From humble beginnings as an office attendant to becoming a senior manager, Kini Renagi’s remarkable 28-year journey with the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) is one of loyalty, perseverance, and purpose — a story that mirrors the company’s own transformation into one of Papua New Guinea’s leading landowner investment firms.
Kini began his career with MRDC in 1996 and is now one of its longest-serving employees. Nearly three decades on, he serves as Manager for Client Services, overseeing the vital MRDC Ok Tedi office in Western Province. In this capacity, he acts as the key link between MRDC and project beneficiaries of the Ok Tedi Mining Project, including the provincial government — a role that has placed him at the centre of one of PNG’s most enduring resource partnerships.
Among his most recent achievements is his contribution to the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) review process, which culminated in the signing of the 12th agreement between CMCA beneficiaries and Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) — a milestone that reinforces MRDC’s long-standing commitment to equitable resource development.
From the Mailroom to Management
Kini’s professional journey is rooted in humble beginnings. “As an office attendant, I was responsible for administration of the office, day to banking tasks, dropping, and collecting mails and filling,” he recalled with pride.
He joined MRDC at a defining moment — the transition period following the formation of Orogen Minerals. “I started work during the transition period after the formation of Orogen Minerals. I can recall staff strength was below 15, a small but effective team adapting to MRDC’s new challenging role managing landowners and provincial governments' equity,” he said.
From those early days, Kini’s curiosity and dedication opened doors to greater responsibilities. Early in his career, he became part of the pioneering team that conducted the first directors’ elections for Gas Resource Plant in 2017 and MRSM in 2018 — establishing a governance framework that has since guided all future MRDC elections.
A Career Built on Passion and Purpose
Kini attributes his long service to his passion for the work, his commitment to growth, and MRDC’s empowering workplace culture.
“MRDC is unique and a success story and the envy of many. My journey was stable because I didn't stay in one position for 28 years of service,” he said.
“The motivating factors that continue to drive me are passion for the work I do, career growth, strong relationships, stability, company loyalty, work and life balance, recognition and appreciation. The organization culture are the key factors that contribute to a long and fulfilling career fostering personal and professional growth.”
Over nearly three decades, Kini has witnessed MRDC’s extraordinary evolution — from a small, post-privatisation entity to a billion-kina enterprise managing landowner and provincial government wealth.
“Many thought MRDC would not survive after the privatization. It was like MRDC coming out of a surgical theatre after a transplant,” he said, recalling the uncertainty of those early years.
“The landowners' subsidiaries under MRDC management were PRK (Kutubu), MRSM, Ok Tedi and MRP (Porgera) MRM (Misima).”
Today, MRDC’s success tells a very different story. “Today, MRDC group is now worth billions. MRDC manages over 22 corporate trustees and that is a testament of confidence in the past and current government places on MRDC leadership and staff. I am proud to be part of that transformation.”
Leadership, Legacy, and the Road Ahead
Kini credits much of MRDC’s progress to the steady leadership of Managing Director Augustine Mano, whose vision has guided the company through a period of unprecedented growth and diversification.
“The notable and significant growth MRDC has experienced from its humble beginnings in Western Province in the last 50 years was under the leadership of Mr Augustine Mano, Managing Director,” he said.
Looking ahead, Kini remains deeply optimistic about MRDC’s future and the legacy it continues to build for Papua New Guineans.
“MRDC is unique and therefore it must be always protected for the benefit of future generations and the little people back home in their hamlets. MRDC is here to stay and will continue to grow.”
Kini’s journey — from a young office attendant running errands to a senior manager shaping the company’s connection with communities — stands as a testament to the power of dedication, growth, and shared purpose. In many ways, his personal evolution reflects MRDC’s own: grounded in humble beginnings, strengthened through challenges, and driven by a vision that continues to serve the people of Papua New Guinea.
