Exxon moves non-essential workers away from PNG's Hela

9:00 am on 23 November 2017

The oil and gas multi-national ExxonMobil says it has moved non-essential staff away from its LNG project operations in Papua New Guinea's Hela province.

LNG Project facility, Hela Province, Papua New Guinea

LNG Project facility, Hela Province, Papua New Guinea Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades

This comes amid a surge in unrest and tribal fighting in the remote Highlands region where the gas fields for Exxon's LNG project are located.

Three days ago an expatriate worker with the project was kidnapped and held hostage by landowners who are reportedly frustrated with the government over non-payment of project commitments.

Police said the hostage was released without harm two days ago.

A spokesperson for ExxonMobil PNG said that due to recent community tension in Hela areas Hides, Angore and Komo, the company has suspended non-essential work.

She said non-essential personnel were being re-deployed to other areas.

According to Exxon, the Hides Gas Conditioning Plant is continuing to operate, as the company monitors the security situation in Hela Province.

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