The operators of the huge ExxonMobil LNG plant in Papua New Guinea say work is continuing normally despite a protest by landowners.
LNG Project facility, Central Province, Papua New Guinea. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
The disgruntled landowners claim they have not received any of the royalties due to them from the government.
Stanley Mamu of LNG Watch said they had barred access to the Hides gas conditioning plant in Hela Province.
However the company said its operations were continuing though it was monitoring the situation regarding the peaceful protest.
ExxonMobil officers receive a petition from landowners in Hela Province, Papua New Guinea. Photo: Supplied
Mr Mamu said the landowners have got nothing from what he says have been 250 LNG shipments since the project went on line two years ago.
So all the 19 commitments signed by ExxonMobil and the PNG Government have not been committed and everything is chaos. The landowners were sitting there, idle, waiting for their government their shares but nothing had ever happened this far.
In a statement the company said "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."