Ok Tedi Sponsors UPNG Law School Moot Court Competition

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) continues to support the education of future Papua New Guinean leaders in various professions.

The company was proud to sponsor prizes for the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) Law School’s 36th Moot Court Competition for 2025 during their Law Students Society Closing Program on October 2nd.

The Moot Court competition grand finals were staged on September 4th at the UPNG main campus, showcasing the courtroom prowess of the law students and their role as emerging legal practitioners in shaping the future of Papua New Guinea.

Delivering the keynote address at the presentation event, Ok Tedi Manager Government and External Relations, Martin Paining, expressed pride in Ok Tedi’s commitment to nurturing local talent.

“As a 100% PNG owned company, Ok Tedi is honoured to support the education of our future leaders and supporting the UPNG Law School’s Moot Court sessions through the sponsorship of prizes for the grand finalists and the consolation prizes for the participants is one such initiative.”

Emphasising the importance of education and training, Mr Paining highlighted that 98 percent of Ok Tedi’s workforce comprises Papua New Guineans, with a significant representation from the Western Province. He noted that approximately 18 percent of the company’s workforce is female, demonstrating Ok Tedi’s commitment to gender diversity.

“Our investment of K159 million from 1981 to 2024 in education and training reflects our dedication, not only to developing Ok Tedi’s human resources but also to fostering the growth of PNG’s future leaders,” Mr Paining said. This investment spans scholarships, apprenticeships, graduate programs, and trade training across institutions including UPNG, Papua New Guinea University of Technology, and Divine Word University.

Mr Paining acknowledged UPNG’s legacy in producing some of the country’s finest legal minds, including those currently serving in Ok Tedi’s Legal and Contracts divisions.

As the country marks 50 years of independence, Ok Tedi remains committed to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future through strategic investments in education and leadership development.

“Ok Tedi is a responsible corporate citizen, and we are committed to investing in the education and development of Papua New Guinea’s future leaders,” Mr Paining added.