The first gate to the Hides LNG Conditioning Plant in Hela Province is still locked after landowners of PDL 1 and 7 seized the keys yesterday, demanding for a complete shut-down of the whole plant.
The landowners gave the government a 12-hour ultimatum as of 5pm yesterday for it to address their concerns.
Security forces on the ground confirmed that the landowners have also taken over the gates leading to the six well pads that supply LNG to the plant.
The employees inside the conditioning plant are still locked in but are safe with police on high alert and ready to act if anything happens.
A source, who requested to be anonymous, said the landowners have also demanded the operator of the plant, ExxonMobil, to shut down the machine that generates and emits the flare at the site.
ExxonMobil is encouraging the landowners to resolve the issues with the government in a peaceful manner.
“ExxonMobil PNG is continuing to monitor the situation regarding the peaceful protest in Hela Province,” says the firm.
“We respect the right of individuals to peacefully protest, but we also encourage continued dialogue between landowners and the government to resolve their outstanding issues promptly.
“We are committed to maintaining a positive relationship with landowners, the government and the wider community.”