K92 Mining Strengthens Community Affairs and External Relations Leadership with Key Appointments

Rhea-AI Summary

K92 Mining (OTCQB: KNTNF) has announced key leadership appointments in its Community Affairs and External Relations team. Stanley Komunt has been promoted to Vice President of Community Affairs and External Relations, bringing over 25 years of mining industry experience, including previous roles at Newcrest Mining and Newmont Corporation.

Additionally, Felix Kipalan has been appointed as General Manager of Community Affairs, contributing over 20 years of experience in environmental and social performance. Kipalan previously held senior positions at Lihir Gold, Newcrest Mining, and Newmont Corporation, and currently chairs PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy's Sustainability Committee.

These strategic appointments aim to strengthen K92's commitment to responsible mining and community engagement in Papua New Guinea.

Positive

• Appointment of highly experienced executives with deep knowledge of Papua New Guinea mining sector
• Enhanced leadership in community relations and stakeholder engagement
• Strengthened corporate governance and sustainability capabilities

Negative

• None.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- K92 Mining Inc. (“K92” or the “Company”) (TSX: KNT; OTCQB:  KNTNF) is pleased to announce the promotion of Stanley Komunt, as Vice President – Community Affairs and External Relations, and the appointment of Felix Kipalan, as General Manager – Community Affairs.

Mr. Komunt is an experienced community and government relations leader with over 25 years of experience in the mining industry, specializing in corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, and risk management. Mr. Komunt joined K92 in early 2025, most recently holding the position of General Manager, Community Affairs and External Relations. From 2018 to 2024, he served as Country Manager for Newcrest Mining Limited and, following its acquisition, with Newmont Corporation in Papua New Guinea, where he played a key role in negotiations and oversaw government, regulatory, and community relations. He previously held senior roles with Nautilus Minerals Ltd., Morobe Mining Joint Venture, Highlands Pacific Limited at the Kainantu Gold Mine, and Ok Tedi Mining Ltd., managing community programs, security operations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. A member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Mr. Komunt has completed advanced training in leadership, governance, and project management through Newcrest Mining Limited and other organizations, contributing to the success of major mining projects. Mr. Komunt also serves as a Director of the PNG Motor Vehicle Insurance Company and previously served as Chairman of the New Ireland Provincial Health Authority, Vice President Papua New Guinea for the Australia PNG Business Council and as a council member of the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy.

Mr. Kipalan is an experienced environmental, social performance and sustainability executive with over 20 years in the mining industry, specializing in sustainability, governance and social performance in Papua New Guinea, Australia, and the Pacific. He brings a deep understanding of stakeholder expectations, Indigenous Peoples agreements and sustainable development, having served in 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 serves as Chair of the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy Sustainability and Climate Change Committee, and is on a number of NGO boards. He holds a Master of Science degree in Sustainability from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom and a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Sciences from the University of Waikato in New Zealand.

John Lewins, K92 Chief Executive Officer and Director, stated, “Since joining K92 in early 2025, 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 equally delighted to welcome Felix 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.

These appointments significantly strengthen K92’s capability to deliver on our commitment to responsible mining, sustainable development, and fostering long-term partnerships with our host communities and various stakeholders. Congratulations to Stanley on his well-deserved promotion and to Felix on his appointment — we look forward to your future contributions.”

About K92

K92 Mining Inc. is engaged in the production of gold, copper and silver at the Kainantu Gold Mine in the Eastern Highlands province of Papua New Guinea, as well as exploration and development of mineral deposits in the immediate vicinity of the mine. The Company declared commercial production from Kainantu in February 2018, is in a strong financial position, and is working to become a Tier 1 mid-tier producer through ongoing plant expansions. A maiden resource estimate on the Blue Lake copper-gold porphyry project was completed in August 2022. K92 is operated by a team of mining company professionals with extensive international mine-building and operational experience.

On Behalf of the Company,

John Lewins, Chief Executive Officer and Director

For further information, please contact David Medilek, P.Eng., CFA, President and Chief Operating Officer at +1-604-416-4445

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation: (i) the results of the Kainantu Mine Definitive Feasibility Study, and the Kainantu Preliminary Economic Assessment, including the Stage 3 Expansion, a new standalone 1.2 mtpa process plant and supporting infrastructure; (ii) statements regarding the expansion of the mine and development of any of the deposits; (iii) the Kainantu Stage 4 Expansion, operating two standalone process plants, larger surface infrastructure and mining throughputs; and (iv) the potential extended life of the Kainantu Mine.

All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “project”, “target”, “potential”, “schedule”, “forecast”, “budget”, “estimate”, “intend” or “believe” and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions “will”, “would”, “may”, “could”, “should” or “might” occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our ability to control, that may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, without limitation, Public Health Crises, including the COVID-19 virus; changes in the price of gold, silver, copper and other metals in the world markets; fluctuations in the price and availability of infrastructure and energy and other commodities; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; volatility in price of our common shares; inherent risks associated with the mining industry, including problems related to weather and climate in remote areas in which certain of the Company’s operations are located; failure to achieve production, cost and other estimates; risks and uncertainties associated with exploration and development; uncertainties relating to estimates of mineral resources including uncertainty that mineral resources may never be converted into mineral reserves; the Company’s ability to carry on current and future operations, including development and exploration activities at the Arakompa, Kora, Judd and other projects; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; the Company’s ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the availability and costs of achieving the Stage 3 Expansion or the Stage 4 Expansion; the ability of the Company to achieve the inputs the price and market for outputs, including gold, silver and copper; failures of information systems or information security threats; political, economic and other risks associated with the Company’s foreign operations; geopolitical events and other uncertainties, such as the conflicts in Ukraine, Israel and Palestine; compliance with various laws and regulatory requirements to which the Company is subject to, including taxation; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions, including relationship with the communities in Papua New Guinea and other jurisdictions it operates; other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry; and the risks, uncertainties and other factors referred to in the Company’s Annual Information Form under the heading “Risk Factors”.

Estimates of mineral resources are also forward-looking statements because they constitute projections, based on certain estimates and assumptions, regarding the amount of minerals that may be encountered in the future and/or the anticipated economics of production. The estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance, and actual results and future events could materially differ from those anticipated in such statements. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actual results to differ materially from those that are anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

FAQ

Who is the new Vice President of Community Affairs at K92 Mining (KNTNF)?

Stanley Komunt has been promoted to Vice President of Community Affairs and External Relations, bringing over 25 years of mining industry experience and previously serving as Country Manager for Newcrest Mining and Newmont Corporation in Papua New Guinea.

What experience does Felix Kipalan bring to K92 Mining as General Manager?

Felix Kipalan brings over 20 years of mining industry experience, specializing in sustainability, governance, and social performance. He previously held senior roles at Lihir Gold, Newcrest Mining, and Newmont Corporation, and chairs the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy Sustainability Committee.

How will these appointments impact K92 Mining's operations in Papua New Guinea?

These appointments strengthen K92's capability to deliver on responsible mining, sustainable development, and foster long-term partnerships with host communities and stakeholders in Papua New Guinea.

What are Stanley Komunt's previous roles in the mining industry?

Komunt previously served as Country Manager for Newcrest Mining/Newmont Corporation (2018-2024) and held senior roles at Nautilus Minerals, Morobe Mining Joint Venture, Highlands Pacific Limited, and Ok Tedi Mining Ltd.