Exxon Mobil has revived plans to build a liquefied natural gas plant in Mozambique, marking a significant milestone for the long-delayed Rovuma LNG project. The developers awarded about $1.1bn in pre-investment contracts for equipment, signaling renewed commitment despite ongoing security threats in the region.

Work on the facility had been on hold since 2021, when Islamist militants killed 800 people near Palma in Cabo Delgado province. UN special rapporteur Ben Saul recently noted that attacks on civilians have worsened, though security issues remain "acute but manageable," according to Alex Munton of Rapidan Energy Group.

The $30bn project, operated by Exxon with partners including Eni, CNPC, Kogas, and XRG, previously targeted a final investment decision by end-2025, now pushed to end-2026. Exxon also signed a nonbinding engineering contract with Saipem-led contractors. Rovuma will produce roughly the same LNG volume as Exxon's Golden Pass plant in Texas.

The project gains momentum amid Middle East supply disruptions. CEO Darren Woods emphasized diversification away from the Gulf, where a third of global LNG supplies originate. Other beneficiaries include Papua New Guinea and U.S. projects, as Qatar's expansion faces uncertainty.