Iconic mining school
sees a big future
PROFESSOR STEVE HALL
DIRECTOR
WESTERN AUSTRALIA SCHOOL OF MINES
Curtin’s Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) has reached its 110th year with no signs of slowing down. Established in 1902, the iconic mining school boasts a
long and ongoing association with the mining industry providing a world-class educational experience while engaging with the local community of Kalgoorlie. The
reputation built over these years has highlighted the institution’s global excellence in mining education and research. To tell us more about the important role the
School fulfils for the industry and its bright future is WASM Director, Professor Steve Hall.
experience they require to graduate.
If you have come across our campuses in
Perth and Kalgoorlie, you will notice WASM’s
commitment to a sustainable mining
future through building strong industry
partnerships and continually investing in
new hi-tech facilities. At the 2012 Diggers and
Dealers event in Kalgoorlie, WASM was able
to demonstrate new simulation equipment
to more than 2,400 industry representatives
and showcase Curtin’s investment into
new technologies in mining.
WASM is the first learning institution
in the world to integrate a simulator
into an academic mining engineering
course. Gaining skills to take advantage
of Australia’s mining boom can be a major
challenge; the equipment is often expensive,
in remote locations and in use – which is
why our mining simulator is so unique.
Students studying at WASM’s Kalgoorlie
campus will be able to venture into a 360
degree, 3D interactive system resembling a
mine site but on the campus. This will equip
students with both underground and above
ground training.
At WASM we are working closely with
the state government to address major needs
at the Kalgoorlie campus. A planned $68
million dollar investment will redevelop,
modernise and expand the facilities.
The redevelopment of Agricola College
will see the existing accommodation for
127
students demolished and replaced
with new accommodation for 180 students.
WASM is grateful for the state government’s
$20
million
commitment
towards
this redevelopment.
In addition, if successful, an application
for $30 million of federal funding through
the Education Investment Fund Regional
Priorities Round will enable the construction
of three new metallurgy laboratories,
instrumentation
rooms
and
sample
preparation areas. To complete these works
Curtin will contribute $5 million and
we will also seek philanthropic and
partner contributions.
We are proud of our contribution to the
minerals and resources sector by creating
In a time of escalating skill shortages in the
global mining industry, WASM continues
to produce nearly one third of Western
Australia’s industry professionals. In the last
seven years the total number of students at
WASM Kalgoorlie has increased by more
than 90%, from 309 in 2005 to nearly 600
in 2012. This staggering increase may be
attributed to the higher intake of international
students, many of whom remain in Australia
to further their careers and help meet these
skill shortages. With the valued assistance
of regional employers, all international
students have been able to find the industry
WASM’s Focus on Mining Camp 2012 visits a local mine site
MINESITE 2012
•
46