WASM Wombats in Tough Competition
May 2008After many months of extensive training, six teams from the WASM Wombats and the Perth-based WASM Wallabies did the Western Australian School of Mines proud in the 30th Annual Intercollegiate Mining Games held in Rolla, Missouri on the 11th and 12th of April.
The Annual International Collegiate Mining Games were established in 1978 to commemorate the Sunshine Mine Disaster of 1972 in which 91 miners lost their lives as well as to honour and remember all miners who have perished in the line of duty.
The WASM Wombats have dominated the Games circuit since 1998 with significant wins across the men's, women's and co-ed divisions and this year's competition lived up to its expectations with the Men's A Team placing amongst the top 5 teams and the WASM Wombats Women's Team beating competitors from around the world to win their division.
The Games aim to preserve traditional mining techniques and allow universities within the minerals education field to compete against each other in old-fashioned mining methods including airleg drilling, gold panning, hand bogging (mucking), handsteel (hammer and tap), swede saw, surveying and trackset.
The largest event of its kind in the world, the Intercollegiate Mining Games bring a great amount of prestige for the winning teams, and with 27 outstanding teams from around the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, the competition this year was particularly tough.
Mark Knedler, President of the WASM Wombats, is pleased with the way that the teams performed at the Mining Games.
"All of the teams did WASM really proud, particularly the women's team who came into the competition as the underdog and went on to win their division."
As well as competing in the Mining Games, the students spent some time travelling in the US and had the opportunity to visit the Rio Tinto Bingham Canyon Copper Mine in Utah and the Doe Run Buick underground lead mine in Missouri, giving them invaluable exposure to the international mining industry.
Aside from the competition itself, the highlight of their trip was meeting students from around the world who have a shared interest in mining.
"It was wonderful to be surrounded by a large group of people who are all in the same stage in their lives and who are all heading in the same direction. It was also a great opportunity to network for our future careers," said Mr Knedler.
The WASM Wombats have received strong support from the mining industry, with funding from a number of very generous companies to cover their airfare, accommodation, travel, training gear and competition entry fees.
Next year's Intercollegiate Mining Games will be held in the United States at the University of Montana Tech with Kalgoorlie next hosting the games in 2010. The WASM Wombats will begin selecting next year's team later this year with the expectation that many members of the Perth-based WASM Wallabies will become a part of next year's Wombats team.
Information about the Intercollegiate Mining Games and the WASM Wombats can be found on their website at www.wasmwombats.com.au
For more information, please contact:
Mark Knedler
WASM Wombats President
0403 982 674
mark.knedler@student.curtin.edu.au
WASM Welcomes Bursary Scheme Participants
April 2008The Western Australian School of Mines welcomed a group of Year 12 students from around the state as part of the Commonwealth Government's Mining Careers Bursary Scheme.
For four days in April, twenty-seven students were given the opportunity to experience the mining industry and mining education first hand in what was their second annual visit to Kalgoorlie. WASM Marketing Coordinator Cari Furman is pleased with the support that the scheme received from the local mining industry.
"Local sites including Norilsk Nickel Cawse and Dioro South Kalgoorlie Operations have been very welcoming in allowing this group of enthusiastic students to tour their sites and meet with industry professionals in their work environment.
"These students also had the opportunity to experience some of the wonderful aspects of being in Kalgoorlie and studying at WASM," Ms Furman said.
The Australian Government Mining Careers Bursary Scheme is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Education, Science and Training, and is coordinated by the Western Australian School of Mines.
The scheme was established in 2006 with the aim of encouraging the select group of thirty students to successfully complete Maths and Science subjects in Years 10, 11 and 12, and to encourage these students to consider a future career in the mining industry through the provision of bursary payments and attendance at mining workshops in Kalgoorlie.
As part of their camp, the students participated in a series of workshops run by Western Australian School of Mines lecturers and PhD students who gave them a small taste of the type of work they will undertake if they choose to enrol in a WASM course at university next year.
Participating student Cameron Fitzgerald from Hale School was enthusiastic about his involvement in the scheme.
"The Mining Bursary Scheme camp was a very rewarding experience. It gave me a clear understanding about the mining industry and it was great to socialise with a group of like-minded people," he said.
The thirty students in the scheme will be completing their TEE later this year and selecting their 2009 university courses in late September.
For more information, please contact
Cari Furman
WASM Marketing & PR Coordinator
08 9088 6811
c.furman@curtin.edu.au
WASM Scholarships - Future Leaders in their Fields
April 2008WASM students collectively received more than $350,000 in financial support for their 2008 studies at the annual prizes and scholarship ceremony held in early April.
Acting WASM director Prof. Eric Grimsey said the scholarship announcements were an opportunity to not only reward students but also to acknowledge industry, government and community groups which provide support each year.
Prof. Grimsey said the major scholarship sponsor over the years had been the WA Government, through the Department of Industry and Resources, with the department providing students with eight scholarships with a total value of $48,000 while 30 companies and various members of the Goldfields community also provided support.
"We are very proud of the level of support we receive from our sponsors," he said. "In return, our commitment is to make the best use of our resources to maintain and improve our educational standards, so that the mining industry can continue to recruit the high-quality mining professionals it requires and deserves.
"Student demand at WASM has reached near record levels over the past four years and the competition for these prizes is higher than ever."
Paddington Gold Mine general manager Jon Price said the scholarships rewarded the efforts of students who would be future leaders of the resources sector.
"WASM and Curtin have been producing outstanding graduates for a number of years now," Mr Price said. "As resource companies we have an opportunity and a responsibility to these students as part of our ongoing investment in infrastructure and ensuring the sustained growth of the industry."
This article appeared in the Kalgoorlie Miner Newspaper on Monday April 7, 2008 and was written by Garrett Mundy.
Photos and a list of Prizes and Scholarships winners can be found on the WASM Students Website at http://www.wasm.curtin.edu.au/current/events.cfm
Curtin academic recognised as one of Australia's top ten researchers
April 2008Curtin University of Technology's Professor Zheng-Xiang Li has been honoured with a Thomson Scientific Research Citation Award naming him as one of the ten most pre-eminent researchers in Australia.
A Professor in the Department of Applied Geology and the Institute for Geoscience Research (TIGeR) at Curtin, Li has been recognised for receiving one of the top average citation rates per published paper over a 10 year period between 1997 and 2007. His work is focused on understanding the Earth's evolution over the last 1,000 million years and the tectonic processes responsible for this evolution.
Reflecting on the Award Professor Li expressed his delight at this recognition.
"It is a great honour to be recognised by Thomson Scientific Research in this way and it reflects the high-standard of geoscience research being carried out by Australian researchers," Professor Li said.
"Many of my research achievements are the direct result of successful alliances with Australian colleagues and international collaborators."
According to Essential Science IndicatorsSM from Thomson Scientific, Professor Li's outstanding record in the field of geosciences includes 66 papers cited 1,231 times from January 1, 1997 to October 31, 2007 placing him in the top 1 per cent of scientists in this field.
Professor Li's studies help to recognise global geodynamic events as recorded in the Earth's history and examine possible links between such events. His studies have direct implications for the mineral and petroleum industries and environmental and climatic studies, especially in the West Pacific region.
"My work contributes to a better understanding of the inner working of the Earth's dynamic system and how it impacts on surface processes and climate," Professor Li said.
Mr Jeroen Prinsen, Director of Australasia Sales at Thomson Scientific commented on the outstanding talent that the Awards recognise.
"We are delighted to have had the opportunity to bring together such a wealth of scientific talent. The breadth of areas honoured here today ��� from cancer research to plant science, coral reefs and inflation ��� is a reflection of the depth of Australian innovation in scientific research," Mr Prinsen said.
"It provides an ideal opportunity for the Australian research community to meet and consider the issues associated with the assessment and measurement of research quality."
The presentation ceremony for the Awards was held at the National Press Club in Canberra on April 2, 2008.
For more information, please contact:
Lisa Mayer
PR Coordinator
Curtin University of Technology
Phone: 08 9266 1930
l.mayer@curtin.edu.au
Curtin identified as Australia's largest provider of geoscience education
March 2008
The Australian Geoscience Council has released its Geoscience Tertiary Education Profile, based on a 2007 survey of the 20 or so universities in Australia with geoscience departments or schools.
This survey identifies Curtin as the single largest supplier of undergraduate geoscience education in Australia, with the Departments of Applied Geology and Exploration Geophysics responsible for 12% of the total geoscience taught at undergraduate level. These figures are based on the total number of full-time equivalent students enrolled in geoscience units.
Curtin also ranked highly in terms of the number of academic staff, with 8% of Australia's total geoscience academics funded from teaching income (third ranked behind the University of Wollongong and James Cook University), and 11% of Australia's total geoscience academics funded from research income (second-ranked behind the Australian National University).
The survey data also suggest that Curtin supplies more than half of the nation's postgraduate coursework graduates in geoscience, and is the sixth largest provider of geoscience research graduates with 7% of the higher degree by research completions over the 2003-2006 period.
Despite areas of relative strength in resource-rich states like Western Australia and South Australia, the profile highlights that geoscience education is a relatively high-cost low-enrolment discipline that does not fare well under Government funding regimes based solely on student numbers. It also emphasised that a recent sharp decline in the number of domestic honours and postgraduate research students is likely to result in a catastrophic skills in the near future.
Memorandum of Understanding with Chamber of Minerals and Energy
March 2008A new partnership between Curtin University and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) will help to develop the capacity of the minerals and energy sector to respond to the critical skill shortage in the resources industry.
A memorandum of understanding between Curtin and the CME was signed today to bolster the resolve of both in the development of educational and research programs that strengthen the Australian resource industry.
Professor Jeanette Hacket, Vice-Chancellor of Curtin emphasised Curtin's commitment to developing mutually beneficial partnerships for the good of industry.
"Curtin already has partnerships with some of the leading players in the minerals and energy sector such as BHP, Rio Tinto, Woodside and Chevron, and we are very pleased to be able to add the Chamber of Minerals and Energy to this list," Professor Hacket said.
"We are the largest provider of education in Australia for the mining industry and already have close to 900 students who are studying for degrees in mineral education, comprising both exploration and production areas.
"The co-operative relationship with the CME will have far reaching outcomes including expected increases in the quantity and quality of students to more readily meet the resource industry���s employment and research needs."
This agreement also promises sustainable strategies for all minerals and energy related programs with the Western Australia School of Mines (WASM) being one of the main beneficiaries of this strategic partnership.
Professor Paul Dunn, Head of WASM, is excited by the partnership with the CME and explains the potential impact on the resources industry.
"The current resources boom offers an unprecedented opportunity for growth for universities in WA. Curtin is responding to this rare circumstance by recruiting internationally recognised academics to head education and research initiatives in core mining and energy disciplines, and this ties in very well with the $113 million resources and chemistry precinct being built at its Bentley campus," Professor Dunn said.
For more information please contact:
Lisa Mayer
PR Coordinator
Curtin University
Phone:08 9266 1930
l.mayer@curtin.edu.au
Curtin partners Rio Tinto to improve research into mine technologies
March 2008Curtin University of Technology and Rio Tinto have entered into a $10.5 million partnership to develop a world class innovation centre for strategic research and development in materials and sensing in mining.
Based at Curtin's Bentley campus, the Centre for Materials and Sensing in Mining will provide unique opportunities for Curtin's researchers and research students to enhance the most advanced mining systems in the world. The Centre will also be a magnet that attracts talented scientists and engineers seeking quality research facilities in a global industry focussed environment.
Professor Jeanette Hacket, Vice Chancellor of Curtin explained the benefits of the new Centre.
"The Centre will involve collaboration with key research areas across the University and will include partnerships with a range of highly respected international research institutes," Professor Hacket said.
"It clearly demonstrates the significant focus Curtin has in the resources sector."
Rio Tinto's partnership with Curtin will also provide a global reach into a diverse range of world class research institutes.
Mr Sam Walsh, Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief executive, commented on the direct links with leading international research groups that will grow as a result of the alliance.
"This partnership is exciting, both for its research potential and for its practical and commercial perspective. Its main work will be in development, testing and deployment of technologies with specific application to Rio Tinto's operations," Mr Walsh said.
"The centre will play a significant role in Rio Tinto's drive to incorporate world-class R&D in its operations and vision for the mine of the future. It will complement the work being done at the Rio Tinto Centre for Mine Automation through our $21 million partnership with the University of Sydney."
Open pit mining operations and associated transport efficiency issues will be addressed by the new Centre and ultimately benefit Rio Tinto by providing solutions through the development of advanced and innovative technologies.
Dr Vladimir Golovanevskiy will lead the Centre to be a global leader in the field of sensing and materials applications to achieve a step change in surface mining. Greater knowledge of rock properties will lead to improvement of logistics such as mining sequence, equipment deployment, ore/waste discrimination and subsequent processing steps.
For more information, please contact:
Lisa Mayer
PR Coordinator
Curtin University of Technology
Phone: 08 9266 1930
l.mayer@curtin.edu.au
High tech Spatial Sciences Studio targets new generation students
March 2008Expectations for increasing the number of cartography, surveying and geographic information science graduates are high with the launch of Curtin University of Technology���s new state-of-the-art Spatial Sciences Studios.
In a key alliance, Landgate has committed $430,000 over five years for Curtin to refurbish and develop this new Studio that combines high tech computer systems with cutting-edge teaching resources specifically targeted at today���s new generation of technology savvy students.
The new facilities comprise three multi-purpose studios in addition to an internet caf�� and common areas specially designed to encourage student interaction.
This Studio will be a focal point for geographic information science, surveying and cartography in WA and serve as an industry resource to support education and research initiatives.
The Hon Michelle Roberts MLA, Minister for Land Information officiated at the launch of the Studios recently where over 60 industry and university representatives gathered to view the new facilities and learn more about how Curtin and Landgate plan to create opportunities to attract Indigenous and international students to spatial science education programs in WA.
Professor Jane den Hollander, Acting Vice Chancellor, commented on the partnership with Landgate and how it benefits the student learning environment.
"Our association with Landgate is extremely significant to us as it demonstrates the essential connections between the learners (our students), their teachers and the industries and business within the community. This alliance is increasingly important in our complex world and most particularly in the sciences where a combination of technology and business sense is required."
Mr Grahame Searle, Chief Executive of Landgate, reinforced the critical role spatial sciences plays in the lives of every Western Australian.
"Spatial Science is used in environmental monitoring, management of natural resources, assets, land and emergencies," Mr Searle said.
Curtin University is the only Western Australian university to offer courses in spatial sciences. It is hoped that the alliance between Curtin and Landgate will not only attract students to the course, but also add to the resources available to high school geography students and teachers in WA.
Photos of the Landgate Spatial Sciences Studio can be found on the Spatial Sciences website at http://www.spatial.curtin.edu.au
For more information please contact:
Lisa Mayer
PR Coordinator
Curtin University of Technology
Ph: 08 9266 1930
l.mayer@curtin.edu.au
WASM Staff Member celebrates 40 years
February 2008Proudly celebrating his 40th year at WASM, Lewis Pannell has come to call the Western Australian School of Mines his family. As WASM's (and one of Curtin University's) longest serving staff members, Lewis has seen many changes within the school and the community.
Since starting work as a lab technician a few days before his 18th birthday, Lewis has been a well known and respected member of the WASM community. In his time at the school, he has attended 39 graduation ceremonies and seen over 1700 students graduate and enter the mining industry. One of his proudest moments in that time was his own son���s graduation in 1999 as a metallurgist, an event that required Lewis to accept his son's certificate in his absence.
Having lived in Kalgoorlie since the age of 14, Lewis has seen many boom times and downfalls in the mining industry. He took advantage of the 1960s nickel boom by dabbling in the stockmarket. A hot tip saw him make $500 which, added to his wage of just over $5000 per annum, enabled him to buy his first house then shortly thereafter marry his wife of 36 years.
Lewis talks fondly of his early years at WASM.
"Back then students came to class with long pants, a shirt and sometimes a tie. They brought with them their log table book, slide rule, biro and cigarettes ��� everyone smoked in class."
He has seen many transformations during his time at WASM. Some of the more significant have been the introduction of female students, the establishment of student housing at Agricola Residential College and the development and use of new technology and equipment. Lewis remembers the day when he unpacked a box of new calculators that cost $600 each. While being able to add, subtract, multiply and divide, they also had memory and square root capabilities and were kept locked away in the Calculator Room.
Over the past 40 years, Lewis has witnessed such changes as the Western Australian School of Mines becoming a part of WAIT ��� now Curtin University of Technology - the development of classes being offered on Curtin's Bentley campus and the expansion of the school to include more departments. He has worked with many of the school's directors, all of whom have had an open door policy for staff and students and each with his own strengths as a leader, maintaining WASM's standing as Australia's top mining education institution.
Without Lewis, the Western Australian School of Mines would surely have been a different place. His optimistic attitude towards his work over the years and his always present smile have made him a wonderful colleague and a part of the school���s history.
Distributed Seismic Acquisition System Upgrade
February 2008The Department of Exploration Geophysics has recently upgraded its distributed seismic acquisition system (Seistronix). 360 additional seismic channels have been delivered, bringing the total of channels to 850. This expanded capability will soon be used for the biggest ever 3D seismic reflection survey for Nickel at Lake Lefroy (Kambalda).
For more details, please contact:
Dr. Milovan Urosovic
Senior Lecturer - Department of Exploration Geophysics
Tel. 61-8-9266-2296
Fx. 61-8-9266-3407
Mob. 0407 447 333
or email M.Urosevic@curtin.edu.au
Dept. Of Exploration Geophysics Senior Lecturer accepts ASEG Technical Committee Chair
February 2008Milovan Urosevic, Senior Lecturer, Dept. Of Exploration Geophysics at Curtin University of Technology has accepted the ASEG (Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists) Technical Committee Chair.
The ASEG is a non-profit company founded in 1970. Its aims are;
- to promote the science of geophysics, and specifically exploration geophysics, throughout Australia
- to foster fellowship and co-operation between geophysicists
- to encourage closer understanding and co-operation with other earth scientists
- to assist in the design and teaching of courses in geophysics and to sponsor student sections where appropriate.
The ASEG's main activities are publication of the technical journal Exploration Geophysics and the bi-monthly magazine Preview and occasional Special Publications. The ASEG organises a Geophysical Conference and Exhibition every 18 months. The ASEG also conducts continuing education courses and supports research in exploration geophysics. It also has a Research Foundation which helps fund specific research projects at Australian tertiary institutions.
The ASEG's Technical Standards Committee is responsible for implementing industry wide standards to aid in data transfer and data quality.
PhD Student Awarded for Outstanding Research
January 2008WASM's new Minerals Engineering PhD student, Mr. Jian Zhang, recently ranked first in the selection process of the 2008 Australian Postgraduate Award within Curtin University. His outstanding research record of 6 journal publications and 12 conference papers has made him the recipient of both APA and CUPS (Curtin University Postgraduate Scholarship) awards. His current PhD research project is ' floatation characteristics of metal sulphides' under the supervision of A/Professor Haipeng Wang (Mineral Engineering).
Prior to undertaking his PhD at WASM, Mr Zhang studied in China, graduating with Master degree by research from one of China's most prestigious Universities, East China University of Science & Technology. He accrued six years research experience at the State Key Lab of Reactive Extrusion in China before coming to Australia with his family. Mr Zhang's wife, Mrs Yao Zhang, is also doing her postgraduate studies at WASM.
For more information, please contact:
Associate Professor Haipeng Wang
08 9088 6180
haipeng.wang@curtin.edu.au
Curtin leases Kalgoorlie's Australia Hotel for WASM Accommodation
December 2007Following increased enrolment at the Western Australian School of Mines over the past few years, Curtin University has leased Kalgoorlie's Australia Hotel to provide accommodation for university students in the Goldfields.
Favourable economic conditions in the mining industry have resulted in record enrolment at WASM which has led to this initiative for the university to meet ongoing accommodation needs of students.
The Australia Hotel will provide space for up to forty students with the aim of using the hotel for international and mature age students while retaining Agricola Residential College for school leavers.
Associate Director of the Western Australian School of Mines, Eric Grimsey, is pleased with the university���s decision to establish this accommodation.
"Leasing the Australia Hotel sends a very positive message of Curtin���s commitment to regional education and to the future of WASM in Kalgoorlie."
It is expected that all rooms in both the Australia Hotel and Agricola Residential College with be filled by the start of Semester 1 2008.
For more information please contact:
Cari Furman
WASM Marketing and PR Coordinator
08 9088 6811
furmanc@kalg.curtin.edu.au
WA Mining Club Raffle Proceeds Assist WASM���s Metallurgy Students
December 2007Proceeds from a recent raffle held by the WA Mining Club will be put towards improving facilities for current and future generations of WASM students.
For the last 35 years the WA Mining Club has facilitated social and technical interaction within the mining industry and has recognised the importance of excellence in mining education.
Mr Mike Hebden, Vice President of the WA Mining Club, is thrilled that the organisation has had the opportunity to show its support for the Western Australian School of Mines.
"The WA Mining Club is proud to assist WASM in ensuring that students are given the opportunity to reach their full potential at university in order to maintain the high quality of personnel working in the mining industry."
The Western Australian School of Mines is honoured to join the Royal Flying Doctor Service as a recipient of the raffle proceeds.
Professor Eric Grimsey, Associate Director of WASM, is pleased to announce that the funds raised will be put to good use by upgrading equipment in the minerals processing laboratories.
"We hope to use the proceeds to acquire atomic absorption lamps for the accurate determination of metal species in solution.
"This will ensure that our students are given the best possible opportunities for increasing their understanding of minerals engineering and extractive metallurgy."
The WA Mining Club actively supports mining education through fundraising efforts such as this as well as by offering annual scholarships to university students who hope to excel in the mining industry.
For more information, please contact:
Cari Furman
WASM Marketing and PR Coordinator
08 9088 6811
furmanc@kalg.curtin.edu.au
For information about the WA Mining Club, please see the following website: www.waminingclub.asn.au
St Barbara's Parade
December 2007December 1st saw the 9th annual St Barbara's Parade held in Kalgoorlie. Thousands of onlookers cheered for over 50 groups of participants who showed their community spirit by dressing up for the festive pageant.
Staff and students from the Western Australian School of Mines marched down Hannan Street alongside the AusIMM Kalgoorlie Branch, complete with children who helped to throw lollies out to the enthusiastic crowd.
Our thanks go to all of the staff and students who participated in the parade, particularly Sean Mason who wore the WASM Wombat costume with humour and pride.
Each year the St Barbara's Festival raises money which is given to the Western Australian School of Mines to ensure that we are able to provide the highest quality of education for our future mining professionals. The festival has raised more than $70,000 for WASM in the past 8 years.
For more information and photos, please see the document at the following location: St Barbara's Parade
WASM Metallurgy Welcomes New Associate Professor
November 2007The Western Australian School of Mines would like to welcome Dr Haipeng Wang to their Metallurgy Department as the department���s new Associate Professor.
In 2002, Dr Wang moved to Australia from his home in China where he lectured in Materials Engineering at ECUST University in Shanghai. After completing his PhD in Adelaide, he took on a position as a Post Doc / Scientist for CSIRO under the Light Metal Flagship program. His research project was to utilise low grade bauxite to produce alumina. Dr Wang then worked as the Project Leader for the Nickel-RIP Program at BHP Billiton in Newcastle before making the move to Kalgoorlie.
With his focus on research into mineral processing, particularly flotation and ore crushing, Dr Wang considers the move to Kalgoorlie and WASM very promising as it gives him the opportunity to advance his research profile in relation to the local mining industry. He is looking forward to settling in to the lifestyle here and meeting the students when classes begin again early next year.
Dr Wang can be contacted via email haipeng.wang@curtin.edu.au or telephone 9088 6180.
New Equipment for Mining Engineering
October 2007The establishment of Mining Education Australia as a joint venture between three major Australian mining engineering departments (Curtin University, University of New South Wales and University of Queensland) brought with it the initiative of a common curriculum for senior mining engineering courses.
With the recent acquisition of a ventilation test rig, the School is now well-equipped to cater for all of the underground mine ventilation testing requirements thus ensuring consistency in course delivery across the three course providers.
The WASM mine ventilation laboratory is also fully equipped with all necessary measuring instrumentation such as barometers and anemometers which are required to carry out ventilation surveys in underground mines.
The test rig, which was designed and developed by WASM staff and constructed by Goldfields Metal Industries (GMI), enables students to learn the challenges of mine ventilation in a laboratory environment.
It features a centrifugal fan driven by a 5 HP (3.7 kW) motor, variable speed fan, a 14 metre long and 300 mm X 300 mm cross section duct that simulates a mine as well as a number of ventilation doors that can be used to isolate parts of the ���mine���.
The Western Australian School of Mines would like to thank Mining Education Australia and the St Barbara���s Festival for providing the $35,000 that made this mine ventilation testing rig an indispensable and greatly appreciated addition to the mining engineering department.
For more information, please contact:
Dr Mahinda Kuruppu
Senior Lecturer - Mining Engineering
08 9088 6173
m.kuruppu@curtin.edu.au
For more information and photos, please open the document on the following page: Mine Ventilation Test Rig
Industry welcomes future leaders
October 2007Mining companies around the state opened their doors last week to a group of enthusiastic students from the Western Australian School of Mines.
As part of their bi-annual field trip around the Goldfields and North-West, nineteen Minerals Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy students took advantage of the opportunity to explore four very different sites.
Over five days involving more than 3000 kilometres of travel, the students experienced first hand what life is like in mine site accommodation villages and how the people who work on the sites integrate with surrounding communities.
Associate Professor and field trip coordinator Don Ibana stresses the importance of university students being given opportunities such as this throughout their studies.
"Plant visits are an essential part of WASM degree programs. Regular reviews of these visits reveal that students consistently regard their educational value very highly."
Sites visited included BHP Billiton's Mt Keith and Mt Whaleback operations, Harmony Gold's Hill 50 and Oxiana Golden Grove.
While on site, students were given the valuable experience of touring processing facilities which proved to be an excellent opportunity for participants to consolidate their practical and theoretical understanding of mineral processing.
Simon Assmann, currently completing the third year of his Bachelor of Engineering (Minerals Engineering) degree, found the experience particularly beneficial in assisting with career development as well as vacation work and graduate employment opportunities.
"The trip gave me an insight into different types of mines, in particular the processes used depending on the type of ore. It was great being able to experience how the mine environment was affected by whether the site was residential, fly in fly out or drive in drive out."
The Western Australian School of Mines runs field trips for students undertaking degree courses in Mining Engineering, Extractive Metallurgy / Minerals Engineering and Geology in order to provide them with hands-on experience and the opportunity to establish networks within the industries in which they will soon be active members.
For more information please contact:
Mr Don Ibana
Associate Professor Metallurgy / Field Trip Coordinator
Phone: 08 9088 6186
Email: D.Ibana@curtin.edu.au
For more information and photos, please open the document on the following page: Metallurgy Field Trip
Curtin appoints new Director for the Western Australian School of Mines
October 2007Curtin University of Technology has announced the appointment of Professor Paul Dunn as Director of the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM).
According to Curtin's Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket, WASM will continue to grow under Professor Dunn's leadership.
"WASM has earned Curtin a strong reputation for excellence in mining education and research, and the current resources boom is providing an unprecedented opportunity for further growth in this area," Professor Hacket said.
"As Director of WASM Professor Dunn will be responsible for Curtin���s resources and minerals related research and education across the State.
"His strong industry network, student supervision experience and project management expertise will provide an excellent environment for growing the WASM team and improving student learning opportunities."
Professor Dunn joins Curtin following his position as Director of the Centre for Mining Technology at the Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO) in Canada, a not-for-profit applied research and technical service company.
As part of this role, Professor Dunn was also the Chair in Mining Technology, Graduate Coordinator and Associate Professor for Laurentian University''s School of Engineering.
Prior to this, Professor Dunn has held positions with the University of Queensland and previously taught at WASM from 1990 to 1993.
Professor Dunn brings to WASM relevant research knowledge which he believes will support and complement the departments within his new portfolio.
"I intend to integrate the different focus areas within WASM to deliver high impact research to the minerals industry," he said.
"My strategy is to plan for growth within the given constraints, to ensure efficient delivery of teaching and research, whilst maintaining a dynamic research and learning environment."
As Director of MIRARCO's Centre for Mining Technology, Professor Dunn focussed his research on waterjet technologies and virtual reality applications in health and safety, and developing improved long term mine planning tools.
He will commence as Director of WASM in October and will split his time between the University's Kalgoorlie and Bentley Campuses.
His appointment comes after Professor Peter Lilly resigned as WASM Director in May 2006. Curtin���s Professor Eric Grimsey, who was also previously WASM Director from 1997 to 2003, has been acting in the role since May 2006.
Networking with The AusIMM Student Chapter
September 2007On Thursday September 19, the Kalgoorlie Student Chapter of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) held their annual Formal Dinner at the Tower Hotel where networking over a sumptuous meal was the order of the evening.
The Kalgoorlie Student Chapter, one of many around the country that provides the opportunity for students in minerals related courses to mix with each other and industry professionals, is particularly well supported with nearly 200 local students currently holding AusIMM membership.
Kalgoorlie Student Chapter President David Willey believes strongly in the benefit of being a part of The AusIMM while a student.
"I think it is a great bridge which can be built between students and professionals in the industry. It provides academic, social and professional situations to connect and build your career and nights like last night demonstrate the networking and learning that can occur as students with industry professionals."
The AusIMM Student Chapters rely on support from the mining community in order to hold events such as this dinner which was proudly sponsored by Barrick, Mincor Resources, Gold Fields, Metso Minerals, SNF Floerger and The AusIMM.
The annual dinner was a huge success with the industry's future leaders interacting in a social setting with WASM staff and mining professionals.
The highlights of the event were the presentation of Academic Excellence Awards to top students and the keynote speech by Justin Osborne, Mineral Resources Manager from Gold Fields St Ives, who spoke about graduating in a mining boom.
AusIMM Student Chapter Secretary Christine Miles was pleased with the general atmosphere of the event and the level of professionalism shown by the students.
"The evening was a great success and a good time was had by all. It was a fantastic opportunity for current students to network with people who are already well established within the mining community."
Academic Excellence Awards were presented by Steve Rose, Acting Director of The AusIMM Kalgoorlie Branch, to John Farr, Rosemary Allen, Gary Gomez, Emma Edwards, Tom Waters and Leroy Savage.
The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy is the leading organisation representing all professionals in the minerals sector with the primary role of maximising opportunities for professionals in the minerals sector and promoting the value of the minerals industry to the wider community.
For more information, please contact:
Mr David Willey
AusIMM Kalgoorlie Student Chapter President
David Willey
For more information and photos, please open the document on the following page: AusIMM Student Chapter Dinner
Moctar Return to Curtin
September 2007On September 4, His Excellency Mohammed el Moctar Ould Mohammed el Hacen visited the Mineral Economics program on the Bentley campus.
Moctar was appointed as the Minister of Petroleum and Minerals in Mauritania in late April, 2007. Less than ten years earlier in May 1997, he had graduated in Kalgoorlie with the Master���s Degree in Mineral Economics.
Mauritania is a significant iron ore producer and with Perth-based Woodside prominent, it has recently commenced oil and gas production. Minerals and energy hold great potential to support Mauritania���s future economic development.
Moctar was in Perth to attend the Africa Downunder mining conference and took the opportunity to meet with staff and students from Curtin.
On his visit, Moctar joined the Mineral Economics staff and full-time international students for morning tea. Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket was also welcomed to the event. Moctar was accompanied by his colleague, Wane Ibrahim Lamine, who is the Mauritanian Director of Mines and Geology, and local host Colin Roberts (a former lecturer at WASM).
In addressing the gathering and welcoming Moctar, Professor Philip Maxwell highlighted the growing international status of the program. He noted that almost a third of our more than 150 Master���s graduates are international students, and that students from 25 nations have studied with us since 1993.
For more information, please contact:
Professor Philip Maxwell
+61 8 9266 7757
p.maxwell@curtin.edu.au
Mining Education Australia Launched
September 2007Mining Education Australia (MEA), the country's first "national virtual mining school", was officially launched last month after nearly six years of planning and major in-kind and cash support from the Australian minerals industry, through the Minerals Council of Australia, (MCA). The school offers an undergraduate program of third and fourth year mining engineering courses operating across three institutions, Curtin University, University of New South Wales and University of Queensland.
MEA is also linked through other universities across the country, including regional areas, for students from other engineering disciplines to enter and graduate as MEA mining engineers providing an alternative pathway for prospective mining engineering graduates.
By offering a common curriculum of mining engineering to students in three campuses, MEA is a first in Australian undergraduate education of any type; a first within the three disciplines supported by the MCA Mining Tertiary Education Council (MTEC) and a first within the international mining education field.
Executive Director of MEA, Prof Bruce Hebblewhite said, "This fully integrated national education venture is a quantum step forward, and we believe it is a unique, exciting, and very challenging undergraduate educational initiative. I also have no doubt that the MEA teaching staff has the most comprehensive mining educational skill base and experience of any such group anywhere in the world."
At the launch, Dr Kevin Tuckwell, the Executive Director of MTEC, delivered a rebuttal of the Australia Institute's research paper University Capture by Dr Clive Hamilton and Christian Downie which criticized involvement of resource companies in Australian universities.
"I am proud to represent an industry that is prepared to work collectively and collaboratively with tertiary education providers towards a common goal of delivering better educational outcomes for our industry and for the Australian people. The mining industry contributes enormously to the wealth and infrastructure of the nation, but to continue to do so we need more that 7,000 new professionals by 2015," Dr Tuckwell said. "The financial contribution of the mining industry that enables our three partners to build capacity and provide world class mining engineering education should be applauded."
MEA already has begun operations with over 130 students across the three institutions enrolled in the first semester of their third year of study. MEA is funded through the three joint venture partners, The Minerals Council of Australia and by a $1.325 million grant from the Federal Government through the Collaboration and Structural Reform funding scheme. The MEA Administration Unit is based at the University of New South Wales.
Available for interview: Prof Bruce Hebblewhite, Executive Director, MEA
Mobile: 0417 267 876
Email: B.Hebblewhite@mea.edu.au