The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) hosted its annual Geoscience Open Day at the University campus on Friday, October 9, 2026. The event served as a critical networking platform, bridging the gap between industry stakeholders, tertiary institutions and secondary schools.
Among the prominent stakeholders invited to participate was the Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI). They joined major mineral resource giants and regulatory bodies, including the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), K92 Mining Inc, Great Pacific Gold Corp, New Porgera, and Nickel 28. Secondary education was also represented, with science students from Mount Diamond Secondary School attending to gain key insights into the extractive sector.
Officially opening the event, UPNG Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Findlay stated that the presence of such diverse stakeholders highlights the strong professional relationships and ongoing collaboration the university enjoys with the industry. He acknowledged the persistent challenges the university faces in fully preparing its graduates for the modern workforce. However, Professor Findlay emphasized that these strategic partnerships allow the institution to design and teach more targeted, industry-relevant courses to better equip its students.
The active educational partnership was further highlighted during the welcoming address by the Associate Professor & Divisional Leader of Earth Sciences, Joseph Espi. He extended special recognition to PNGEITI, commending the organization for its continued collaboration with the School of Earth Sciences through regular guest lectures.
The Geoscience Open Day concluded with a guided tour of the Earth Sciences Division, where attendees and students viewed various geological rock specimens, followed by a buffet for the participants.
