Mining and petroleum panel meets at Unitech

 By GABRIEL LAHOC

THE Mining and Petroleum Industry Advisory Committee (MPIAC) held its first meeting after two years at the University of Technology’s department of mining engineering yesterday.

Morobe Mining Joint Ventures’ general manager sustainability and external relations David Wissink, the newly-appointed chairman of the committee,  was joined by executive director of PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum Greg Anderson, Uni­tech acting vice-chancellor Prof John Pumwa, acting head of mining engineering department Manau Saki  and students.

The MPIAC’s direct relationship with the mining engineering department, which currently has 475 students, 10 academics and 10 technical staff means the mining and petroleum industry can now have a big influence on the department’s activities and programmes.

Pumwa said an updated curriculum, more staff and improved infrastructure of the mining engineering department would help the institution to produce highly-qualified engineers for the local and international industry.

He said MPIAC was an important body, which should influence the academic approach of Unitech for the wider benefit of the mining and petroleum industry.

“We need your input to meet your expectations,” Pumwa said.

“Unitech is committed.

“I want to make sure that academic quality is maintained

“We will incorporate what the industry wants into our curriculum.”

Wissink said there were many exciting developments and technologies in the industry in the country, therefore, “there is a need for this important learning ground to be improved also”.

Students’ representative and third-year student Duckett Kaka hailed the re-entry of the committee, which he said was missed by the students in the past 10 years.