Assisting the
next generation
It is hard to think of a more practical way of supporting a young person in their mining
studies than by providing them with financial assistance. This is just what the WA Mining
Club does when it awards a scholarship to students preparing for a career in mining.
Aimed at meeting one of the Club’s key goals of encouraging consideration of, and
interest in, the mining sector, the winning students each receive a cash grant of $10,000
(
paid over a period of two years) to assist them in their living costs and to relieve some of
the pressure that full-time studies can inflict.
The Club was pleased to see this major educational initiative, first started in 2003 with
the provision of a West Australian Mining Club scholarship to a single student, expand
in 2008 to benefit four students. This growth in the scheme was facilitated through the
support of four industry co-sponsors. In 2011, with the backing of another co-sponsor,
the Club was delighted to increase the number of scholarships awarded to a total of five per
year. This year the WA Mining Club has provided funds for two additional scholarships,
totalling seven scholarships for 2013.
The scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in a mining industry technical degree
program at Curtin University (including WA School of Mines), University of WA or Murdoch
University. Each $10,000 scholarship is offered to the mining areas of environmental
engineering, mining engineering, metallurgy, mineral processing and geology.
The Club’s education committee, together with sponsor representatives, select each
year’s scholarship recipients, based on a consideration of the applicant’s academic and/or
work record, personal circumstances, commitment to his/her chosen career and potential to
achieve a position of leadership in the mining industry.
Another substantial benefit made available to scholarship recipients is access to the
mentoring program, provided by senior industry participants from the membership
of the WA Mining Club, in the student’s chosen discipline. The opportunity for vacation
employment can also be pursued through the membership of the Club.
2013
Scholarships awarded
The 2013 West Australian Mining Club Scholarships were awarded on 11 November.
The Club acknowledges the significant support for the scholarships from five scholarship
co-sponsors – Western Areas, BC Iron, IMO, METS and ICRG – and extends appreciation
on behalf of the recipients and the industry for an important commitment to encouraging
excellence and career development in WA’s upcoming mining graduates.
The Club offers its congratulations to the 2013 Scholarship winners, and wishes them
success in their future studies towards a productive career in the resources industry.
Mining Engineering scholarship
Co-sponsored by Western Areas Ltd
The 2013 Mining Engineering Scholarship has been
awarded to Miguel Bachiller. A strong interest in
underground mining in Western Australia led Miguel
to enrolling in a five-year mining engineering/commerce
double degree at the WA School of Mines in Kalgoorlie.
Upon completion of his degree, Miguel is keen to obtain
a First Class Mine Manager’s Certificate and undertake
a position as an underground mine manager in WA.
Environmental Engineering
Scholarship
Full scholarship by WA Mining Club
The winner of the 2013 Environmental Engineering
Scholarship is first year UWA student, Andrew Mortimer.
After spending time in South America and the Amazon,
Andrew developed a passion for ecology, biodiversity
and environmental issues. Recognising the necessity
of mining for the Australian economy, Andrew would
like to dedicate his career to minimising environmental
damage and aiding the rehabilitation of former mine sites.
Mineral Processing Scholarship
Co-sponsored by METS
The winner of the 2013 Mineral Processing Scholarship
is Jacob Sammut, a second year metallurgical engineering
student studying at the WA School of Mines in
Kalgoorlie. Jacob was born in Singapore and has also
lived in other countries including Dubai, Hungary and
Hong Kong. Jacob strives to involve himself in as many
extracurricular activities as possible, and holds positions
on several student committees including AusIMM,
the WASM Wombats and WASM Student Guild.
Minesite 2013
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