Mining students visit leading Australian operations

In April the students completed the seventh Northern Australian student flying field trip organised by the Mining, Minerals and Materials Engineering Department. It is believed to be the world's only regular large-scale educational tour of mines organised by a University mining department.

Students travelled the equivalent of a trip to the United States and back while visiting underground and surface operations in coal, copper, uranium, iron, bauxite, silver, lead, and zinc in four states. They travelled in two aircraft and their visits were hosted by some of Australia's largest mining companies.

The Department has also organised five international tours for its mining students in the past few years, to countries such as Chile, Russia, South Africa, the United States and China.

Tour group leader and senior lecturer in mining engineering Dr Stewart Gillies said that the University offered enormous opportunities to its mining students.

'We lead the world in best practice training and our students are highly sought by mining companies with whom we work closely in collaborative research and education programs,' he said.

'No other mining school in the world has such an extensive or innovative program of field trips.

'We are grateful to all companies concerned for providing financial assistance and first-hand opportunities for students to experience their operations.'

The team of 27 students and staff visited mines including German Creek (Capricorn Coal); Norwich Park (BHP Coal); North Goonyella (White Mining); Olympic Dam (WMC Resources); Tom Price (CRA); Ranger (ERA); Weipa (Comalco) Isa (MIM Holdings), Selwyn (ARIMCO Mining) and Cannington Mines (BHP Minerals).

Fourth-year bachelor of engineering (mining) student Ben Myall was impressed with most operations and praised several companies for their 'forward thinking and technological approach' and awareness of environmental considerations.

Third-year bachelor of engineering (mining) student Christian Philps said the trip gave tour members practical experience to enhance their theoretical knowledge. It provided him with his first view of underground operations, including Australia's deepest mine workings, the 1700m deep T62 decline at Mount Isa.

For further information, contact Dr Gillies, telephone 07 3365 3730.