Tumbi Quarry Declared Unsafe by Independent Consultants + Esso Highlands' Contractors had Already Caused Major Mudslide Incident! The Revelations Keep Coming.

LNG Watch has uncovered evidence that not only was the Tumbi quarry (QA1) declared unsafe by PNG LNG's Independent Environmental and Social Consultant (IESC),  D’Appolonia S.p, but that the contractors (MCJV) involved in the construction of the Komo Airfield were behind schedule (the quarry was being used for construction activity at the airfield). This combination of factors, LNG Watch has discovered, was leading to inadequate risk assessment. This situation was compounded by Esso Highlands’ insufficient project stewardship. These failures, it can be revealed, have already led to one major mudslide which was caused by construction work taking place before proper engineering and environmental review. 

In their March 2011 report the IESC observe (QA1 = Tumbi Quarry):

In a follow-up field visit made on 26 July 2011, the IESC complain:

The problem appears to be that the contractor working on the Komo airfield, was behind schedule. Indeed in their March 2011 report the IESC observe:

As a result of being behind schedule, the IESC claim that the project contractors were failing to take proper precautions. In a fortuitous statement, this failure to exercise due caution had already led to one major mudslide incident*:

Consequently, the IESC conclude:

We thus have evidence that project pressures were leading to a slip in risk assessment practices. Given that the Tumbi quarry was already declared unsafe, serious questions should be appearing in the mind of those conducting investigations into this tragic disaster that has taken dozens of lives. 

LNG Watch has also uncovered further evidence that there may have been blasting at the Tumbi quarry. To date, Esso Highlands (EHL) has denied there was blasting activities at the quarry, despite the fact that Landowners have claimed dynamite had been used.

In support of the landowner's testimony we have discovered that the operator was indeed planning to conduct blasting activities at the Tumbi quarry. In the 2nd Quarter Social and Environmental impact report published by LNG PNG in 2011 EHL states:

Perhaps this is not the smoking gun, but it is certainly suggestive that blasting was to be used. Adding to this suggestive evidence, is an observation made in the August 2011 report by the IESC. The IESC states aggregate for the Komo Airfield was in short supply, thus hampering an already behind project. 

This would suggest that the Tumbi Quarry was not only in desperate need (making the use of blasting more likely), it also increases the likeliness that proper risk assessments were not undertaken before extracting aggregate. Compounding problems, EHL were not exercising “sufficient ... stewardship”. Clearly the IESC were concerned that an under pressure contractor was deviating from their responsibility to the local communities, which was being compounded by a lack of EHL oversight.

While the National Disaster Committee (NDC) has dismissed landowner accusations out of hand in their January 26 report, clearly they have no reason to be so complacent. We now have evidence the quarry was declared unsafe in March 2011, the project operators were behind schedule, risk assessment practices were slipping, aggregate for the airfield construction was in short supply and Esso Highlands was not exercising sufficient stewardship. It beggars belief that the NDC failed to scrutinise the compelling evidence that has been produced by the project's IESC.

To date, LNG Watch has demanded an independent inquiry, and we have the support of the traditional landowners from the Tumbi area. Of course there exists at present a slapdash report that was composed by the NDC on 26 January. Its findings have already been questioned by international landslide expert Prof Dave Petley, and indeed the leader of the NDC investigation team, Martin Path. 

According to Martin Path an independent investigation unit has now been assigned to investigate the Tumbi disaster. This is not enough. LNG Watch and the traditional landowners demand a formal Commission of Inquiry that is entirely independent of the national government, the NDC, ExxonMobil (including their subsidiaries and contractors) and the Australian government. This Inquiry must include international landslide experts and social scientists. As Prof Petley has observed: "The methodology for such an investigation is well-established, but undertaking it requires very specialised skills.  Usually this will require an international team." While Dr Kristian Lasslett has added:

The investigative team should also have the resources to independently study the region, without over-reliance on datasets produced by ExxonMobil or its subsidiaries/contractors (unfortunately, there may be a dearth of independent data to draw on, which will make matters difficult). Furthermore, it is not enough to send in a team of natural scientists. While earth science specialists will of course be critical, the literature on disasters is clear, complex social factors mediate these types of events ... Consequently, if the right research questions are to be formulated, social scientists with relevant expertise must be utilised. 

This demand for an independent Commission of Inquiry is formally supported by the undersigned parties:

*The traditional landowners: Tokoya Piwago, Hibson Puma, Timothy Nogobe, Stanis Talu, Peter Potabe, Tiki Hale, Abe Okopi, Harabe Lembo, Daniel Huriba, Eric Kembe, Wandiago Kau, Tayali Ola, Kupiawi Aluya, Giya Hawi, Pila Pani, Olabe Kaloma, Urupu Andawi, Tom Waralo, Himuni Marako.

*LNG Watch Papua New Guinea.

*The Papua New Guinea Trade Union Congress

*The International State Crime Initiative 


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* The IESC has documented this mudslide in their March 2011 report: "Erosion and sediment control are critical components of construction activities. The efforts to date have had mixed success. In general, significant effort is being placed on controlling erosion, but at the HGCP camp construction site a significant failure occurred on November 13, 2010 whereby a mudslide originating at the HGCP spoil dump site blocked water behind the Komo road. This water overtopped the mudflow on November 14 and this allowed the mud to flow to the Tagari River along the path of the Akara Creek, a distance of 4.65 km. Fish in the Akara Creek were killed in the turbid water and mud, necessitating that downstream villagers be provided fresh water by CCJV, an activity that started on November 15. The failure took place in spoil from the EPC4 top camp placed by CCJV apparently without distributing the engineering drawing to all responsible parties or without undertaking a thorough assessment of engineering and environmental/social risk. EHL internally assigned a Level II environmental non-conformance for this event and it is therefore not necessary for the IESC to assign non-conformance. It is expected that the Akara Creek incident was an important lesson-learned for the Project".

ExxonMobil Employee/Contractor's Racist Rant

When researching coverage of the Tumbi landlside, we came across the Call Me Big Papua blog, written by an American employee of Exxon or one of their contractors. The employees name is Justin Reed. The racist and derogatory description of Papua New Guinea contained in the blog are disgusting. Two examples are provided below:

And this is from an earlier posting:

If you care to read more of this nonsense, the blog is still online: http://call-me-big-papua.blogspot.com/

We certainly hope this sort of attitude is not condoned by ExxonMobil or any of its contractors.

NDC's Martin Path Accuses Tumbi Victims of Fraud

To date, the NDC have colluded with ExxonMobil to produce a report on the Tumbi disaster, which international landlside expert, Prof Dave Petley, labelled "unimpressive". However, now the NDC's principal disaster coordinator, Martin Path, has the audacity to accuse the victim communities of fraud.

ABC Radio, 10 February 2012

So not only have the NDC protected ExxonMobil from being scrutinised, they are now attempting to paint ExxonMobil as the victim of a fraud perpetrated by local villagers, in order to extract money from the project operator. To date, it is not clear why the NDC is going to such unprecedented lengths to protect ExxonMobil. We do not know whether it is being instructed from the top (i.e. at a ministerial level), or whether this problematic relationship is being organised at an NDC level. But clearly if a Commission of Inquiry is to ever take place, the NDC will need to be at the top of their list to be investigated.

The Face of an Independent Investigation: The Tumbi Disaster Whitewash

Representatives from Exxon Mobil, AusAID and the NDC, 25 January 2012 

ExxonMobil Claim Tumbi Landowners are Lying

ExxonMobil has just informed PNGindustrynews.net that "there was no need for [PNG LNG-related] blasting at this [Tumbi] quarry". This directly contradicts testimony given by local landowners, who claim blasting occurred at the quarry at the centre of the deadly landslide which killed approximately 26 people. 


For example, on 29 January 2012, Timothy Nogobe informed LNG Watch: 

"We have ... come to conclude that what has  triggered the landslide is the quarry and the use of chemicals and dynamite to blast the quarry at the top of the mountain, this has changed the ground water (Tumbi and Tuku) for the rapid breakdown of the mountain Tumbi burying alive more than 25 people".

Clearly, this is a core evidentiary issue that now needs to be clarified; among many other. 


Unfortunately it wont be clarified. In a clear breach of basic due process, those who stand accused of negligence, the PNG government and ExxonMobil are already colluding to ensure they get their stories straight. 


Indeed it was observed today in the Post-Courier: "Local authorities have had closed door meetings with the Local Disaster Management team, developers Oil Search and Exxonmobil, disaster officers from Port Moresby, Police and other stakeholders". Very cosy indeed and how transparent and independent. When will the NGOs, community groups and traditional landowner representatives be allowed into these closed door meetings.


On another note, we have also seen a shoddy pieces of research conducted by the National Disaster Committee, which has been slammed by international landslide experts, being paraded by the industry as fact: "There are claims blasting at the Tumbi quarry may have contributed to the landslide. But the NDC’s report found the landslide was caused by continuous heavy rainfall which weakened the underlying limestone and resulted in subsidence" (PNG Industry News, 8/2/12). If this was a balanced report, surely it should at least cite the eloquent response by Prof Dave Petley.


Sadly balance has gone out the window with the Tumbi disaster.


The whitewash is well under way.  

The National and the Salvation Army Aid and Abet ExxonMobil

At the moment it is not clear whether Esso Highlands (ExxonMobil subsidiary) is liable for the landslide in Tumbi. The government, as we predicted, are trying to whitewash the whole affair; using the tragedy of the Rabaul Queen as a diversion. 


And the media is happy to play its part by failing to ask absolutely basic and essential questions. Worse still, The National has come out and published Esso Highland's latest press release as a news report. Corporate public relations offensives, particularly in light of possible criminality, should not be given free air play; if they want to advertise their efforts, let them pay for an advertisement. 


Furthermore, the Salvation Army (see below) should be ashamed of itself. By taking money from a key suspect in this affair, they are now complicit if any criminal activity is uncovered with respect to this disaster. 


The Press Release

The News Report

Esso assists in relief efforts

The National, Wednesday 08th Febuary 2012

ESSO Highlands Ltd, operator of the LNG project, has donated K179,000 to support relief efforts following the landslide in Southern Highlands.
The amount will be given to the Papua New Guinea Salvation Army.
It includes a K41,000 donation made last year to the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal.

The Salvation Army will use the money to support the affected people in the Hides area.

Esso managing director Peter Graham said the thoughts of all their employees and contractors were with the people affected by the landslide.

“This is a difficult time for families in the area who are mourning their loved ones,” he said.

“Our support for the Salvation Army will go toward assisting these families.

“We continue to offer our support to the government and the community and have already provided assistance in the form of transportation, food and temporary housing.

“We stand ready and willing to assist the government in their efforts.”
Major Rex Johnson, the Salvation Army’s secretary for programmes, welcomed the support.

“This donation will enable the Salvation Army to carry out its disaster management and relief work in a more efficient and effective way. Our prayers are with the families affected by the landslide in the Hides area.”

The O'Neil Government is Playing with Fire

The O'Neil government is playing with fire. To date, the traditional landowners of Tumbi, the PNG Trade Union Congress, LNG Watch, the International State Crime Initiative, landslide experts in Australia and the UK, have all demanded an independent and transparent inquiry into the Tumbi disaster.

The O'Neil government has incredibly claimed that an independent investigation is under way. Yet to our knowledge no information has been released on who will conduct the inquiry, what their expertise are, whether there will be independent oversight, what are the inquiries parameters, and whether there will be an opportunity for public consultation with landowners and other community groups affected by the disaster.

LNG Watch fears the O'Neil government plans to sweep this tragedy under the rug without justice being done. Whatever inquiry is being conducted at present, it is covert and opaque. Sadly, this is reflective of a state whose dealings are rarely transparent, much to the lament of the Auditor General and Public Accounts Committee, who rarely find records in order.

Were the O'Neil government in the business of inciting hatred, then they are at present excelling. To ignore the cries of landowners in one of the most economically critical areas of Papua New Guinea is sheer lunacy and is demonstrative of the hubris with which these men act. Like those before them they seem to believe the best way forward is to placate ExxonMobil, and attempt to pull one over on the landowners.

The Bougainvillean revolutionary Francis Ona did not suffer this sort of elite criminality lightly. We do not want to see matters reach the stage where people feel so aggrieved and so angry that they emulate his example. But if the cries of the landowners are ignored, this is exactly what could happen.

Nothing unreasonable has been asked to date. Dozens of bodies lie dead beneath the rubble; we want to know if humans factors played a role in this event. Civil society must be brought into this investigation; that is landowners, unions, NGOs, community groups, scholars i.e. the sort of groups and individuals people trust. Through democratic, popular participation we can  constructively channel tensions and grievances that would otherwise find more unfortunate expression.

It is our sincere hope that the O'Neil government is simply overwhelmed with a series of disastrous events and that they will soon come to the fore with a just proposal that will bring some comfort to the victim's families.

Podcast Exclusive - Expert Discusses Tumbi Disaster and Media Response

Exclusive to LNG Watch, Dr Kristian Lasslett from the International State Crime Initiative discusses the recent events in Tumbi and the media's response.

The LNG Watch Podcast can be downloaded here. (The author has given permission for this podcast to be freely distributed via other websites and media outlets)

Serious Inconsistencies Found: Was Tumbi Quarry Safe?

No independent inquiry team into the Tumbi disaster has been appointed by the national government to date. Feet drag, evidence is being lost, while people in the landslide area are now refugees in their own land. On Facebook a contributor mocked local calls for compensation. They remarked, how can nature pay compensation. The ignorance surrounding this issue is profound.  

Indeed following the tragic Airlines PNG crash last year people joined together in solidarity, the media was there on the ground in Madang, and an investigation began a day after the crash (yes the day after the crash an expert team of investigators were in Madang asking questions). 


Why is there so little on-the-ground coverage of the Tumbi landslide? The  week following the Airlines PNG crash there were 145 press reports, in the first week of the Tumbi disaster there have been 15*. So, there were almost 10 times as many reports on a disaster of similar magnitude. And you better believe Airlines PNG were copping hard questions from journalists. This under-reporting on Tumbi is allowing ignorance to proliferate and it is giving the powerful a chance to sweep this issue aside.   

LNG Watch have begun to conduct preliminary investigations into the disaster. We have contacted landslide experts and posted their observations. Now we are examining source documents put out by the LNG PNG project on the Tumbi quarry.

In their resettlementaction plan (for villagers displaced by the quarry) Esso Highlands (ExxonMobil subsidiary) observe:

The quarry is located on a limestone surface expression in the hill slopes above the Tagari River. The existing quarry, commonly referred to as Tumbi and sometimes Mbalupa (Mbelopa), is to be re-developed with possible quarrying into the surrounding area. The outer area of the worksite on the west, north and south sides is to be used for the storage of topsoil and spoil overburden from the quarried area within the Quarry QA1 worksite. (p.10)

Critically, the action plan (p.10) claims:

The proposed Tumbi Quarry QA1 worksite encompasses a surface area of approximately 15 ha, of which 10 ha will be used for quarry and related activities, including an access road, spoil area and material processing area, while the remaining 5 ha will serve as a buffer around the site, and lie between work areas. The buffer area to be used is minimal, primarily aimed to restrict access to the site, as no blasting will be undertaken. (italics added)

Yet from recent testimony of landowners in the area, blasting did take place.  

For example, ABC’s Liam Fox reported:

There are people - locals are already drawing some links. How correct that is, we're not able to say yet. But they believe that the quarry next to the landslide site caused the landslide. That blasting in the past has, quote, 'softened the ground' as they have said. And that quarry was used by the LNG site for its operations. (ABC Radio, 25/1/12)

While a local clan leader, Timothy Nogobe, told LNG Watch:  

We have been living on this land for the past 6000 years this is the first time our mountain has killed us. We have therefore come to conclude that what has  triggered the landslide is the quarry and the use of chemicals and dynamite to blast the quarry at the top of the mountain, this has changed the ground water (Tumbi and Tuku) for the rapid breakdown of the mountain Tumbi burying alive more than 25 people. 

LNG Watch unfortunately lacks the technical capabilities to determine whether this is a material fact, but the discrepancies between the account of Esso Highlands and landowners, does raise concerns that need to be investigated. Would for example the use of explosives have a fracturing effect on the surrounding environment, creating the sort of weaknesses that would render the mountain vulnerable if subject to strain (e.g. high rain fall)?

Moreover, topographical pictures supplied by Esso Highlands raise concerns over whether enough was done to protect local villagers from the landslide. For example, it is claimed only a 5 ha buffer was required around the quarry as no blasting would take place. While the latter fact remains contested, did Esso Highlands exercise proper caution. Should have it increased the buffer zone?

This topographical image shows the local villages in relation to the quarry. It would be interesting to compare this with a revised map which contains the landslide.

Once again, these are the questions and issues local and international journalists should be putting to landslide experts, ExxonMobil and government regulatory agencies. They have the power of mass-communication. 

Moreover, we need to start focusing on the humanitarian situation. John Tamita from Hela Community Care reports: 

And the police are making awareness and giving them (Tumbi locals) the word to move out of the place. But finding a house will be a problem because they are native landowners and they’ve been living there for generations to generations. And if they go, they’ll have to go to another land which is occupied by another person which will be difficult to move into. (Radio New Zealand International, 1/2/12)

Upholding the constitution and democracy are clearly important, but do not let mutinies in Port Moresby overshadow a human tragedy that is taking place. People need resettlement, and if human factors have mediated the landslide, compensation must be paid, and criminal investigations conducted. 

Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, and those displaced by the disaster.


*This data is based off a Nexis newswire search using the terms "Airlines PNG" and "Tumbi + landslide".

A Political Economy of the Tumbi Disaster

PM O'Neil comforts a woman who lost her young son at Tumbi. Source: Post-Courier

All is quite in Tumbi.

While LNG Watch is doing its best - with no financial resources - to contact local residents, report on their concerns, and relay vital information from key experts, the press is entranced with mutinies in Port Moresby.

Surely more than one plate can be spun at a time; after all we are talking about one of the worst disasters in PNG's history. For those who can remember Australia's Thredbo landslide,  they will recall the media was camped out at the disaster site 24/7, relaying news of survivors, conveying the suffering of victims, and keeping a spotlight on the issue to ensure politicians acted.

This is not occurring in Tumbi. As a result of this silence, the public are unaware of the desperate humanitarian situation. They are also unaware that two leading international landslide experts - Prof Dave Petley and Prof Tim Sullivan - have gone on  record and demanded  a vigorous, wide-ranging investigation.

The O'Neil government has promised an independent investigation, which is good. However, we should be under no illusion about the complexity and difficulty of the task ahead. First, there is the scientific challenges investigators will face. However, these challenges may pale into insignificance in comparison to the political hurdles.

It would appear ExxonMobil, despite their loud claims to the contrary, are extremely worried that they will not meet the 2014 production date. Were this to occur, the consequences for the LNG operater would be severe. ExxonMobil have forward sales contracts - if they fail to meet their obligations in this respect, they will suffer financial penalties and possibly the loss of significant business. Consequently, they will not want investigators stirring up untoward findings that could inflame already tense relations with landowners. A major shut-down of the operation, would leave the project reeling (and a lot of people, not only foreigners, have a lot of money riding on the operation; look at the luxury hotels popping up in Port Moresby).

Compounding matters, the O'Neil government are faced with almost daily challenges from the ousted - and corrupt - Somare regime. In order to consolidate their own position in power, the O'Neil government has enacted a large program of public spending designed to woo voters. In this political climate, the O'Neil government cannot afford to take steps which might upset the very future income stream their grand gestures are based upon.

Therefore, while we hope to be proven wrong, it would appear better for both ExxonMobil and the O'Neil government if this sorry saga is allowed to gently drift off into the night. It is a Pandoras box, which no one in power really wants to open. Nevertheless, they do not lack the capacity. The O'Neil government includes a number of capable Ministers (e.g. Sam Basil) who have the credentials, respect, and ability to ensure a robust investigation occurs.

The more feet drag on this issue, the more suspicions will grow that there is something to hide. If this indeed was simply a tragic act of nature, then it would be in everyone's interest if the government and LNG venture cooperated to get a robust investigation under way. Moreover, this should be accompanied by a program of humanitarian assistance. People are in desperate need, and many families need to be relocated to safe areas, without being thrown into dependency.  

Now is the time for journalists to stand up and be counted; it is during these periods of crisis and turmoil that the media can prove its critical worth to the public. There is only so much NGOs and bloggers can do. Therefore, we hope renewed efforts will be placed into shining a spotlight on the disaster.

Whoa hang on! Lets investigate before giving CCJV more contracts.

While the bodies of villagers trapped under the Tumbi landslide remain buried, the Post-Courier (30/1/12) reports today that: "PNG LNG Project engineering and procurement (EPC) contractor Clough Curtain Joint Venture (CCJV) has been awarded a new work order contract for the project’s upstream infrastructure contract taking total work to $914 million (K2 billion)".


For those living near the Tumbi disaster site, the name Clough Curtain Joint Venture now sends a chill up people's spines. CCJV are the ones who developed the quarry, which more and more experts are fingering as the possible cause of this tragic landslide. 


Indeed, just a day after the disaster it was reported that: "Locals blamed international contractor Clough Curtain Joint Venture (CCJV) for not developing the Tumbi quarry including proper safety procedures that resulted in the loose rocks and soil from the top of Gigira mountain range to cascade causing severe destructions on its way down" (Post-Courier, 25/1/12).


It is a testament to the hubris of ExxonMobil that they would grant this new contract, before there has been a proper investigation into the disaster. We wonder whether it was this same operational hubris, which may have provoked the disaster?  


It is time for the government to come out with a firm plan. Prof Tim Sullivan has already raised concerns over the loss of evidence at the disaster site. While Dr Kristian Lasslett has offered advice on how the inquiry could be conducted. What is stopping the O'Neil government? We appreciate they are dealing with the last desperate gasps of the Somare regime; but Somare has done enough damage, do not allow him to do anymore by taking eyes off the ball on this largescale disaster. 

Landslide affected families demand immediate resettleme​nt of 4 clans affected

The traditional landowners of the Tumbi quarry have called on both the Government and the Developer to immediately relocate the four major clans (Ware, Pepe, Parakua and Imini) to safe and secure agricultural land before they become the next landslide victims.

The leaders of the clans namely: Giya Hawi, Libe Hale, Tokoya Piwago, Wabe Ako, Abe Okopi, Tiki Halimbu, Tomo Warolo, Urupu Andawi, Wandipe Kau, Ekanda Timbabu, Timothy Nogobe, Ekawi Hale, Tiki Yuli, Peter Pamiari, Hiruba Yakapi, Tamita Malamu, Ekawi Tanda, Ako Tagirali, Tumbiyama Andigi, Eka Lawi, Nane Pipila, John Kuni, Pape Timbabu, Toya Komapuk, Tandali Kilip, Tabi Togola, Kula Potabe, Kupiawi Aluya, Daniel Huripa and Michael Kane talked to this reporter this afternoon from Tumbi village.

"People are not willing to give us shelter, food, clothes, land and gardens because of the impression that we are rich landowners...We are victimized by the so called Multi Million Kina  LNG project", said Mr. Hibson Puma.
 
The Tumbi Quarry landowner Chief Yogobo Piwago said, he had requested many times for the developer (ExxonMobil) to resettle the village before work began on the quarry but this fell on deaf ears.

"We have been living on this land for the past 6000 years", said Mr Timothy Nogobe, "this is the first time our mountain has killed us. We have therefore come to conclude that what has  triggered the landslide is the quarry and the use of chemicals and dynamite to blast the quarry at the top of the mountain, this has changed the ground water (Tumbi and Tuku) for the rapid breakdown of the mountain Tumbi burying alive more than 25 people. According to Hela historical record, our mountains (namely GIGIRA, HALIAGO, ILU, KEPUA, URAGA, BE-DINI, AMBUA-KELAPO AND TAU-PARILA) have withstood the earth quakes, intense rainfalls but never collapsed its structures like what happened at Tumbi Quarry".

Mr. Michael Kane said that "we support the LNG project but it must be done within the laws of our country and it must respect the rights of the indigenous landowners and its environment. Our long journey to successfully harvesting the benefits of our Gas depends on how well, the State and the Developer proactively and sensitively address this disaster with the victim and affected families within the quarry Tumbi".

Mr. Hibson Puma called on the PPC and PSC in Tari to use the Tari, Koroba and Margarima Police to provide security at the site and not hire mobile squads from outside the Province as it is insulting to the immediate families of the deaths. "We are not at war! We need clean water, garden food, shelter and comfort. We do not need to see high powered guns in this type of situation".

PNG LNG Watch fears that if ExxonMobil and the PNG government does not respond to the affected landowners' demand at this time, the frustration of the deceased relatives will rise and might cause the destruction on the PNG LNG project.

Further Evidence Supports an Independent Inquiry into the Tumbi Disaster

LNG Watch, both in this blog and on Radio New Zealand, has called for an independent investigation into the cause of the recent Tumbi landslide disaster.

To date, the National Disaster Office has pointed the finger at ExxonMobil owing to the existence of a quarry in the vicinity of the landslide area. Testimony from local landowners would suggest there may be some merit to this claim. LNG Watch has been told that a project contractor used high explosives in the quarry, without first carrying out a feasibility study. Landowners claim they demanded a study, but their cries were left unheard.  If this is true then proper due diligence has not been exercised.

Moreover, experts who have worked in the affected area are raising concerns in the social media. This following note was posted on PNG Exposed:

I am a professional earth scientist wanting eagerly to know the final outcomes & conclusions of the investigations by foreign experts. I have not been to the area since the nineties, but I believe they  must have cut a big hole into the mountain side to dig out the  karanas; thus under-cutting the mountain face. When the mountain face  would not hold any longer, the recent rains just caused it to slide. Limestone does not hold water & thus only results in reels & loose rock falls; not the entire mountain as in this case.......get the quarry operator to provide all designs & recent survey pick-up of quarry works just before the land slide; else they are at fault.

Of course, at the moment these are speculative claims – they must be verified with solid evidence before finger pointing begins. Hence the importance of an independent inquiry.

Moreover, as we have previously stated, this inquiry must scrutinise the national government. Too often resource developers are being allowed to conduct operations without regulatory oversight. This is having devastating environmental impacts around the country.

We are pleased to see the Prime Minister has come out in support of an independent investigation; we hope he is true to his word. Sadly, all we can hope for now is truth, the damage to local communities will never be undone. 

LNG Watch Calls for an Independent Investigation into the Hides Landslide

While the facts surrounding the tragic Hides landslide remain sketchy, prima facie evidence is being produced which indicates this was not purely a natural disaster. While it is important at this stage that people remain focused on the rescue efforts, serious attention must be given to the cause of this disaster. LNG Watch, therefore, fully supports James Marape's (Hela Transitional Authority Chairman) call for an independent investigation into the landslide.

While the geophysics of the area may have made the landslide an inherent risk, the critical question is - did the work of ExxonMobil (or  its subsidaries) increase the risk of the landslide? If so, why did the company fail to identify this risk, and put in place the proper safety measures? Moreover, the investigation must also focus on the state. It has a regulatory duty to the citizens of PNG to ensure industry conducts itself in a safe and competent manner.

We know from recent events in Madang involving the Ramu mine, that the national government prefers to see itself as a business partner, not a regulator. Has this attitude helped create the environment in which unsafe industrial practices can proliferate, leading to events such as the recent landslide?

Of course, we must be clear, LNG Watch is not accusing ExxonMobil of criminal conduct; however, fundamental questions need to be answered. The only way they can be answered to a standard that will give peace to the relatives of victims, is if an independent inquiry takes place. Moreover, this independent inquiry needs to include a broad range of experts from a variety of fields if it is to be robust. We hope the O'Neil government has the courage to break with the past business-partner model, so that this event can be scrutinised properly.

ExxonMobil contributed to the landslide claims National Disaster Office!

We have now all learnt that tragedy has struck residents living near ExxonMobil's  Souther Highlands operation. A large landslide 1km long has destroyed dozens of homes. Sadly, the death toll could reach 60. 

                                          Source: ABC News


Clearly our first thoughts must go out to the family of the victims. However, given the scale of this tragedy it would be remiss if we did not consider whether there was a causal link between the landslide and ExxonMobil's operations. When asked by ABC Radio, Exxonmobil denied the link. Nevertheless, disturbing evidence is beginning to emerge. 


For example, in today's Namarong Report it was reported that United Nations PNG Coordinator has pointed the finger at Exxonmobil's operation. However, perhaps most damningly Bill Yomba from the National Disaster Office made the following remark to CNN:

"This is a very huge landslide that covered a 1 kilometer area. We are still trying to find out the cause but at this stage we believe the gas project run by Esso Higlands Limited was a contributor because they had been digging for limestone in the area".

According to the ABC's Liam Fox similar accusations are being levelled by villagers near the landslide:

"There are people - locals are already drawing some links. How correct that is, we're not able to say yet. But they believe that the quarry next to the landslide site caused the landslide. That blasting in the past has, quote, 'softened the ground' as they have said. And that quarry was used by the LNG site for its operations. But Exxon Mobil says that's not the case anymore and hasn't been for about six months."

The Post-Courier is relaying similar views from the ground:

"Locals blamed international contractor Clough Curtain Joint Venture (CCJV) for not developing the Tumbi quarry including proper safety procedures that resulted in the loose rocks and soil from the top of Gigira mountain range to cascade causing severe destructions on its way down." 

In a move that may seem insensitive in light of the tragedy, ExxonMobil has resumed work in the affected area - whether this risks further destabilising the site we are not sure. ExxonMobil's spokesman Rebecca Arnold has informed investors and customers this event will not prevent it from meeting its corporate targets. 


Rest assured LNG Watch will keep readers fully updated on information as it comes to hand. It is absolutely essential for the victims and their family that the accusations again ExxonMobil are thoroughly investigated. 

ExxonMobil’s Neo-Colonial Views on Papua New Guinea

In a speech that would have made former Minister of Territories, Charles Barnes blush, Project Manager for the PNG LNG project, Decie Autin, has demonstrated that neo-colonialism is alive and well (as if we didn’t know).

Presenting at a Chamber of Mines and Petroleum seminar (one organisational centre for the natural resource swindle) in early December 2011, Autin made predictable remarks about Exxon’s corporate social responsibility (we still await for the Post-Courier to transcribe these remarks as a ‘news report’) – however, punctuating her speech were a series of patronising comments and implicit threats (clothed of course in business euphemisms).

She begins with the observation:

Gas projects are very capital intensive. Unlike most mining Projects we have to build  vast infrastructure up front at great costs in the expectation that we will see a return on  the investment over the life of the Project.  So in order to attract the huge capital investment required, and to gain the gas  customers’ confidence, we have to convince them that we can do this … and we can do  it on schedule,  while delivering on our commitments in the areas of safety, health,  environment and social management ... Reputation is everything in this business. 

Autin then identifies a series of threats to the LNG operation, that she suggests could potentially undo the project’s reputation. At one stage PNG’s culture enters Autin's crosshair. She claims, “Papua New Guinea’s unique geographical, social and cultural characteristics have  always presented issues and challenges for any business operating in the country”.

To flip the argument, would Americans appreciate it if a Papua New Guinean claimed that “the United States’ unique geopgraphical, social and cultural characteristics have always presented issues and challenges for any business operating in the country”. What exactly is it about Papua New Guinea’s culture and society that is so ‘challenging’? That  Papua New Guineans stand up for their rights? That  Papua New Guineans value their land? That  Papua New Guineans protect their environment for future generations? 

Austin’s speech continues:

  

 I have been disappointed to see issues, almost completely unrelated to the  Project itself, flaring up and disrupting our progress.  For example, we have seen an increase in security incidents along the Highlands Highway, that is affecting our ability to transport equipment and supplies via road. Damage to bridges and infrastructure is [also] a serious issue.

Note the almost! Please Ms Autin clearly distinguish between common criminality and legitimate direction action by landowners. There is a rather large difference between landowners blockading an airstrip due to concerns over corrupt and inadequate corporate practices, and hold-ups on the Highlands Highway. Nevertheless, we suspect this is part of Exxon’s strategy, treat all forms of protest as criminal actions and demand landowners be arrested.

However,  Autin is confident that these problems can be resolved by Exxon’s partner, the PNG government:

I would like to thank the Gov’t of Papua New Guinea for all of their support.  You have been an instrumental partner on so many  fronts, and play such a critical role in the success of the Project.  We look forward to continuing to work with you as we bring this Project online.

And herein lies the problem, with corporate predators circling PNG’s national wealth, how on earth are the people to protect their rights when the regulator (the national government) is a partner and financial beneficiary of these operations.

Nevertheless, we thank Autin for finishing her speech in a language Papua New Guineans can understand (sarcasm emphasised) – clearly she has read her Lonely Planet guide to PNG: “As I have already pointed out, this is like the ‘Rugby World Cup’ of Projects – and as a  team we are only as good as our weakest player so we must ensure we are all on our  game, aligned and pushing forward to reach our goal”.

There is no need to use patronising sporting metaphors Ms Autin, Papua New Guineans are quite capable of understanding your arguments, and they know exactly what you are saying and to whom. Shall we summarise, “keep the locals in line, or LNG's investors will be mighty upset”! Simple.

Voices from Central Province - A Review of Oxfam's Research on PNG LNG

Listening to the Impacts of the PNG LNG Project: Central Province, Papua New Guinea by Iris Wielders for Oxfam, 2011.

Reviewed by LNG Watch Papua New Guinea

In 2011 Oxfam launched their LNG Impact Listening Project. In the words of Oxfam, the project's aim is to “understand people’s experiences and views of the impacts of the PNG LNG Project, and how they are responding to these impacts” (p.2). The listening project has focused on four villages affected by the LNG operation in Central Province; Lea lea, Papa, Boera and Porebada. A welcomed emphasis is given to the voice of women.

                                Source: Oxfam (2011)

Oxfam's researchers encountered mixed feelings on the project. While some villagers were happy to have new employment and training opportunities, there were concerns over pay and conditions:

The youth that are working complain about the hard work and the salary, they work seven days per week in construction and general labour. Their contracts are with the contractor companies but they are being paid by Laba [Holdings]. When they first started work they got paid 800/900 [kina], now they get only 400 [kina]. The rates between the trainees that later work and those that are hired directly are different. People think this is because the money for the trainees goes through Laba and they get less. Why are they contracted to other companies but Laba pays them? The employees have already been on strike two or three times because of these issues.

               

                            - Young man from Lea Lea (p.15)

Concerns were  raised over perceived racism in the workplace: "The outsiders coming into the PNG LNG Project are allowed in the mess. We [as employees] are not allowed in the mess. Our lunches are given in the open places" (Man from Porebada, p.15).

Oxfam researchers also found that while people welcomed the benefits money generating opportunities brought to the village, there were worries over the effect of the project on community resources, community relations, and traditional life.

Men and women from Papa told Oxfam: “There are no teachers at schools as most of them have been employed by the project, which has resulted in the school being closed in the village” (p.16). A women from Porebada added: “Law and order is not carried out properly/correctly due to the experienced ones being engaged by the PNG LNG Project” (p.16).

People also felt the project was creating divisions in and between communities, as families struggled to obtain a fair share of the project benefits. A young man from Porebada remarks: “Because of the PNG LNG Project some of the clans or even families have broken up. They give first preference to their immediate families to be trained to work. Some are being left out — have never had any chance yet” (p.16).

This echoes the history of Bougainville, where communities experienced similar problem. Ex-Bougainville President, James Tanis, recalls: “The people started seeing each other not as brothers and sisters and clan mates with common ownership of wealth, but more as business competitors, with only the fittest to survive. This contributed to inequality, to social gaps and to hatred”.

And like on Bougainville, many villagers raised concerns over the increased abuse of alcohol, and the influx of outsiders. A woman from Porebada claims, “outsiders [are] coming in renting shops in the village. Liquor sold 24 hours. Making business in the village” (p.17).

Oxfam found there are also concerns in Central Province over how the gas pipeline and plant will affect the local environment - an anxiety that is shared by those in Madang confronting the Ramu nickel mine. A man from Boera remarked: “The pipeline may cause the sand to rise especially in areas where construction is done. The awareness on environmental issues on pipeline is not true” (p.17).

Indeed, in line with our own research in Hela (LNG Watch PNG forthcoming), Oxfam found that people feel as if ExxonMobil has promised a lot, but in fact has delivered very little. A woman from Papa claims: “ExxonMobil raised awareness with people in the village on the building of schools, health (aid post), water supply. Empty promises” (p.17). While a Man from Boera suggests: “A lot has been said and agreed about how the project will affect these infrastructures but we are yet to see things materialising — school, health centre, church and road” (p.17)

Oxfam’s report is sensitive, fair and well researched. While it is not entirely gloomy, it does raise serious concerns over the project. Sadly the media in PNG and Australia has predominantly focused on the project’s positive impacts, while the voice of everyday villagers has been silenced. Oxfam’s report is an important document that gives the concerns of villagers, and women in particular, a little more volume.

The report is available online at: http://www.oxfam.org.au/resources/pages/view.php?ref=655&k=

The Carve-Up of PNG: Western Province is Next

It would appear official, PNG is for sale and investors are excited. Writing in the Wall Street Journal David Winning claims: “Papua New Guinea has been transformed into a playground for the energy industry’s big beasts seeking gas reserves that can be developed and shipped to Asia’s booming economies”. Now the ‘big beasts’ have set their sites on Western Province, which contains a major gas reserve which Talisman Energy hopes to tap.

To date Talisman state they have acquired interests in 12 licences covering an area of more than 15 million acres. The company’s Vice President Dave Nolan claims: “The government and  communities within our licence  areas are keen on development.  We are working with all stakeholders to ensure social and environmental impacts are assessed and addressed”.

Of course, communities in Western Province are keen on development (especially the glossy version sold by eager mining companies), after all this is one of the ‘poorest’ and most remote regions in PNG. To this end, investments from foreign capital may be welcomed by some landowners. However, given the Exxonmobil LNG project experience, where even by the national government’s own admission* the memorandum of agreement with landowners was rushed, we hypothesise that villagers will not be empowered to make well-informed choices.

Indeed, this is part of the charm perhaps. With a government who acts as an investment partner, and not a regulator, landowners are left in the position where they have to try and negotiate with both state and capital. Given the complex legal and economic calculations this involves, a well resourced country would find this difficult, let alone village people who have poor access to education, information-technology or for that matter roads. As a result, they may sign, but this does not equal consent, something which Exxonmobil are discovering, much to the horror of their senior management, who are attempting to keep landowner resistance quite.

Now that the sharks are circling Western Province, this is clearly an issue to watch in 2012!

*It was stated in January 2011 by the then Deputy Prime Minister, Sam Abal: "Mipela government i tok sori long rasim PNG LNG agreement mipela i sainim (we, in government, are sorry for the rushed PNG LNG agreement that was signed)".

Appendix - General Information on Western Province

Source: National Research Institute (2010)