Engineering students experience South America

A team of UQ metallurgical engineering students has returned from a South American field trip to some of the world’s largest mining and minerals processing plants.

The students spent two weeks in Chile carrying out survey work and inspecting the latest technologies used in copper production.

Final-year student Mr Eddie Paul said the trip was organised to gain first-hand experience of the mining and minerals processing operations of the world’s major mining companies.

“We saw excellent examples of engineering practice, got to speak to senior technical engineers and managers, and had the opportunity to learn about Chilean culture from metallurgy students of the Universidad Catolica Del Norte,” he said.

The visit included seven different operating sites in northern Chile including those of Anglo American, Codelco, BHP Billiton, Barrick and Xstrata Copper.

Highlights included an inspection of the world’s largest copper mine at Escondida, and a visit to a chemical reagents facility responsible for developing technologies to improve the performance and profitability of local mineral processing operations.

Participating UQ staff member Mr Sante Di Pasquale said the students had taken the initiative to organise and raise funds for the trip themselves.

“This group was very motivated. They approached industry members/organisations here in Australia and in Chile to gain sponsorship for travel costs and contacted industry and site managers overseas to make the trip a reality,” he said.

After arriving back in Brisbane, the students made a presentation about their experiences to industry representatives including Xstrata Copper CEO, Mr Charlie Sartain.

Industry sponsors were highly impressed with the learning outcomes of the field trip, with third year students already making preparations for next year’s event.

UQ’s metallurgical engineering students would like to thank the following sponsors for their support and generous financial sponsorship:

Xstrata Copper, BHP Billiton, Newcrest, Anglo Coal, Barrick, Ausenco, AusIMM, Newmont, Rio Tinto, BMA, Codelco, Elk Valley coal, Metso Minerals, Cytec, Ludowici, Zinifex, McArthur Coal, Intellection, Hasting Deering, Anglo American, JKMRC and A&B Mylec.

Media inquiries: Kim Jensen at UQ Engineering (telephone 07 3346 9976, email k.jensen@uq.edu.au)