Hides LNG Conditioning Plant

They said if the Government does not deliver on its commitments made in previous years, it may lead to the eventual closure of the PNG LNG Project.

This follows recent tension in Hides, Angore and Komo, forcing ExxonMobil to withdraw staff from the conditioning plant.

In a media conference yesterday, Hides and Angore landowner representatives said much of the discontent rose from the same issues which were never addressed.

Juffa exclusively told Loop PNG that if the government is not careful, the situation will lead to a crisis similar to the Bougainville case.

"More than 200 cargoes of LNG shipment have left our shores and the landowners are yet to receive a toea from the Government, which is unbelievable,” said Juffa.

"It was fine for the government to take them to Kokopo and have them sign all types of agreement without questioning their land ownership.

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.