K92 Mining Ltd. (“K92”), the operator of the Kainantu Gold Mine in Eastern Highlands Province, is pleased to announce the promotion of Stanley Komunt to Vice President – Community Affairs and External Relations, and the appointment of Felix Kipalan as General Manager – Community Affairs.
Mr. Komunt has over 25 years of experience in community and government relations in the mining industry, specializing in corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, and risk management. Since joining K92 in early 2025 as General Manager – Community Affairs and External Relations, he has played a leading role in strengthening trust and dialogue with government, regulatory bodies, and local stakeholders. His career includes serving as Country Manager for Newcrest Mining Limited and later Newmont Corporation in Papua New Guinea, as well as senior positions with Nautilus Minerals Ltd., Morobe Mining Joint Venture, Highlands Pacific Limited at the Kainantu Gold Mine, and Ok Tedi Mining Ltd. Mr. Komunt has also served as Director of the PNG Motor Vehicle Insurance Company, Chairman of the New Ireland Provincial Health Authority, Vice President Papua New Guinea for the Australia PNG Business Council, and council member of the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy.
Mr. Kipalan brings more than 20 years of environmental, social performance, and sustainability leadership in Papua New Guinea, Australia, and the Pacific. He has held senior roles with Lihir Gold Limited, Newcrest Mining Limited, and Newmont Corporation, where he was most recently Regional Manager, Environment, Social Performance and Governance. Mr. Kipalan also chairs the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy Sustainability and Climate Change Committee and serves on several NGO boards. He holds a Master of Science in Sustainability from the University of Leeds in the UK and a Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences from the University of Waikato in New Zealand. K92 Chief Executive Officer and Director, John Lewins, said, “Since joining K92 earlier this year, Stanley has made outstanding contributions to strengthening our community affairs and external relations function. His leadership has been instrumental in building trust, enhancing dialogue, and delivering meaningful outcomes in our engagement with government, regulatory bodies, and local stakeholders. We are also very pleased to welcome Felix, who brings over two decades of senior experience in sustainability, governance, and stakeholder engagement — with the vast majority of his experience in Papua New Guinea. These appointments significantly strengthen our ability to deliver on our commitment to responsible mining, sustainable development, and fostering long-term partnerships with our host communities and stakeholders.”