MINISTER for Petroleum, Honourable Jimmy Maladina has approved the National Content Plan for the Pasca A Gas Project on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
The National Content Plan (NCP) was submitted by Twinza Oil (PNG) Limited, as Operator of the Pasca A Gas Project, which the Petroleum Minister, pursuant to Section 129 of the Oil and Gas Act 1998, and having considered the technical review, compliance assessment and recommendations by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), approved the NCP which includes skills development and employment opportunities.
“The NCP will see to the creation, increase and promotion of education, training, skills development and employment opportunities for Papua New Guineans and the promotion and increased participation of PNGowned companies, businesses and communities in the supply and procurement of goods and services required for the development and operation of the Project,” the Petroleum Minister and Member for Esa’ala District said.
Minister Maladina said the people of Gulf Province and Papua New Guinea citizens in connection with the development and operation of the project stand to benefit from yet another gas project apart from the Papua LNG Project.
“This approval gives effect to the objectives and principles of the Petroleum Sector National Content Policy 2023 and is intended to ensure that the development and implementation of the Pasca A Gas Project delivers meaningful and sustainable national benefits to Papua New Guinea,” he said.
Minister Maladina said the implementation of the approved NCP shall promote and advance the promotion and progressive development of national content throughout the relevant licence and project phases of the Project.
The NCP includes the enhancement of opportunities for Papua New Guinea citizens and locally owned businesses to participate in professional services such as legal, accounting, financial, payroll and other professional and technical services to support the Project.
Targeted investment by the Project Proponent in areas capable of delivering long-term and sustainable benefits to Papua New Guinea, including strategic areas such as health care, education, critical infrastructure, research, development and technology is also part of the approved NCP.
Minister Maladina’s approval is subject to conditions which include the implementation of the NCP and reporting and monitoring where the proponent shall submit quarterly status reports and implementation updates during the construction phase and annual status reports during the production phase of the Project through the Petroleum Sector National Content Office to the NPA.
The reports will provide sufficient information to enable the NPA to assess progress against the commitments, targets, programs and outcomes contained in the approved NCP.
Other conditions of the approval are audit and compliance where the proponent shall maintain complete and appropriate records relating to the implementation of the NCP and shall facilitate any monitoring, verification, audit or compliance review undertaken or required by the NPA.
The proponent must also provide such information, records and reasonable assistance as may be required for the purposes of verifying compliance with the approved NCP and the conditions of the approval. Minister Maladina’s approval shall remain subject to ongoing regulatory monitoring and compliance with the approved NCP and the applicable legislative and policy framework.