Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has donated K550 000 which was used to procured 28 desktops, seven laptops, and a 20kVA Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) system, for the University of Papua New Guinea’s Earth Sciences Division, that were officially handed over by OTML’s representatives to the teaching staff and students of the Division, in a small hand-over ceremony on Friday (14 February 2025). The K550 000 donation was presented in October last year, during the Geoscience Open Day, by OTML. This was purposely to upgrade the Division’s Computer Laboratory for students and teaching staff, following a proposal that was sent to OTML which in return, saw the presentation of funds which covered the purchase, and the set-up and installation of the 28 i7 Acer Desktops, seven i7 Asus laptops, and the Eton 20kVA UPS system. The Executive Dean of the School of Natural and Physical Sciences, Professor Simon Saulei, express his gratitude on behalf of the University and the School, thanking OTML for their continuous support to the Division, particularly to the students to enhance their learning, and will help the Division to go a long way. Prof. Saulei said that Earth Sciences is one of the progressive Division in the School of Natural and Physical Sciences, in terms of enticing and collaborating with the partners. “At the divisional level, this is working well with Earth Sciences and the partners, but we would also like to progress it to the School so that the School would also play a role in ensuring and managing some of the things that we agree to participate in, particularly with engaging research staff and students in special projects that will help to upscale their skills and qualifications,” added Prof. Saulei. The Head of Earth Sciences Division, Associate Professor Joseph Espi, said that partnerships and support like this ensures that the Division is of value to all who contributes to the production of quality human capital, especially earth scientists, geologists, and geoscientists. “I’m so proud in saying that OTML is a nationally owned company that is focused in contributing to ensure that the University produce quality graduates who are industry-ready,” added Prof. Espi. Representing OTML at the event, the Manager, Mine Technical Services, James Bu, said that with OTML’s Strategic Goal to expand the mine life to 2050, the strategic partnerships with institutions like UPNG, and other business partners is important to groom and develop future leaders in the mining industry that can bring Ok Tedi forward to 2050. “We are also proud to be here to witness the Division’s efforts under the leadership of Associate Prof. Espi, and to officially present the desktops and the laptops to the students and staff,” added Bu. Mr. Bu told the staff and students to take good care of the desktops and laptops, and to also look after the computer lab. The 28 desktops that were presented to the Division will cater for 22 final year, 20 third year, and 18 second year students, while the seven laptops were presented to the teaching staff. The Earth Sciences Division, staff and students, are immensely grateful to OTML, under the leadership of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kedi Ilimbit, for their kind donation and unwavering support. They would also like to thank the suppliers, Badonga Tech & Graphics Solutions, and Stream Tech Knowledge PNG Ltd, for supplying and installing the desktops, laptops, and the UPS. OTML has been assisting institutions such as UPNG strategically through Employment of Graduates, Undergraduate Tertiary Scholarship, Postgraduate Scholarship, Graduate Development Scheme, Industrial Training of Year 3 Earth Sciences Students, Prizes for the Best Graduate, and Purchase of Teaching & Learning Equipment, amongst many others. OTML has been an important strategic partner of the Earth Sciences Division since 1984.