Public Notice

This public notice serves to inform all project area landowners under Petroleum Development License 1 (PDL1) that the Mineral Resources Development Company Limited (MRDC) will resume engagement with landowners from the Hiwa Region next week to complete the Clan Executive and Director Election process.

MRDC successfully achieved 84% completion of the Clan Executives and Directors Election in Hides, Hela Province, in 2024. However, the program was suspended due to internal clan leadership disputes, and a court injunction obtained by Chief Walabe Mara and Others in OS (JR) 198 of 2019.

In April 2025, MRDC reconvened the Clan Executives Mediation Program for two months at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby in compliance with court orders made in OS 38 of 2025 Larry Andagali v. MRDC & Ors and OS 39 of 2025 Howard Lole v. MRDC & Ors. Unfortunately, the program was again called off due to continuous leadership impasse among clan leaders.

This round of meeting will be based of the Directors Election Rules, per the MRDC policy and guidelines. Process integrity is paramount, and directors’ elections will be facilitated independently by the PNG Electoral Commission.

MRDC remains optimistic and committed to re-engaging the mediation program to finalize the outstanding clan leadership issues and conduct the remaining directors’ elections.

This next phase of the program will specifically focus on the clans within the Hiwa Region. Once the clan leadership issues are resolved, the outstanding directors’ elections will be conducted accordingly. The Tuguba Region clan executives and directors’ election will follow afterwards including the clan bank account opening due to the dismissal of OS 198 of 2019 dated 20/10/2025.

MRDC notes concerns raised on social media pertaining to outstanding royalty and equity payments for the Hiwa, Tuguba and other clans of Hides PDL1 area.

Until the process is completed benefits owing to the beneficiaries will be held in abeyance. It is in the interest of the PDL 1 beneficiaries and the leadership to have this process completed so equity and royalty benefits can be released to the beneficiaries of PDL 1.

It is imperative that Hiwa Leaders take note of the schedules of your respective clan’s meeting times. There will be no extension and changes to the dates below. After more than 20 months of engagement, leaders are urged to have the will to resolve.

MRDC Managing Director, Mr. Augustine Mano, urged the clan leaders of PDL1 involved in the disputes to resolve their differences amicably so that their benefits can be released forthwith.

Your participation is essential to ensure the completion of this process and to receive your long-awaited benefits.

For further information, please contact project coordinators: Mr. Kuns Boli – 7175 4867 and/or Mr. Bartholomew Yacop – 7604 1440.

Thank you for your understanding and participation.