Total S.A Company

In a statement, O’Neill said the projects were playing a very important part in transforming Papua New Guinea’s economy.

“The Papua LNG project will create an additional 10,000 new jobs for Papua New Guineans.

“We see this as a major expression of confidence by France and its businesses in Papua New Guinea and its economy, and we look forward to developing these opportunities together,” he said.

Headed by the French-based Total S.A. company, the team has signalled it will proceed with the Papua LNG project, previously known as the Elk-Antelope resource.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill today welcomed the decision and said negotiations will now continue to ensure that gas not only derives export income, but also provides strong direct input to economic development through downstream industries and electricity production.