K92 Mining Inc. welcomed Dr Joseph Espi, Associate Professor and Divisional Leader of Earth Sciences at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), for a lecturer immersion visit at its Kainantu operations, strengthening the company’s ongoing collaboration with local universities.
The visit forms part of K92’s School-to-Mine strategy and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with partner universities, designed to provide educators with practical, hands-on exposure to mining operations, and to support academic programmes with real-world industry insights.
Hosted by K92’s Vice President of Exploration, Rob Smillie, Dr Espi spent the week underground and on site, observing geological, mining, and exploration practices, while reconnecting with former students who are now part of the K92 team. The visit marked Dr Espi’s first return to the region since completing his own industrial placement in 1993.
“Such a visit forms a platform that improves, strengthens, cultures and sustains collaboration and partnership between individuals, and between K92 Mining and UPNG Earth Sciences Division,” Dr Espi said.
Dr Espi, who leads the Earth Sciences Division at UPNG, has been active in bridging academic learning and industry practice, coordinating student industrial placements, field studies, and collaborative research projects with Papua New Guinea’s major mining companies. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing scholarships, industrial training programmes, and research partnerships that equip students with the skills required for the mining sector.
Through the MOUs, K92 remains committed to supporting teaching quality, research opportunities, and capability development for Papua New Guinea’s future workforce, while strengthening its ties with UPNG.
The miner believes that these partnerships ensure that students and faculty gain exposure to contemporary mining practices, while the company benefits from fresh perspectives and emerging talent.
The initiative highlights a growing trend in Papua New Guinea of industry-academia collaboration, where mining companies actively engage with universities to enhance education, research, and workforce development in the resource sector.
