The 3- day 2nd Geoscience, Exploration and Extraction (GEE) Conference 2024 commences today in Port Moresby city with much to discuss on finding that fine balance between extractive resource projects and the maintaining of the environment. The GEE Conference is aimed at bringing into one room, geoscientists, engineers, NGOs, academics from Papua New Guinea (PNG) and overseas to share ideas, experiences and research findings. The general idea is to share information and utilise these data to PNG’s advantage in terms of the nation’s development, not just in the mining sector, but other sectors of the economy as well. This was further stressed by the Managing Director, Mr. Jerry Gerry when delivering the opening remarks on behalf of Prime Minister James Marape, who couldn't make it this morning due to other engagements. Mr. Gerry said geoscience intertwines with all other sectors, including environment protection. Having said that, Mr. Gerry explained that countries like Papua New Guinea (PNG) depends on the resource sector; mining and also petroleum. PNG's export revenue on resource projects makes 80% of revenue and it's something that makes a large part of the country's economy; however, he said working together to find that balance between extraction and preservation is important. He said the main concern is how a country can extract minerals at a sustainable manner, and this can be achieved through proper research by institutions and stakeholders in sustainable extraction. "Our involvement in geoscience is a calling to understanding all resources across planet earth," said Mr. Gerry. "How can we innovate; how can we extract responsibility?" He said new techniques are required, and the focus is now more on greener methods to extracting responsibility, and minimizing harm in the environment calls for the need to discuss further on this matter. As such, he encouraged all participants in the conference to have dialogue, share ideas, research findings so to put out there the suggestions and recommendations going forward. The Conference's theme is "Research & Innovation in Geoscience, Extraction & Extraction for Sustainability", and will run from the 7th to the 9th of August.