Prime Minister James Marape has praised the people of Western Province for sustaining the country’s largest and longest-running resource project for more than four decades, while announcing increased resource benefits for the province and reaffirming the Government’s commitment to progressing the P’nyang LNG Project.
Speaking at the launch of the Sisimakam–P’nyang Access Road and the Sisimakam–Hawenai–Ralengre Road in North Fly District, PM Marape said Western Province’s contribution through the Ok Tedi Mine had played a significant role in Papua New Guinea’s development and deserved stronger returns through ongoing reforms to resource benefit sharing.
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The road projects, launched under the Connect PNG programme, were attended by North Fly MP James Donald, Western Province Governor Taboi Awi Yoto, Works and Highways Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr, provincial leaders, landowners and community representatives.
“On behalf of all Papua New Guineans across our 21 provinces and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, I thank the people of Western Province for ensuring that Ok Tedi has continued to operate successfully for more than 40 years,” PM Marape said.
“I pay tribute to all leaders, past and present, the people of the Fly River and Star Mountains regions, and every generation of Western Province citizens who have worked together to make Ok Tedi one of the most important resource projects in our nation’s history.”
PM Marape said Western Province had made an enormous contribution to the country since mining operations began in 1985.
He also acknowledged the role of Ok Tedi Mining Limited’s board, management, employees and contractors in sustaining operations over the years.
“I want to place on record my appreciation to the management, staff and board of Ok Tedi Mining Limited, both past and present, for ensuring that our country’s premier mine continues to operate successfully and contribute to national development,” he said.
PM Marape recalled that when his Government took office in 2019, projections indicated Ok Tedi would cease operations in 2029.
“When I became Prime Minister in 2019, we were advised that the mine would close in 2029. Today, because of the work undertaken by management and the discovery of additional resources, the mine’s life has been extended to 2085, and potentially beyond.
“That means future generations of Papua New Guineans will continue to benefit from the resources God has blessed us with, while Western Province and the nation continue to share in those benefits.”
He said the extension demonstrated what could be achieved through long-term cooperation between government, communities and industry.
PM Marape said Western Province, which had hosted major resource developments for decades, should receive a larger share of benefits generated from those projects.
He announced that under the Government’s resource benefit-sharing reforms, Western Province would receive an additional seven per cent allocation, increasing its participation in resource returns to about 40 per cent.
“Our Government’s policy is to ensure that more wealth remains in the provinces and communities where resources are extracted.
“When equity returns, royalties, infrastructure tax credit projects and other benefits are added together, the total benefits flowing back to Western Province approach 50 per cent.”
PM Marape urged Western Province residents to reflect on the gains achieved through responsible resource development.
“If Ok Tedi had closed in 2029, where would Western Province be today? We must think carefully about how much progress has been achieved since 1985 and ensure that we continue to build on that foundation for future generations,” he said.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed that the P’nyang LNG Project remained a priority development under the Marape-Rosso Government.
“P’nyang is a signature project of our Government. It has been discussed for many years, but we are now putting in place the infrastructure and conditions necessary to bring it into production.”
He said the Sisimakam–P’nyang Access Road would support future LNG development while creating opportunities for communities through improved connectivity and business participation.
PM Marape said Connect PNG was changing the development landscape in Western Province by replacing years of temporary maintenance with permanent transport infrastructure.
“For many years, governments spent millions of kina annually maintaining roads without delivering lasting solutions. Since 2019, we have focused on building permanent roads that will connect people, lower transport costs, support economic activity and open up opportunities for future generations.”
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He said improved road access would reduce dependence on rivers and air transport and create stronger economic and social links across the province.
“We are laying foundations that will benefit future generations. Development does not happen overnight, but with patience, partnership and vision, we can build a stronger and more prosperous Papua New Guinea for all our people.”