanded from K79 billion in 2018 to over K130 billion today.
“These figures show that our country is not dependent on any single Project. Our Economy is growing through Agriculture, Construction, and other Sectors,” he said.
He also pointed to the successful restructuring and reopening of the Porgera Mine as evidence of the Government’s approach.
“When we took a stand on Porgera, many said the country would fail. Today, internal Revenue has significantly increased, proving that good decisions deliver better long-term results,” Prime Minister Marape stated.
A Balanced Approach to Resource Development
Prime Minister Marape stressed that while the Government is eager to see major Projects proceed, it will not rush into Agreements that undermine national interests.
“People must understand that these Projects take time to reach FID, but it is better to take time and secure a fair deal than to accept arrangements that do not benefit our people,” he said.
He called on Investors to progress their obligations within the timelines of their Licences.
“Your Licences are running. Let us work together to deliver FID at the earliest possible time, in a way that respects our laws and benefits our country,” he urged.
Looking Ahead
Prime Minister Marape affirmed that the Marape-Rosso Government remains committed to responsible Resource development, ensuring that landowners and future generations receive maximum benefits from PNG’s natural resources.
“Our responsibility is not just for today, but for future generations. We will continue to negotiate in good faith, but always with the best interests of Papua New Guinea at heart,” he concluded.