KAGUL HYDRO POWER PROJECT
Over two-weeks SMLI study for the proposed Kagul Hydro Power Project was successfully completed in 4th of November 2023. Bismarck Energy Ltd, the nationally-own company overseeing the project, has engaged our organization to conduct the SMLI study in accordance to Section 81 of the National Energy Authority Act 2021. The primary objective of the SMLI study is to identify landowners of the project area, including those who have land within the 1km buffer zone. This information is critical for facilitating the clan vetting process integral to the project.
The two-week fieldwork included awareness initiatives, focused group discussions with clan leaders, and land boundary mapping for the clans and tribes involved. The study successfully identified a total of 21 clans within the four tribal groups that have land within the project area. The proposed Kagul Hydro Power Project is positioned at the border of Western Highlands Province (WHP) and Southern Highlands Province (SHP), specifically within the Tambul/Nebilyer district (WHP) and Imbongu district (SHP).
The anticipated impact of the project is significant, promising transformative change and development for the residents of the Kagul Valley area, particularly the Kombolga, Gia 1, Gia 2, and Koroka villages of the Lower Kagul LLG in Tambul/Nebilyer District, WHP.
WILDEBEEST LNG PROJECT
As recently reported by the Post Courier, the Wildebeest LNG project is projected to become the largest LNG projects compared to others, assumed to substantially elevate the country's economy to K200 billion in the future. Our participation in this project extends to the cultural heritage survey. Our archaeologist, in collaboration with officers from Turra Holdings Ltd, has recently completed the cultural heritage survey for the Wildebeest Drilling program.
Conducted over a two-week period, the survey covered seven villages of the Kamea tribe in the Kotidanga LLG of the Kerema District in the Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea. The primary objective of the survey was to identify cultural heritage sites of significance to the local community, specifically those situated within a 250-meter distance from the proposed road intended for construction leading to the drilling site. The collected information will play an important role in implementing traditional measures, such as rituals, compensation for the local people, or the preservation of these sites, and most importantly register these sites with the National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG). These actions will precede any construction work, ensuring a respectful and culturally sensitive approach to the development process.
MAYUR CENTRAL CEMENT AND LIMESTONE PROJECT
Our team continues to provide CA support role, actively conducting Environmental Monitoring before & after blasting, and also providing assistance in Geo-Tech drilling exercises for the CCL Project.
KAGUL HYDRO POWER PROJECT
Pioneering SMLI in PNG's Energy Sector!
If not proven otherwise, the Kagul Hydro Power Project could become the inaugural energy project in Papua New Guinea to employ the National Energy Authority (NEA) Act 2021 in its landowner identification process. We appreciate Bismarck Energy Ltd, the developer of the Kagul Hydro Power Project, for entrusting us with the task of being the first entity to conduct a full SMLI study for a hydro power project under the newly enacted NEA Act 2021. Section 81 of the NEA Act 2021 mandates energy licensees to utilize proven and appropriate methods including SMLI study in the landowner identification process for acquiring customary land for energy project development.
Situated on the border of Western Highlands Province and Southern Highlands Province, the Kagul Hydro Power Project, if developed, is anticipated to provide power to the New Porgera Mine in the future. We are gratified that, at the national level, the government has acknowledged the voices of local landowners by including them in the process through this Act, which was not effectively done in the previous energy project development in PNG
