The Ok Tedi Mining limited (OTML) remains committed to maintaining an industry-institution relationship with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) to ensure the institution prepares quality graduates that are industry ready. OTML Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mr. Kedi Ilimbit mentioned this recently during the opening week of PNGUoT’s Orientation and Registration week, which marked the start of the 2024 Academic year for the institution. Mr. Ilimbit announced as a commitment to their relationship with UoT, certain projects which are currently being progressed. These include: 1. A donation of five light vehicles; 2. Building of the state-of-the-art Analytical Chemistry Laboratory facility under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme; 3. A funding of K100, 000 for the development of a Technology Transfer Centre; 4. Aiding final year students through Industrial Training placements; 5. Assist drive changes in the Industrial Training program within the Mining Industry; and 6. Possible collaborations on knowledge and skills sharing. He said one of the greatest legacies that OTML intends to have is the people it has trained, and OTML has been fortunate to acquire some of the best minds from PNGUoT over the last few decades through OTML’s training programs or direct employment. “Vice Chancellor Professor Oala Renagi, who was my Physics Lecturer some odd years back can attest to this as he visited Ok Tedi late last year and met many talented professionals who once called UNITECH their educational home and are now doing great work for Ok Tedi. I'm sure that a lot of you are on this path! You're welcome! We're prepared for your arrival,” said Mr. Ilimbit. “In addition, a number of our trainees have found work in additional resource operations at both national and international level. They'll be found in Lihir, Kainantu, Simberi, Morobe Mine, Porgera, as well as in the oil and gas sector. They can also be found in projects in Australia, Asia, the Americas, and the African continent.” The OTML Board in September 2023, approved to extend the mine’s life to 2050 and has potential to extend even further. This will generate over K30 billion (US$8.0 billion) in social benefits including taxes, royalties, and dividend payments, over the next years. What's this going to mean for your students? This means that there will continue to be opportunities for training and employment. “We're looking for a good GPA in all the areas we'd like to hire. So, it is for each of you seated here today to do your best while you are in the course of your studies," he said.