Mel Togolo

He also said the company wishes to create goodwill among communities as they plan to redevelop Panguna Mine.

Togolo said this following the company’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday.

Togolo said it was important to note that BCL was a PNG company with both the PNG and ABG governments as major shareholders.

“The National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government have 36.4 percent each. They own the company because they have significant interest in the company on behalf of their respective people,” said Togolo.

BCL chairman Robert Burns said the company was delighted that both gentlemen had agreed to join the board given the extensive experience and unique perspectives each would bring, during an important period of development for the company.

“Mel and Peter are highly regarded in PNG and have intimate knowledge of the resources industry both here and abroad, which they have gained through what can only be described as long and distinguished careers,” Burns said.

Mel Togolo

Togolo replaces Bart Philemon as a director of the company whose retirement becomes effective from Sept 30, 2016.

Oil Search chairman Rick Lee acknowledged the valuable contribution Philemon has provided to the Board of Oil Search since his appointment as a Director in November 2012 and welcomed Togolo onboard.

Lee said Togolo brings a wealth of knowledge on PNG from a distinguished career spanning senior roles in industry and government, not only in Papua New Guinea but also in Australia and the Solomon Islands.