TotalEnergies is taking steps to resume work on its $20 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in northern Mozambique, nearly four years after suspending operations due to militant violence in the region, according to sources close to the development.

Companies involved in the project have reportedly begun moving equipment and personnel back to the site in Cabo Delgado province. Insiders say TotalEnergies recently issued a notice to proceed with early-stage site preparations, although the company has not publicly confirmed these moves.

One of the contractors, Portugal’s Mota-Engil, which partnered with Belgium’s Besix Group on a $365 million contract to build marine facilities, is among those preparing to return. Talks are also underway between contractors and subcontractors regarding their possible re-engagement on the project.

Work on the Mozambique LNG facility was halted in 2021 when Islamist militants escalated attacks in the area, prompting TotalEnergies to declare force majeure and evacuate staff. The project is considered critical to Mozambique’s future, as it would allow the country to tap into and export vast natural gas reserves discovered offshore about 15 years ago.

Mozambican President Daniel Chapo has called for strong collaboration between the government and private firms to create a secure environment for the project’s resumption. The restart is seen as a potential game-changer for one of the world’s poorest nations.