Engineering students from Curtin University’s Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) Kalgoorlie campus spent time at the Goldfields mine as part of a week-long immersion focused on providing opportunities to develop industry-ready skills through authentic hands-on learning.
As part of their experience, students were provided with a rare opportunity to tour the mining pits, processing plant and camp facilities.
In 2023, MinRes and Curtin formalised a partnership underpinned by a shared commitment to drive innovation in mining and prepare the next generation of talent for jobs of the future.
MinRes Manager Stakeholder and Community Engagement Daniel Barker highlighted the industry’s responsibility in helping shape the next generation of the workforce.
“It was fantastic to welcome the WASM students to Mt Marion,” Daniel said.
“Providing tours such as these is a simple way both MinRes and the mining industry can ensure university graduates have opportunities to see skills learned in the classroom applied in a real-world operation.
"We're incredibly proud of the partnership we’ve forged with Curtin University and look forward to providing more opportunities to their students to get their boots on the ground across our operations.”
Curtin Senior Research Officer and Metallurgist Dr Bona Lim reflected on her own journey studying metallurgy at Curtin and the positive impact of mine site visits during her journey.
“It is mind blowing to see a mine site in person – it's difficult to understand the scale of the site when you’re sitting in a lecture theatre,” Dr Lim said.
“Curtin has a dedicated team ensuring our students are ready for industry, and the students learn so much in one visit which helps shape their future career.
“We’re thankful to our core industry partners such as MinRes for welcoming us to mine sites and providing students with the opportunity to learn and grow.”
Over the next 12 months, MinRes will support Curtin students with a further three tours at Mt Marion lithium mine located 40km southwest of Kalgoorlie.
Learn more about ways MinRes works with local organisations, governments, not-for-profits, community groups and stakeholders to foster strong relationships and positive outcomes.
