Peter Graham has tendered his resignation to Prime Minister James Marape. The Chairman and acting managing director of the Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited (KMHL) and former managing director of Ok Tedi Mining Limited and ExxonMobil PNG is returning home to Australia.
He has worked for 15 years in the country’s mineral and oil & gas industries.
“I have now been away from my home almost continuously for 27 years – 12 years in the US and 15 years in PNG. It’s simply time for me to go home,” he said. “When I finished at Ok Tedi at the end of May 2020, I made a personal commitment to Prime Minister James Marape to work at Kumul Minerals as chairman and acting managing director for six months to November 2020. I have confirmed my intention to retire and return to Australia after an enjoyable and challenging 15 years in PNG, firstly on the PNG LNG for almost 10 years, then five years at Ok Tedi, and now six months at Kumul Minerals.”
For Marape, he has yet to receive his resignation letter but according to him, the timing was unfortunate as they are now in the process of naming the new KMHL board.
“I have not got Graham’s letter formally yet, however, it’s unfortunate that a letter he circulated to two former directors of KMHL got circulated in public space,” Marape said. “But (he had) told me six months ago when he took office that he would resign in November. So I was already expecting his resignation. It’s unfortunate that his letter may be taken out of context with the Government filling in new board members of KMHL.”
For Vice-minister Manasseh Makiba who is assisting the prime minister on KMHL, he also said that it was unfortunate that the news leaked on social media first.
“I will continue to provide support as needed to the SNT (state negotiating team) in negotiations with Barrick (Niugini Ltd) on the Porgera (mine) until my departure,” Graham said.
The new KMHL board consists of Graham, Dr John Kuwimb, Aho Baliki, Bonny Ninai, Marjella Meles, Hansel Maven and Nelly James.
