The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) added two new female councillors to its council at its annual AGM last week as CORE's membership renewed its council and leadership.
The AGM confirmed the re-election of President Anthony Smarè as independent President, and Senior Vice President Richard Kassman (TotalEnergies), who will continue in their roles for another term of 12 months. Assik Tommy Tomscoll (Ramu Nico) was elected unopposed as Vice President, succeeding former VP Philip Samar, who retired from the position. Mrs Karo Maha-Lelai, Country Manager for New Porgera Limited in PNG, and Ms Maygen Turliu, Partner at Deloitte PNG, were also elected to the council as two new additions. Kepas Wali, General Manager External Relations at Harmony SE; Leon Buskens, Santos Country Chair for PNG; and John Lewins, President & CEO of K92 Mining, were re-elected to serve a new term as councillors for two years.
President Anthony Smaré expressed thanks for the contributions and leadership of outgoing councillors and executives, VP Philip Samar and Councillor Andrew Harris (Deloitte), representing service members. "Both Philip and Andrew have made a tremendous contribution to the Council in their tenure over the last five years, and we are very grateful for the leadership, wisdom, and expertise they have provided to CORE. Thankfully, they will still remain involved as alternates to their company's reps on the Council, and we look forward to their continued involvement and support."
Pansy Taueni-Sialis, Chief Operating Officer of PNG CORE, expressed confidence in the newly elected council members, highlighting their collective expertise as crucial for the organisation’s future, particularly as the resources sector gears up for key economic developments.
“The Council is instrumental in guiding PNG CORE as we address issues that matter most to our members,” said Taueni-Sialis. “CORE management extends our gratitude to the outgoing councillors, former Vice President Philip Samar and Councillor Andrew Harris, for their invaluable contributions and wish them nothing but success.”
Taueni-Sialis also welcomed the newly elected councillors, underscoring the positive momentum under the leadership of re-elected President Anthony Smaré. “We have seen significant advancements, especially in our partnerships with stakeholders across the private and public sectors, as well as our bilateral and multilateral partners. This progress has elevated PNG CORE’s profile both domestically and internationally.”
The election of both Karo Maha-Lelai and Maygen Turliu to the council marks a historic and progressive step for PNG CORE. “We are excited and inspired by the opportunity to collaborate with these leaders, whose expertise and fresh perspectives will undoubtedly enrich our work and drive the industry forward,” Taueni-Sialis added.
