Chan resigns from board to recontest seat

BYRON Chan has resigned as a director on the board of Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) to contest this year’s National General Election, according to the company.
The company in a statement said Chan, a former three term (2002-2017) MP for Namatanai, New Ireland, had served the board for more than three years.
Chan, who was also member of the OTML board’s audit and risk committee since his appointment on Aug 1, 2018, submitted his resignation on Jan 16.
“Chan has served the board with integrity and due diligence while providing valuable support and knowledgeable input to the board’s audit and risk committee during his term of service,” OTML board chairman Dr Roger Higgins said.
“Byron’s service to the board will be missed, we thank him for his contributions to OTML, and wish him all the best in the coming elections.”
Chan was a former mining minister.
In 2011, he was appointed to the portfolio and held it for six years until the 2017 general elections.
Higgins said Chan was instrumental in introducing significant amendments to the Mineral Resources Authority Act (2005) as well as policy directives in the areas of offshore mining, sustainable mining development and mining project rehabilitation and closure.
The vacancy on the OTML board left by Chan would be filled pending an appointment by Kumul Minerals Holdings Ltd.