Our Staff
Our School boasts a dynamic team of academic and non-academic staff, each dedicated to nurturing the future generation of mining and mineral process engineers.
Whether you’re a prospective student eager to learn about our program or a current student seeking guidance, our staff are committed to supporting your academic and professional growth. We invite you to explore our website and acquaint yourself with the passionate individuals shaping our institution. Thank you for considering the School of Mining & Mineral Process Engineering for your educational journey. We eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you to our community!
Head & Deputy Head of School
Dr. Jim Pae Lem
Head of School & Senior Lecturer
Mineral Process Engineering
Research Fields
Dr. Jim Lem’s expertise lies in process mineralogy, physical mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, and industrial minerals processing, demonstrating proficiency from instrumental analysis to process control.
Dr. Ken Ail
Deputy Head of School & Lecturer
Mining Engineering
Research Fields
Dr. Ken Ail specializes in mineral economics, taxation and policy analysis, exploration and mine planning management, and environmental engineering within the Papua New Guinean mining context.
Academic Staff
Dr. Prasanna Kumar Yekula
Professor
Mineral Process Engineering
Research Fields
Dr. Prasanna Kumar’s research fields include metallurgy, mineral process engineering, chemical engineering, and environmental studies, showcasing a multidisciplinary expertise ranging from technical processes to environmental considerations.
Dr. John Witne
Senior Lecturer
Mineral Process Engineering
Research Fields
Dr. John Witne’s research fields encompass mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, environmental engineering, small-scale mining, mineral resource development, resource evaluation, project management, and consultancy within the mining and mineral industry.
Dr. Wilson Kobal
Lecturer
Mineral Process Engineering
Research Fields
Dr. Wilson Kobal’s research fields include chemical engineering, process engineering, analytical chemistry, and mineral processing, demonstrating expertise in alum production, heavy metal extraction, and metallurgical projects within the mining industry.
Mr. David Kafe Seteri
Lecturer
Mining Engineering
Research Fields
Mr. David Kafe Seteri’s research fields encompass petroleum engineering, petroleum geology, reservoir engineering, drilling engineering, and production engineering, with expertise extending to consultancy in petroleum regulatory matters, project design, planning, and operations within the petroleum industry.
Mr. Francis Kisai
Technical Instructor
Mineral Process Engineering
Research Fields
Mr. Francis Kisai Bure, a veteran metallurgist with over three decades of experience, specializes in hydrometallurgical extraction, gold extraction methods, safety management systems, and process engineering.
francis.kisai@pnguot.ac.pg
Mr. Yawas Dekba
Technical Instructor
Mining Engineering
Research Fields
Mr. Yawas Dekba, an accomplished geologist, excels in geological exploration, mineral resource assessment, geological mapping, geotechnical analysis, and field surveying techniques. With a keen eye for detail and years of field experience, he brings invaluable insights to every project he undertakes.
yawas.dekba@pnguot.ac.pg
Technical Staff
Administrative Staff
