Richard Kassman

He recently replaced Gerea Aopi, who has been at the helm of the position with distinction.

Richard Kassman is the director corporate affairs, Total E&P PNG Limited; an active member of the PNGEITI Multi Stakeholder Group (MSG) and he was vice president of the Chamber during the time of his appointment.

Kassman represents Total PNG Ltd in the PNGEITI MSG which oversees the implementation of the Global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in Papua New Guinea.

Kassman, who is Public Affairs and External Communications Manager of Total E&P PNG Limited, served as the Vice President of the chamber for the past 3 years, and takes over from Gerea Aopi CBE.

Kassman thanked Aopi for his contribution to the mining and petroleum industry.

He said Aopi always guided the discourse ensuring being cognizant with national interests, when the chamber represented its diverse membership and promoted the industry.

Speaking at the Papua New Guinea Business Update in Townsville, Australia, earlier this month, Kassman showcased how PNG’s resource sector has played a vital role in the country’s economic development, with PNG being one of the few countries in the world where mining and petroleum projects provide socio-economic opportunities to the local areas they operate in.

During his speech to guests from both Australia and PNG, including Charles Abel, Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer of Papua New Guinea, Kassman highlighted the following:

Vice President of the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, Richard Kassman, said this during the opening of the PNG Resources Sector media workshop on Thursday.

Kassman also called on the media to make reference to the constitution and remind everyone of their basic rights.

Speaking to industry communication specialists and mainstream media representatives, Kassman said the media plays an important role in these trying times, especially in the aftermath of the Mineral Resources Act (MRA) 1992 legislative changes.

Deputy president of the Chamber, Richard Kassman, said this includes the notion that there was over representation by the industry on the MRA Board, which could lead to conflict of interest.

Kassman also raised concern on the amendment to increase the development levy and transfer of a portion of this money to the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management.

In February the NEC and Parliament passed amendments to the MRA Act.

They include:

Vice President of the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, Richard Kassman, said this marking the opening of the PNG resources Sector Communications Workshop in Port Moresby.

Kassman said the mining and petroleum sector and the media must update and inform all relevant stakeholders beginning at the village level ranging from the landowners up the Government and throughout the rest of the country.

He was speaking to Speaking to media personal and mining and petroleum company’s public relations and communications experts.