Students from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) and the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (Unitech) have received a major academic boost following the donation of state-of-the-art TNavigator software licenses from the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC). The high-end reservoir modelling software, used globally by top-tier companies in the extractive industry, will now be accessible to students from UPNG’s Earth Science Division and Unitech’s School of Mining Engineering for academic tutorials. MRDC Managing Director Augustine Mano said the donation is part of the company’s commitment to developing the country’s future workforce. “Being part of the extractive sector, we believe it’s our responsibility to contribute where we can upskill and prepare our young people, especially engineers, for successful careers in the industry.” MRDC Technical Manager Ann-Tania Sipori explained that when the company purchased the software, the agreement with the vendor included the provision of free student tutorial licenses to tertiary institutions. MRDC selected UPNG and Unitech to benefit from this opportunity. UPNG Earth Science Associate Professor Joseph O. Espi welcomed the donation, saying it marks a transition into advanced learning and equips students with hands-on skills needed in the workforce. “Most of our teaching is theoretical and field-based, but some aspects such as modelling, require high-end computers and industry software. These are expensive, so we’re fortunate and thankful to MRDC.” “Having TNavigator means our students can now visualize in 3D and gain skills in mineral, geotechnical, and geoscience software applications. It will greatly improve their readiness for the industry.” Unitech’s Deputy Head of Mining Engineering, Dr Kel Ail, said the donation comes at a critical time, especially for final-year students involved in mine design projects as the installation will help raise standards, and help them be industry ready when they leave. He added that more than 250 mineral processing and mining engineers have graduated from Unitech in the last decade alone, and this kind of industry support is important for the development of future professionals.