Alison Tibbett (4

th year BE(Mining), UNSW)

Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Leadership Award Winner

(Awarded in 2011)

Since graduating from the University of New South Wales I have undertaken a graduate position with Rio Tinto in their underground block caving operation at Argyle Diamond Mine. This has involved a big change of scenery from the buzzing streets of Sydney to the relaxed outback town of Kununurra in the East Kimberley. My Graduate program is focused on gaining experience in underground processes to meet the requirements for various tickets, and future positions within the mining industry. I have been gaining the skills to operate the long hole drill which is currently being used for undercut development. I have enjoyed working underground as part of a crew. The Argyle Diamond Mine's Underground Project is at an exciting stage of development, and I have already learnt incredible amounts about block caving and mine development. Living on site has been very rewarding with a number of activities planned after work for either fitness or social reasons. I have also volunteered for the emergency response team on site which requires specific training. This has been a valuable experience and I have developed a number of new skills. During my time off I have been exploring incredible waterfalls, swimming holes and national parks around Kununurra and engaging in a number of sporting activities with friends. Kununurra is an extremely friendly town!! Everyone is very welcoming and extremely generous in offering their time to show new residents around the area. This has made moving away from friends and family a whole lot easier. I would like to thank the AusIMM and the Espie Family for awarding me with the Sir Frank Espie Scholarship in 2011! I would not be where I am today without the opportunities that presented themselves to me whilst a recipient of this prestigious award. .

Alison graduated at the end of 2012.

EEF Scholarship Recipients

2012 Semester 2 Reports

Semester 2 Repo

Gaetano Venticinque (BE(Mining), Wollongong)

Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Leadership Award Winner

(Awarded in 2012)

The AusIMM Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Leadership Award has been most rewarding, particularly in providing me with networking and mentoring opportunities that have enhanced my professional development as a Mining Engineer. Thank you! Working part time at Minarco Mineconsult was a significant turning point for me; as well as introducing me to the nature of consultant mining it highlighted the importance of first hand operational mining experience. This was evident in the extensive experience of the staff I worked closely with. I would like to thank Minarco Mineconsult for the opportunity to work in their Sydney corporate office and the hospitality they showed me. The flexibility the allowed enabled me to juggle full time study and part time consulting work and was most appreciated. Having a strong focus on working towards a First Class Mine Managers Ticket, I was fortunate to acquire Summer vacation work with Barminco who provided me with operational experience in underground haulage. I spent three months working on crew as an Underground Haul Truck Driver at Mt Gordon Copper Mine in rural North QLD. My ride was a Rolls-Royce of Mining, an Atlas Copco MT 6020. Working a FIFO roster, I was living the dream! Looking forward I am keen to kick start my final year of study. I will be undertaking an honours thesis building on the previous work of ‘Numerical Modeling in Fracture Initiation and Propagation in Progressive Mining’ which aims to enhance current models simulating fracture initiation and propagation. Valuable Industry Networking, Mentoring and Professional Career Development and exciting field trips are just some of the benefits and opportunities to be gained through an active involvement in the Student Chapter and the wider AusIMM this year.

EEF Scholarship Recipients

2012 Semester 2 Reports

Semester 2 Repo

Christopher Brunero

(BEng(Scholar)(Mining/Environment), Wollongong) (Awarded 2012)

Since my last EEF report I have graduated university, started my graduate position and been able to travel the world to gain further insights into the industry. I was extremely fortunate to be the 2012 recipient of the Atlas Copco Scholarship which has expanded my understanding and scope of this thriving industry. Through the Atlas Copco scholarship I was able to visit the Perth Customer Service Centre in October, meet an amazing group of people who gave me insights into how equipment suppliers operate and the crucial roles they play in innovations within the industry. Following this I was sent to Sweden to see the main manufacturing centre, which was combined with mine visits, one a zinc mine older than Australia and the other a world leader in machine automation located in the Arctic Circle. Following my graduation in December I decided to travel to Central/South America, where with the contacts I made at Atlas Copco was able to attend to site visits in Zacatecas, Mexico and Lima, Peru. I was able to observe board and pillar metalliferous mining and also selective vein mining, both completely new experiences for me. I arrived home with four days to organise myself and begin my graduate position with BHPB Illawarra Coal. I have commenced my inductions and will begin on weekdays night shift at Westcliff in February While university has given me some awesome opportunities and memories I am ready to get my career moving and grow professionally in an industry I am confident will continue to succeed far into the future.

Christopher graduated in 2012. Christopher completed his studies in 2012.

Andrew Caldwell

(BGeomEng/BSc(Geology), Melbourne)

(Awarded in 2012)

Semester 2, 2012 was the final year of University, completing hnours in Geology at The University of Melbourne. The financial assistance that the AusIMM EEF scholarship gave me allowed me to focus on my studies especially during the end of my honours year. In addition to the financial support, AusIMM provided many development and networking opportunities including excellent Students Meet Industry night and technical meetings. I completed my geology thesis on geophysical anomaly located in the Mount Woods Inlier, South Australia. It proved to be a challenging but very rewarding experience and gave me a valuable insight into the ‘real world’ workings of a geophysical project. I feel like I have improved my research and analytical skills greatly this year and would strongly recommend an Honours project to all students. My final semester of university was mostly consumed with writing my thesis, so it was a huge relief to finally print out my paper and hand it in that Friday afternoon in October! It was satisfying knowing I had accomplished my Honours thesis, although I could not have achieved such a strong outcome without the helpful advice of and assistance of my mentors. It was a very proud moment to stand on the stage at my graduation ceremony at The University of Melbourne to receive my two degrees after 6 long years of study. This year I plan to travel and will be looking for graduate position in the minerals industry for 2014, ideally in either the field of geophysics or geology

Andrew graduated in 2012.

EEF Scholarship Recipients

2012 Semester 2 Reports

Semester 2 Repo

EEF Scholarship Recipients

2012 Semester 2 Reports

Ashlie Coates

(BAdSc(Geosciences), NSW)

(Awarded in 2012)

The second half of 2012 proved to be a busy period with New Leaders Conference, Mining Games and the start of the vacation work period. Attending NLC and Mining Games with the UNSW representatives was a rewarding experience, providing a number of networking opportunities between various Australian Universities. The second session of 2012 was also my final session of course based class before commencing a research based honours year. My honours project will be based on a granite and greenstone dome in Western Australia. This will involve lithological and structural mapping of the region as well as geochemical analysis and geochronology. Late in 2012 I was fortunate enough to be offered another vacation period with Newcrest at their Telfer operation in Western Australia. This was a FIFO position based in Perth on an 8/6 roster. As a member of the Underground Geology team my duties included 3D image geological mapping, structural mapping as well as some project-based investigations. I gained exposure to a type of Au Cu mineralisation I hadn’t previously seen and was also able to experience the FIFO lifestyle. The Telfer team were fantastic to work with and I found the program to be very well organised and hugely rewarding. I have taken on the position of Secretary for both the Sydney Branch and Student committees for 2013. I am looking forward to actively contributing to both organisations throughout the year.

Vanessa Collins (BEng(Mining), Queensland)

(Awarded in 2012)

My name is Vanessa Collins and last year I was a recipient of the AusIMM EEF/Rio Tinto Scholarship. Last semester, I graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering with an Extended Major in Mining and am now a graduate mining engineer with Rio Tinto Iron Ore in Western Australia. Since graduation in December, 2012, I decided to spend my time before full time work commenced traveling. I spent a total of nine weeks overseas before making the big move to Perth from Brisbane to begin my new role. I have now officially completed my first few swings on an 8-6 roster at Brockman 4 Mine Site as the newest member on blast crew. Blast crew (development) are responsible for pumping explosives into the drill holes used in surface mining in order to loosen the rock being mined. Once the explosives are loaded, the holes are then stemmed. Stemming usually consists of lump iron ore product so that waste material is not being mixed with the ore to be blasted. The lump iron ore is poured into the drill holes on top of the explosives so that the explosive energy is contained when the explosives detonate. The blast crew is also responsible for arranging and “tying in” the downhole and surface delays so that the rock fractures as desired. I will be spending a total of six months on the blast crew before moving to production for four months and spending this duration driving Komatsu 830E’s.

Once my time in the pit is up, I will be commencing my time in the office and doing a rotation between Grade Control, Production Scheduling and Drill and Blast design. I am excited about what the next few years has to offer and cannot wait to learn new things each and every day. Being a recent graduate has provided me with the opportunity to begin the learning process, as the practical experience is where learning really all begins.

Vanessa graduated in 2012.

EEF Scholarship Recipients

2012 Semester 2 Reports

Semester 2 Repo

Shaun Davis (BSci(Applied Geology) Curtin)

(Awarded in 2011)

Finishing my Honours year was a great relief! 2012 was the most challenging year I’ve had at uni and handing in my thesis – entitled Geological Relationships of Basement Gneisses of North Roe, Shetland - in October was a great weight off my shoulders. My thesis compares the ages and geochemistry of basement rocks in Shetland to other basement rocks throughout the North Atlantic region, including those found on the mainland of Scotland. An important result was that Shetland basement rocks (roughly 2500 – 2700 million years old) are probably not related in terms of age to similar rocks on the mainland of Scotland. I do feel privileged to have completed such an interesting project and also quite proud that I got though it mostly without hitch – although there were some very tense moments during the final printing! Making the transition from reading journal articles, processing and interpreting geochronological data, and synthesising massive amounts of information to getting filthy in a gold mine has been awesome so far. I’m working for Regis Resources, an amazing Aussie gold producer, at their Moolart Well operation in the Eastern Goldfields and they have provided me with a great foundation to my future in mining. There are two styles of mineralisation at Moolart – oxide and laterite – so I’m getting great experience in both as a junior geologist. I work a 2/1 roster and so far I’ve enjoyed going home and having time to myself instead of submersing myself in a mountain of complicated geochronological papers like I was last year. I have to acknowledge the AusIMM and owe a great debt of gratitude for their support over both my undergraduate and Honours degrees. I hope to continue to be involved with the Institute through membership throughout my career.

Shaun graduated in 2012.

. Lachlan Cumming

(BEng (Mining)/BComm), Wollongong) (Awarded 2012)

The benefits of being an EEF Scholarship holder are continuing to present themselves. I have continued to make new contacts. This has expanded my own network and that of the Illawarra Student Chapter. Since being elected in 2012, I coordinated and organised the running of the Spring Students meet Industry night, attended by approx 150 students and 16 industry representatives and a field trip to BHP Billiton’s Mt Arthur Coal in the Hunter Valley attended by 40 students. I am pleased that I have been elected president again in 2013. I am excited at the opportunity to continue working with the new committee to creating opportunities of our members. I was elected by my fellow Student Chapter Presidents to act as our representative at the 2013 AusIMM Congress. This was a great honour. During semester and in the university breaks I continued to work at Illawarra Coal’s Dendrobium Colliery on a weekly basis, my main project was the updating and auditing of an underground strata monitoring system. This role has been a great opportunity to continue to work on my project management skills. Towards the end of Semester 2, I started planning my Thesis for 2013. I am highlighting the challenges that Chinese students studying Mining Engineer at the University of Wollongong have in obtaining professional experience. I will be continuing to work for BHP Billiton’s Dendrobium Colliery over the University summer break so I look forward to the challenges that I am presented with in the months to come. Thank you to the AusIMM and BHP Billiton for this scholarship and the benefits that have come with it!

EEF Scholarship Recipients

2012 Semester 2 Reports

Semester 2 Repo

Carissa Digance

(BSci(Geology, Geophysics) Adelaide) (Awarded in 2010)

The second half of 2012 concluded my honors year and also my time as a student at the University of Adelaide. The semester began with a seven week trip to Perth to work on my honors project. My project focused on the sequence stratigraphy of carbonate marine basin environments. While there I was able to examine the carbonate dunes of Rottnest Island and was able to work with some high resolution images of a Miocene barrier reef system offshore of Western Australia which resembles the modern day Great Barrier Reef. The second half of 2012 was an exciting and challenging time for me as I put together a thesis in a period of four months. During this time I spent a great deal of time at the university and worked closely with my mentors and academic supervisors to produce a comprehensive thesis. After my thesis was handed up in October I was lucky enough to go to Port Douglas to watch the solar eclipse. While there I took the opportunity to visit the Great Barrier Reef and examine the modern day carbonate depositional systems up close and relate what I was seeing back to the reefs found in the Miocene. Final thesis presentations were in November and marked the conclusion of my university assessments and calendar year. This was followed by our ‘almost graduation’ dinner which was a great way to thanks and farewell our lecturers and academic supervisors for all their help with writing and compiling our thesis projects. I now work for an energy company in Melbourne. Moving states was a big change for me but I am excited to start a new chapter of my life and thank the AusIMM for all of their support throughout my education.

Carissa graduated in 2012.

Michael Genockey

(BEng(Mining), Adelaide) (Awarded in 2012)

In 2012, I completed the second year of my Mining Engineering and Geology degree at the University of Adelaide. I was appointed Secretary of the AusIMM Adelaide Student Chapter and became more involved with the Chapter throughout the year. During the year I attended the National Mining Games and New Leaders Conference in Ballarat, which proved to be a great networking opportunity with professionals and fellow students. I was fortunate enough to be offered vacation work over the summer holidays at Newmont Tanami Operations, an underground gold mine in the Tanami Desert in the Northern Territory. I worked in the Technical Services Department, with my major role being in Geotechnical Engineering. I undertook varied projects, including refining the geotechnical mapping database, organising a pull ring testing program and preparing a report about personnel working underground in the past year. Vacation work was an extremely rewarding experience. Attending the majority of the Tech Services meetings provided me with a significant insight into the operation of the mine. I had my first experiences with many software programs used in the mining industry, including Vulcan, MineCAD and Surpac. Once again, I would like to thank the AusIMM and Newmont for their continued support. As well as providing financial assistance, the EEF Scholarship was integral to me obtaining vacation work at the Tanami Operations and presented me with numerous networking opportunities with other students and professionals during the year. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2013.

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EEF Scholarship Recipients

2012 Semester 2 Reports

Semester 2 Repo

Stephanie Graskoski

(BEng (Mining)/BComm, Western Australia) (Awarded in 2012)

In September I travelled to the US to attend the world famous Mine Expo in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. The expo was amazing with some of the biggest diggers and trucks laid out on display for industry workers and enthusiasts from all around the world! It was an amazing experience and great networking opportunity. Whilst in the US, I was able to visit Kennecott Copper in Bingham Canyon, Utah, through my connections with Rio Tinto, my EEF sponsor. The site was pretty awe inspiring due to its location and sheer size. On my way back to Australia, I went to Ballarat for the 2012 National Mining Games and AusIMM New Leader’s Conference. The games proved to be a great facilitator for students to network with the AusIMM board, corporate members and peers from other universities. I was lucky enough to captain the UWA Mixed Team to a respectable 5

th place and win the

Swede Saw event! Returning to Perth meant time to snap back to reality with looming final exams and thesis. I managed to get through it all, and began my vacation work with Anglogold Ashanti at Tropicana Gold Mine. I spent several weeks on blast crew in 50+ degree heat, taking away valuable experience and insight. The second part of my vacation time was spent in the air-conditioned offices assisting the engineers with design work and quality control. I am very grateful for the opportunity Anglo gave me and really enjoyed my time on site. I would like to thank everyone at the AusIMM and the sponsors of the EEF for their continued support, financially and professionally, and I am really looking forward to becoming a new graduate in June this year!

Amberley Murray, on site at Granny Smith. Tim Graham

(BEng(Mining), New South Wales) (Awarded in 2011)

As this is my final EEF update, I believe that before going through the second half of 2012, it’s important to thank all those who’ve played a part in helping me through my journey. As a graduate of the UNSW School of Mining Engineering I have had first-hand experience of all that this fantastic institution and its staff have to offer. I have a great level of respect and appreciation for the school and their desire to give each of their students a world class experience and education. I wish to thank all the industry institutions whom have involved themselves with me over this period. Notably the AusIMM and Xstrata Coal, not only their financial support through their generous sponsorship programs, but also for their valuable mentoring and willingness to get involved with myself and other aspiring young professionals. I’d additionally like to express my appreciation to all the other organisations I’ve been involved with throughout my study; from BHP Billiton and Cockatoo Coal, the Sydney Mining Club for their support of the Sydney Student Chapter, and various other event sponsors and field trip partners. 2012 was a great year and a great way to sum up my education experience. I was fortunate enough to finish the year leaving the Sydney Student Chapter in a strong position and was thrilled to pass on the leadership of this chapter to a fantastic group of student leaders from

throughout the city. Academically, I was delighted to be

invited to present my thesis work at the 2012 Mining Education Australia Student Conference held in Kalgoorlie and was extremely proud take home the third prize for UNSW Mining, and my first published work in MEA Research Projects Review 2012.

Tim graduated in 2012.

EEF Scholarship Recipients

2012 Semester 2 Reports

Semester 2 Repo

Alexis Holland

(BE((Mining), Adelaide) (Awarded in 2012)

I have recently started as a Graduation Mining Engineer with Rio Tinto at Hope Downs 1 in the Pilbara. I will initially be working in the production team and over the next two years will learn some of the many roles in production and operations planning such as development scheduling, grade control, and drill & blast design. I will also work on crew to better understand the mechanics, limitations and challenges associated with the heavy machinery involved in the mining operation. I particularly look forward to learning how to operate the drill rigs and shovels as I have not had this opportunity before. The time spent working first hand in the pit will also count towards one of the requirements of attaining the Quarry Managers certificate which I will work towards over the coming years. I have relocated to Perth, from Adelaide, to undertake this role which involves a 9/5 FIFO roster. Having had some previous FIFO experience, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I am again looking forward to getting into the swing of things. Keeping fit is easy by making the most of camp facilities and attending gym classes or joining in with sports matches each evening.

Alexis graduated in 2012.

Jake Kell

(BE(Mining), New South Wales) (Awarded in 2012)

My final semester of university was very satisfying. Two other students and I took delivery of a new two-dimensional physical block cave model in which I retro-fitted strain gauges. I used the model to induce stresses on a cemented rock mass and analysed the resulting cave propagation. Completing the thesis simultaneously with final year engineering courses was very testing however all went to plan and with great results – I will be receiving first class honours at my graduation. I would like to thank the AusIMM and the EEF sponsors. Without them, I would not have had such a positive environment in which to complete my studies. My final semester of university also saw me secure a graduate position with Rio Tinto in the Hunter Valley – my first preference for company and location! Having already completed vacation work with Rio Tinto (Hunter Valley Operations and Kestrel Coal), BHPB (Olympic Dam) and European miner OMYA (Gummern operation, Austria), I decided to take a break over summer and catch up on many years’ worth of activities (driving the Great Ocean Road, motorcycling, spearfishing, and plenty of boating etc.). I began work with Rio Tinto Coal Australia at Hunter Valley Operations in February. My experience so far has been great. I’ve just returned from my week of intensive graduate training in Brisbane and had an excellent time. I’m very happy with my achievements and can say that the future is looking great!

Jake graduated in 2012.

EEF Scholarship Recipients

2012 Semester 2 Reports

Semester 2 Repo

Paul Kipriotis

(BSci(Geology), Queensland) (Awarded in 2011)

In November 2012 I graduated from my Bachelor of Science (Geology). I now plan to travel and eventually settle into a job. My qualifications will now allow me to be employed by a number of industries, in particular the mining industry. I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Highlights for me included the fieldwork that I was able to complete while studying at James Cook University in Townsville. This included structural geology/mapping in the Mount Isa Inlier, and exploratory fieldwork in Porcupine Gorge National Park. I also had the opportunity to undertake vacation employment with Ernest Henry Mine at Cloncurry, North Queensland. This experience gave me an invaluable insight into the mining industry and allowed me to form contacts within the industry. This also allowed me to more effectively define my life goals. These experiences were all made possible, in large part, by my AusIMM EEF scholarship. I am grateful for the support that this has provided as well as the support that has been provided by the AusIMM as a whole. I would highly recommend any prospective geoscientist to consider joining the AusIMM and applying for the EEF scholarships. I would like to thank the AusIMM for all of the support they have given me.

Paul graduated in 2012.

Melanie Middleton (BSci(Geology), Melbourne)

(Awarded in 2012)

My Honours year was a hectic one, but also a great learning experience. I was very fortunate to have my project sponsored by St Barbara Ltd. I studied the geology and geochemistry of their Gwalia Deeps deposit. I was very pleased with the results of my thesis and I can say for certain that I have come out of Honours a far better geologist.

I have continued my voluntary work with Women in Resources Victoria (WiRV), the highlight of which was the ‘Oaks Day Breakfast’. I am looking forward to contributing to many more great events in 2013 and the continued growth of WiRV. The support of the AusIMM EEF was enormous in making a tough year a little less stressful! Rio Tinto was wonderful in their sponsorship of me, providing numerous networking opportunities, site visits and vacation work opportunities. I would like to thank both the AusIMM and Rio Tinto for their generous support. I am currently in central South Australia halfway through my first 12 day swing as a Graduate Exploration Geologist with OZ Minerals. I’m working at a site called Carrapateena where we are conducting exploration drilling for an Iron-Oxide Copper-Gold deposit. Despite the early mornings and long days I have loved every minute here so far. I feel privileged to be working in such an enthusiastic and specialist team. I’m looking forward to the next few years as I consolidate my skills as an exploration geologist.

Melanie graduated in 2012.

EEF Scholarship Recipients

2012 Semester 2 Reports

Semester 2 Repo

Jacinta Riedel

(BSc(Mineral Exploration and Mining Geology), Kalgoorlie)

(Awarded 2012)

This year has really shaped my life and put my career in good stead. It started with a moved to Kalgoorlie to complete my final year of study at the West Australian School of Mines (WASM). Having the opportunity to live, study, work and be a part of a mining community has been an extremely rewarding experience. I am involved in the Kalgoorlie student chapter and have helped to organise events such as the WASM Student Meets Industry night and other student and mining networking events. This year has been the most monumental of all my university years as the contacts I have made are invaluable and the intense focus on community has been amazing to be a part of. I have secured a graduate program to commence in early 2013 and I am looking forward to working as a geologist in the WA mining industry. I would like to thank AusIMM for the financial support of EEF which has made it possible to undertake my final year of study at WASM which has enabled me to achieve my dream of specialising in mineral exploration and mining geology, the opportunity to become involved with the Kalgoorlie student chapter branch and also diversifying my networking skills for the future.

Jacinta graduated in 2012

Jack Mulder

(BSci(Geology), Tasmania)

(Awarded 2011)

Semester 2 2012 was the final semester of my undergraduate degree and I think it was the most enjoyable. The semester started with a trip to Broken Hill, I really enjoyed working in conditions that were so different than those in Tasmania. The remaining subjects I completed in semester 2 helped broaden my technical knowledge, practical skills and appreciation of the earth sciences in the wider community. The Environmental Geology course made me appreciate the challenges and responsibilities facing development of the modern mining industry and the ‘Mineral Exploration’ course gave me an excellent introduction to the aspects required to undertake and manage a successful exploration program. The highlight of the year was attending the New Leaders conference and Mining Games in Ballarat. After spending considerable time heading the student chapter committee in organizing the trip it was satisfying to hear the positive feedback from all students who attended, as well as getting some great insights and advice into building a successful career in mining industry myself. Topping it off with the best results for a Tasmanian student chapter contingent to date was a real bonus! The year finished off with the handover of the student chapter to the 2013 committee. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as student chapter president; I made some great friends within the university, developed some valuable connections with industry representatives both local and interstate and got the opportunity to develop my leadership skills. I look forward to remaining involved in the committee to help continue last year’s success.

Jessica Scheiwe

(BEng(Chemical & Metallurgical), Queensland)

(Awarded in 2011)

I am heading into my final year of studies and in the early stages of writing a thesis. My E.E.F. scholarship will once again allow me to focus on my studies rather than needing to work part time to make ends meet. Through the scholarship, I had an amazing opportunity to complete 12 weeks of vacation work at the Rio Tinto Kennecott Utah Copper Smelter. It was a fantastic experience. I have learnt so much about engineering, travel, living and working overseas. I have made a number of good friends and contacts within the industry that I may never have met otherwise. The major part of my work was within the Hot Metals area of the Smelter, in particular refining blister copper to anode copper and blister tapping. Knowledge gained during my third year university studies allowed me much more in depth work than was possible in my previous vacation work placement. This experience has opened my eyes to the truly global nature of the mining industry and to just how close the mining community is. Whilst in Utah, I had the opportunity to see snow fall for the first time, make a snow angel and discover a passion for skiing; things that a Queenslander would not normally see or do. This scholarship has also provided me with a mentor, who has been able to provide invaluable advice, particularly as I am currently searching for an interesting and fulfilling graduate engineering position.

Jessica graduated in 2012

Gareth Steel

(BEng(Mining), (Awarded in 2011)

I am now entering my final year of a Bachelor of Mining Engineering degree at the University of Queensland and the prospect of graduating is not far off. Last year I was elected as president the AusIMM Southern Queensland student chapter for 2013. This is an exciting and challenging role, which I hope to fulfill to my full capability. This year the New Leaders Conference and the National Mining Games will be held in Brisbane and hosted by the Southern Queensland Student Chapter. All of our members are strongly encouraged to attend both the conference and the games. At the end of 2012 I was fortunate enough to be accepted into Macmahon’s vacation employment program.. I was sent to George Fisher underground Mine where I worked on crew on the development of the underground decline. I got to experience the challenges of working underground and a FIFO lifestyle. My experience has given me exposure to the mining industry, the opportunity to work with industry professionals and hands-on experience and knowledge that will be indispensable for my future career. The mining sector is an innovative and dynamic industry that provides numerous opportunities for travel and employment. Industry partners and representative bodies such as AusIMM have made it easy to gain contacts and help students like myself get involved within the mining and metallurgy industry. The Education Endowment Fund scholarship provided also allows me more time to concentrate on my university studies and explore work experience opportunities.

EEF Scholarship Recipients

2012 Semester 2 Reports

Semester 2 Repo

EEF Scholarship Recipients

2012 Semester 2 Reports

Semester 2 Repo

Dhakshi Weerawardena

(BEng(Mining)/BComm, Western Australia)

(Awarded in 2012)

Having first heard about the AusIMM through my father who is also in the mining industry, I got involved in the UWA student chapter from the first year of university. Networking with professionals and university students from all over Australia was an enlightening experience. I am also organising a Women in Mining networking event for students, liaising with Curtin and Murdoch and attend Perth branch meetings. Such involvement has expanded my knowledge of the industry and created a useful network of contacts. Since 2011, I have been working part time at Mount Gibson Iron. Last summer I was assigned to Tallering Peak, where I was involved in a Truck Cycle Time Study. In my time at MGI I’ve developed invaluable technical knowledge. I had similar vacation experiences at Fortescue Metals Group, Cloudbreak 2010-2011 and at Rio Tinto Iron Ore, Pannawonica 2008-2009. Last year I was honoured to receive an EEF Scholarship. Its assistance has allowed me to concentrate on my studies in my final year and funded numerous conferences. Its recognition motivated me to continue working hard and envision myself as a future leader. I am currently completing my thesis on Surface Miner Productivity Optimisation based on Cloudbreak. Being a part of the AusIMM has created many opportunities, including numerous work offers and greatly shaped my development as a professional. I am excited to start graduate work with BHP Billiton Iron Ore next year working in the company’s various sites. I look forward to my continued involvement with the AusIMM adding to my professional development and networking. I would like to thank the AusIMM and all the companies that have supported me in my professional growth thus far.

Dhaksi graduated in 2012

Dirk Van Hest

(BE(Mining)/BComm, Queensland) (Awarded in 2012)

The previous 6 months have been a hive of learning opportunities largely stemming from being fortunate enough that Newcrest Mining Limited provided me with vacation work. Those three months over summer have seen me learn more about how a mine operates and what tasks need to be undertaken than what I have learnt in my entire tertiary schooling. The experience is valuable both now, giving me real world example to relate my studies back to as well as valuable in the future as vacation work has given me a better understanding in working in a team, team dynamics and how to be an effective leader. Vacation work was undertaken with crew rather than engineers which has allowed me to better understand how tasks are performed and better realise what is an engineer should strive to do; Not make the numbers look pretty but to provide the best environment for the crew, an environment that nurtures safety and intuition as well as an environment that allows for maximum productivity. Different leadership styles were presented as I work with the crew and I was able to see how people reacted to different styles. My vacation work period allowed me to better understand what sort of leader I wanted to be. I have seized other opportunities as they have come round, currently I am conducting an exchange with WASM in Kalgoorlie and will be continuing my studies there for 6 months and then participating in an international exchange which should see me studying in Alberta. As well as gaining experience with vacation work I was able to attend the New Leaders’ Conference in Ballarat which has allowed me to understand leading topics in the industry as well as provide myself with valuable networking opportunities.

EEF Scholarship Recipients

2012 Semester 2 Reports

Semester 2 Repo

Karl Wellwood

(BEngSc(Mining), Melbourne) (Awarded in 2011)

I finished my final semester of study in 2012. My final semester was very demanding but at the same time interesting and rewarding. I had a few week off before I moved over to Perth where I will be based for the duration of my 2 year graduate program within the iron ore sector. The first year of the graduate program will be spent working with the production crew, 6 months on trucks and then 6 months on drill crew. As a mining engineer I believe that it is important to have a full understanding of how a mine site is run and how it works, and being out there in the field getting as much experience as possible is the best way to do this.

Having lived on campus for my university degree, I find mine camp life style and atmosphere not much different. They say the people put on 10 kgs the first couple of weeks of being on site, so I’m grateful there is a gym and fitness facilities on site. The roster will involve night shifts as well as day shifts; I am quite looking forward to working night shifts, as I will be able to see the mine in a new light and different perspective. I believe I started my career at an exciting period in the mining industry as there is new technology being introduced to help keep up with demand and the scale of operations.

Karl graduated at the end of 2012

2013 EEF Scholarships

The AusIMM Education Endowment Fund (EEF) Scholarships were established to support the future leaders of the minerals industry through their higher education studies. The Scholarships are currently valued at $10,000 per year for a standard EEF scholarship, and $15,000 per year for a Sir Frank Espie/Rio Tinto Leadership Award.

Only the most outstanding scholarship winners receive a Sir Frank Espie / Rio Tinto Leadership Award. This scholarship was generously endowed by the Espie Family, in memory of Sir Frank Espie. Sir Frank demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication and technical management to the mining industries of Australia and Papua New Guinea and was a distinguished leading member of The AusIMM.

As well as receiving financial support over two years, students receive the invaluable benefits of mentoring and networking opportunities with a major minerals company. That is, companies who have made major donations to the Education Endowment Fund are allocated scholarship holders, and are encouraged to engage the student with the industry through vacation work and other initiatives.

Applicants must be Australian citizens or students with a permanent resident visa status. Students must be entering their penultimate or final year of study in an AusIMM-recognised undergraduate degree (including Honours) at an Australian University.

For more information or to apply see the website: www.ausimm.com.au/eef

EEF Scholarship Recipients 2012 Semester 2 Reports

L-R: Sam Espie (Espie Family Representative), Alison Tibbett, Jared Osborne (Rio Tinto Representative), Jae Dawes.