Government pushes ahead on K92 Mining agreement

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Government is committed to finalising the community development agreement (CDA) associated with K92 Mining’s Kainantu gold project.

PNG mining minister Rainbo Paita, who toured the mine site earlier this month, assured landowners and the local member of parliament that work was ongoing to ensure each of the remaining hurdles could be cleared.

The Mineral Resources Authority managing director Jerry Garry, who accompanied Paita’s tour, said the CDA had been given legal clearance by the Office of the State Solicitor, and a submission was now being prepared for approval of the National Executive Council.

Garry noted that there were additional development aspirations that landowners had requested be included in the CDA, and this may push the sign-off schedule back.

A land ownership and boundary dispute, currently before the Land Titles Commission, is also holding the finalisation of the CDA back. Paita urged the landowners and stakeholders involved to resolve their differences, so that they could start benefitting from the royalties being paid out by the K92 project.

To date, a total of K80 million in royalties belonging to the landowners is parked in a trust account, awaiting both resolution from the Land Titles Commission and the finalised CDA.

Meanwhile, K92 Mining has boosted its community relations leadership with two key appointments. Stanley Komunt will serve the company as its new vice president – community affairs and external relations, while Felix Kipalan has been named general manager – community affairs.

K92 Mining chief executive officer John Lewins said Komunt had received a well-deserved promotion.

“Since joining K92 in early 2025, Stanley has made outstanding contributions to strengthening our community affairs and external relations function,” he said.

“His leadership has been instrumental in building trust, enhancing dialogue, and delivering meaningful outcomes in our engagement with government, regulatory bodies, and local stakeholders.”

Lewins was equally delighted to welcome Kipalan to the team.

“He brings over two decades of senior experience in sustainability, governance, and stakeholder engagement, with the vast majority of his experience in Papua New Guinea,” he said.