New and former students set to compete at UQ Mine Open Weekend

New and former students set to compete at UQ Mine Open Weekend

Undergraduate mining engineers at the University of Queensland will take on former students and postgraduate students in special mining competitions at this year's Mine Open Weekend at the Indooroopilly mine site.

The competitions will be one of the highlights at the 34th Open Weekend which will be held at the University's Experimental Mine, Isles Road, Indooroopilly on Saturday May 1 and Sunday May 2.

The mining competition events between new and past students include alluvial gold panning, rock drilling, track laying and mucking - which involves filling mine tubs with rock and racing them up and down tracks to emptying stations will be a highlight of the two days.

University reader in mining engineering Associate Professor Stewart Gillies said there would be guided tours of the underground mine. The minimum age for tour participants was 12 years.

"The tours are always a big drawcard," Dr Gillies said, "because it is the only time most people get the chance to see an underground mine site.

"Visitors will be able to pan for gold and keep their finds. They'll also see a pilot plant demonstrating different methods of minerals processing."

The annual Mine Open Weekend is expected to attract more than 2000 visitors. There will be food stalls and plenty to see and do.

Third-year University of Queensland bachelor of engineering (mining) student James Geer said students were looking forward to the mining competition events.

"We like to test our physical skills against each other in open competition and we expect a fair bit of rivalry between undergraduate and postgraduate students," he said.

Firing off an early shot, 20 year-old Mr Geer said he didn't think the team representing former students would pose much of a challenge. "We think they're a bit past it," he said.

The mine will open 10am to 4pm both days, with tours and student competitions running continuously. Mine tours are available only to people wearing closed footwear.

The University acquired the former silver-lead (galena) mine in the early 1950s for teaching and research projects. Students use the mine to get experience in mine surveying, ventilation, ore extraction, drilling, pumping, and general mining engineering.

For more information, contact Eric Muhling on (telephone 3365 5801).