ExxonMobil is facing pressure to reconsider its Papua New Guinea gas project due to concerns over its impact on endangered species, including one of the world’s rarest bats. The Centre for Environmental Law & Community Rights (CELCOR) has warned that the Papua LNG project, which aims to extract 5.6 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually, threatens fragile ecosystems and species like the Bulmer’s fruit bat, with fewer than 200 adults remaining in the wild.
The project, set to receive a final government decision in December, involves a 320km pipeline through forested landscapes and mangrove-covered coastlines. CELCOR’s letter highlights that 27 terrestrial species at risk of extinction could be affected, along with dozens of other poorly studied species. The gas fields were discovered over a decade ago, but the project has faced political and financial hurdles.
ExxonMobil took over as operator in September, replacing TotalEnergies, with other partners including Santos and Kumul Petroleum. CELCOR’s executive director, Peter Bosip, expressed concerns that local communities are unaware of the project’s potential impacts, urging the government not to rush the decision. Environmental advocacy group Market Forces noted that at least 32 banks and export credit agencies have ruled out financing the project due to biodiversity and climate risks.
Papua LNG has stated that it integrates environmental and social considerations into its development, including efforts to limit climate impact and preserve biodiversity. ExxonMobil and Papua LNG have been contacted for comment.