PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum launches relief appeal

The peak body that represents the mining and petroleum industry in Papua New Guinea, the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum has launched a relief appeal to help victims of the devastating earthquake that struck parts of the Highlands, Western, and Gulf provinces on February 26.

The Chamber’s relief appeal will be an addition to the extensive work being done on the ground by its member companies, particularly Oil Search, ExxonMobil and Ok Tedi Mining Limited.
The Chamber has about 220 companies as its Members and is the only recognised body that represents the resource industry in the country. Its membership also includes industry associated companies such as those that provide services to the mining and petroleum projects.

Announcing the appeal today, Chamber Vice President Mr Richard Kassman said the Chamber’s relief appeal will provide a platform for its members to donate in cash or kind.
He said as part of the appeal, the Chamber will help facilitate the delivery of donations from its members to organisations that are already on the ground assisting in the relief efforts.
“Firstly, the Chamber extends our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those that lost their lives to the earthquake. As the body representing the mining and petroleum industry, and a good corporate citizen, it is our duty to ensure the impacted communities are assisted in whatever way they can. We would directly like to participate in the relief efforts that could restore normalcy as soon as possible,” Mr Kassman said.

Mr Kassman also said a committee has been set up to link with established disaster relief initiatives and to work in close consultation with Chamber member companies directly involved in the relief efforts.
The committee is made up of Chamber Council Members and is being led by Mr Kassman who is currently Total E&P’s Director for Corporate Affairs. The other committee members are Santos PNG General Manager Mr John Chambers, Barrick Niugini General Manager Corporate and Legal Mr Anthony Smare, Highlands Pacific General Manager - Port Moresby Mr Ron Gawi, Sun Engineering Constructions Manager Mr Mark McMonagle, and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Tax & Business Services Partner Mr Andrew Harris.

The Chamber has started the appeal with a donation of K10,000 and is calling on its Members, the business community and other interested individuals to donate in cash or in kind.