10 October 2017
REMEMBERING PAUL QUODLING – A WELL-RESPECTED BCL LEADER
The board and management of Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) acknowledge the sad passing, on 26 September 2017, of the company’s respected and long-serving former managing director, Paul Quodling, at age 90.
Mr Quodling first entered the mining industry in 1956 with Rio Tinto and in 1966 he was appointed to the project team responsible for the feasibility work on the Panguna project, that BCL was to develop.
In 1971 he moved to Arawa with his late wife Pamela and family to help advance the mine.
Mr Quodling held senior positions in administration and community relations before being appointed general manager in 1977 and managing director in 1982, serving through to his retirement in 1987.
BCL chairman Robert Burns described Mr Quodling as a wonderful man who was genuinely respected and admired by BCL employees, local communities in Bougainville and the company’s broader stakeholders.
The Quodlings were fondly farewelled by the local community in 1987.
“Paul was instrumental in making BCL at the time one of the world’s leading mining operations and through his extraordinary commitment and effective engagement leaves a very positive legacy for those fortunate to have known him,” Mr Burns said.
Mr Quodling invested in people and strongly supported employee training and development which provided a capable workforce to the further benefit of PNG following the closure of the Panguna mine.
“It is also true that when many think of Bougainville Copper during this period, they will think fondly of Paul and Pam Quodling, who made such a terrific team, complementary and supportive in so many ways,” Mr Burns said.
Former PNG Prime Minister and current BCL board member, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, also paid tribute: “I knew Paul and he was a very good friend of PNG and Bougainville. May God rest his soul.”
Shortly before his retirement in 1987, Mr Quodling was awarded an OBE in Papua New Guinea’s New Year’s honours list for his outstanding service to commerce, public and community affairs.
Paul Quodling proudly wears his OBE with wife Pam by his side.
Media contact: Cameron Hill on +61 400 940 968