Great Pacific Gold Corp is pleased to announce the appointment of Ron Gawi as Country Manager, Papua New Guinea, effective immediately.
“With the focus of the Company’s exploration activity now in Papua New Guinea, we are very pleased to welcome Ron Gawi to our executive team,” stated Greg McCunn, CEO of Great Pacific Gold. “His extensive background in permitting and obtaining and managing social license to operate in PNG is critical for the long-term success of Great Pacific Gold. With an exciting maiden drill program just getting underway at Kesar, Ron is joining the team at an ideal time.”
Mr. Gawi, worked for over 20 years for the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Department of Minerals and Energy which later became the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA). He reached the level of Assistant Director Mining and then Manager, Project Coordination at MRA. The MRA is the government institution which regulates the mining industry in PNG and during his tenure, Mr. Gawi provided leadership and guidance to a team of project coordinators overseeing seven operating mines. In this role, Mr. Gawi also acted as team leader for review and negotiation of Integrated Benefits Package Agreements in mining projects. Earlier in his career at the MRA he acted as a Principal Project Coordinator, overseeing mining operations at Porgera and Lihir. His responsibilities also included the Kainantu Mine, now operated by K92 Mining and in close proximity to the Company’s active drilling program at Kesar.
Following a successful career at the MRA, Mr. Gawi took on the role of Country Manager, PNG, for Highlands Pacific and held that role for a decade. In this role, Mr. Gawi developed vast experience in government relations and diplomatic relations with extensive dealings with consultants, aid donors, civil society groups, women’s groups and landowner associations in mining and exploration areas.
Mr. Gawi is a former Director of MRA and also the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy (CORE) and is currently a member of the mining committee of CORE. The role of CORE is to promote the mineral and exploration potential of PNG. CORE has a membership of over 100 companies, including Great Pacific Gold.
In conjunction with Mr. Gawi’s appointment, Benjamin Trotsky, previous Country Manager, will be moving to an advisory role where he will assist the Company as required to ensure a smooth transition.
