MRDC donates state-of-the-art TNavigator software academic tutorial

Students from the Earth Science Division of the University of Papua New Guinea [UPNG] and the School of Mining Engineering at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology [UOT] can now access the State-Of-The-Art TNavigator software. 

The software was donated to the two schools by the Mineral Resources Development Company [MRDC].

 It will allow the students to have access to tutorials on reservoir modelling which will have them ready to use current industry-based softwares when they join the workforce. 

Used by world class resource industry operators for reservoir modelling, the software was bought by MRDC at a cost of a little over million kina for use by its technical division. 

MRDC managing director Augustine Mano said the donation is part of MRDC’s corporate social responsibility in manpower development. 

“Bring part of the extractive sector, we believe we should contribute where we can in upskilling and preparing our young people, especially engineers, have a successful career in the industry,”Mr
Mano said. 

MRDC Technical manager Ann-Tania Sipori said when MRDC purchased the Software, as part of the agreement with the vendor, it was to provide free student tutorial licenses to tertiary institutions, so MRDC chose UPNG and UNITECH.

 UPNG Earth Science Associate Professor Joseph O. Espi said while most of the teaching at the school was theory and field based, some such as modelling, need High-End computers and industry-based
software's.  

“Industry based software’s are expensive, so we are fortunate to have this, and we are thankful to MRDC. Now that we have this TNavigator software installed, it will help our students. 

 This is a transition period for us now, as students learn to see in 3D and make them better in using softwares, so their software skills in mineral, geotechnical engineering, and geoscience will be significantly improved.  

“This software will help us produce graduates who are industry ready when they graduate.” 

Deputy Head of the School of Mining Engineering at UOT Dr Kel Ail said over the last 30 years the school has been producing mining engineers, but lacked the software to aid students in mine design.

He said the installation will help especially the final year mining engineering students who are required to do mine design. This will certainly lift our standard, help be industry ready when they leave. 

In the last 10 years, the UOT has graduated some 250 mineral processing and mining engineers.  

“We have been longing for such support. This type of company assistance by MRDC, we are very appreciative. This will assist our teaching because we are developing young people and every stakeholder should help our programs, not only mining but also other programs.