Our newest member, the Western Australian School of Mines Alumni (WASMA), hosted a lunch at Kings Park last month to recognise the 2017 WASM graduates.
More than 50 industry and government representatives were in attendance to congratulate the 44 graduates in the core disciplines of Mining Engineering, Geology, Metallurgy and Surveying.
WASM was named one of the top mining educators in the world last week after Curtin University placed second globally for mining engineering programs in the 2017 QS Rankings.
At the graduation lunch WASMA President and Northern Star Resources Chairman Bill Beament spoke of their vision to be the global centre of excellence for mining education, training and research in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
WASMA President Bill Beament and Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Debbie Terry.
S2 Resources CEO Mark Bennett
“Our great state of WA has the natural advantage of a strong, sustainable mining and energy industry, stable government and a world class education sector focussed exclusively on the resources industry.
“To ensure future growth, WA must diversify its economy and ensure the creation of sustainable resource dependent industries and new jobs and businesses through investment in infrastructure, education and training, and research,” Mr Beament said.
Last year WASM accounted for 40% of the total nation’s mining professionals that graduated in Mining Engineering, Geology, Metallurgy and Surveying.
“The state of WA is superbly positioned to be the global centre of excellence for mining education, training and research which will assist in the longer term to diversify our dependency from mineral production and exports.
“What better opportunity to achieve this than by making WASM the 'centre,” said Mr Beament.
Keynote speaker, S2 Resources CEO Mark Bennett, delivered a powerful insight into the industry and addressed the importance of communication and culture.
“Culture creates loyalty. It is the glue that holds strategy together. It transcends failure.
“Culture comes from the top and a positive culture attracts and retains talent,” Mr Bennett said.
Mr Bennett had a strong message for all graduates to work out why they are here and to focus on the process not the reward.
“You are today’s pioneers. So be loud, proud and let the world know.”
The WA School of Mines has been supporting the successful WA mining sector since 1903. The institution has reflected the changing sector, providing industry ready graduates and relevant research for the mining industry.
The Gold Industry Group looks forward to working with WASMA to champion education and strengthen Australia’s gold industry.