Bas Kortmann will leave the Groningen Mining Damage Institute (IMG) in February next year. The chairman of the board has then worked for the IMG and its predecessor the Temporary Committee on Mining Damage Groningen for five years.
He has been chairman of the IMG since February 2019. The 72-year-old Kortmann himself has indicated that he does not want to extend his contract. “I work with heart and soul for the people of Groningen and Drenthe who have been affected by gas extraction. That is why it is very intensive. It demands your full attention seven days a week. Not only me, but also my wife is ready for slightly calmer waters and a little more time for each other and for our children and grandchildren.”
IMG board members are appointed by the Minister of Legal Protection for a period of four years. This period can then be extended twice with four years each. Kortmann has already informed the minister that he does not want an extension in just under six months. “Because I noticed that more and more people seem to be aware and to prevent all kinds of rumors, I have decided to provide clarity at this early stage. It also gives enough time to find a successor.”