Marape launches Pacific Lime and Cement Project after 10-year wait

The government has officially made the Final Investment Decision [FID] for the long-awaited Pacific Lime and Cement [PLC] project, located on the island between Kido and Laelae, Central Province.

Prime Minister James Marape, alongside Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru, Central Governor Rufina Peter, Hiri-Koiari MP Keith Iduhu, and key landowner and developer representatives, announced the decision on Friday, after a decade of scoping, designs, and negotiations.

The PLC project formerly known as Mayur Resources Ltd is set to become the country's first large-scale lime and cement manufacturing operation, with plans to transition into full downstream processing and local product use before export.

PLC Managing Director Paul Mulder described the day as a turning point not only for the project but for national development.

“This is the day Papua New Guinea gains its own nation-building materials- quick lime and cement.

“We are no longer just exporting raw resources. We are now committing to downstream processing to build our country first.” Mulder said.

Mulder announced plans to construct a road linking Kido to Laelae, connecting the project to the existing LNG plant infrastructure.

He emphasized the project's potential to produce cement, quicklime, bricks, culverts, pipes, and beams locally, reducing reliance on imports.

“With over 400 million tonnes of material available here, this site can become the engine room for national infrastructure,” he added.

Prime Minister Marape said the project is a critical step toward self-reliance and industrialisation, noting the national demand for cement and lime in construction, infrastructure, and resource processing.

“This project is significant because we are finally producing materials we often import,” Marape said.

“But I urge PLC to ensure the highest quality and make these products affordable for all Papua New Guineans.”

Governor Rufina Peter and MP Keith Iduhu both highlighted the need for strong partnerships and fair benefit-sharing with landowners and local communities to ensure long-term sustainability.

MP Iduhu, who has championed the project over the years, said he wants to see landowners, the district, and the province all benefit from the economic spin-offs.

“This project will create hundreds of jobs across the country, not just in the immediate area,” he said.

“We value the culture of open dialogue that exists between all stakeholders.”

The project will now move into its development phase, with construction expected to generate around 1,000 jobs and a wide range of spin-off opportunities for local businesses and communities in Laelae, Kido, and surrounding areas.