PORT MORESBY, 14 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL) —About 4,000 to 4,500 jobs awaits for the Papua LNG project downstream operations, says ExxonMobil PNG national content manager Sam Koyama. Koyama said during the Papua LNG development forum in Port Moresby that ExxonMobil’s national content plan for Papua LNG downstream had three pillars. “For workforce development, the project will train and develop workers to increase national employment opportunities, while ensuring safe and efficient operations,” he said. “Under supplier development, commitment to growing PNG businesses, including landowner companies, building skills and competitiveness so they can access more opportunities to participate across all projects.” Koyama said for the socioeconomic development, the project would support community programmes in health, education, the environment, and infrastructure to improve social and economic outcomes for local communities. He said if final investment decision was in November, ExxonMobil’s schedule included heavy haul road improvement (pre-FID to May 2028); early workforce training programme (Aug 2026 to FID); LNG plant site surveys and investigations (Dec to May, 2027); downstream workforce training programme (FID to Nov 2031); construct/operate temporary camp facilities (May 2027 to April 2031); marine construction (Sept 2027 to July 2028); and construct LNG plant (May 2027 to April 2031). “The goal is to maximise use of national workforce, prioritising four LNG plant site villages,” he said. “Second priority will go to PNG citizens from Central and National Capital District and then PNG citizens from the rest of PNG.” Koyama said that the estimated national content spend for PNG companies was K1.2 billion to K1.4 billion. He said the Oil and Gas Act talked about local purchase obligation. “Must use PNG-supplied goods and services if available on equivalent terms based on price, quality and delivery,” he said. “Must encourage, assist PNG citizens to establish relevant business. “Must maximise use if services are comparable and available on equivalent terms. “Must purchase via PNG-based traders unless unavailable or adverse to financing. “Not required to provide financial support to local enterprises but seek to develop capacity,” said Koyama…PACNEWS