Author: WASMA

The history of the Western Australian School of Mines Alumni (WASMA) reflects the ups and downs of the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) and the role it has played in supporting graduates in a range of activities and events. It also describes the important role that graduates have played in ensuring WASM remains in Kalgoorlie. Learn more.

Presidents Update – March Quarter 2023

Presidents Update

Firstly, welcome to those who are new subscribers and graduates who have recently joined the Alumni.

What a 2023 it has been so far…and we are only just getting started!

A lot has happened at WASMA in the last 3 months…

Council’s First Meeting for 2023: We welcomed Alex Biggs, Josh Redmond, Georgia Kerr and Dean Vallve to Council for the first time. Alex Biggs has accepted the role of Vice President. Dean has taken on the Mentoring and Memberships sub-committee. Georgia has joined Events and Marketing sub-committee and the Outreach sub-committee. Josh has joined the Mentoring and Memberships sub-committee as well as the Events and Marketing sub-committee! I’m looking forward to the new ideas and energy that new councillors are already bringing to the table.

The energy of the team is palpable – this team gives me the motivation to work hard for you – our members. Thankyou Councillors for volunteering your time and energy for us. You can learn more about YOUR council here.

Thankyou! There are so many people to thank when you run a non-for-profit. On behalf of members and Council, I pass my sincerest gratitude to Curtin staff that have gone above and beyond to support WASMA navigate through many changes within our own organisation and Curtin. We thank Quin Song, Jysae Hooper, Georgia Tripp, Erika Beazley, Jill Soriano and Nerissa Richardson for everything that you do for us.

Perth Graduation Cocktail Function: Liz suggested that we trial an evening cocktail event for Perth graduates. Graduates may not have been able to leave work for a long lunch. The small change had a huge result with 70 WASM:MECE students attending with their families. Our keynote speaker was Gabrielle Iwanow who was recently appointed as MD of Mincor Resources. The Honourable Bill Johnston MLA (was on leave but came and spoke to students anyway) also made a speech where he highlighted the significance of the Resources sector the future development of the Country. I want to extend my sincerest thanks to the Curtin team for their support in the execution of this event. The Kalgoorlie Graduation dinner is scheduled for Friday the 5th May. I hope you will join us! Tickets can be purchased here.

Curtin University #2 in the World for Minerals and Mining Engineering by QS: Can we get to number 1? What do we need to get there? Let’s do it WASMA. Let’s push hard in the next decade to get us back to the top spot.

The Master Chef Challenge: At the Gala ball in 2021, IGO donated money to the Scholarship fund at WASM in exchange for a Masterclass Cook-off. The night was an overwhelming success with Darren Stralow, Matt Bennetto, Jennifer Neild, and Kristie Young showing off their skills in the kitchen. There was no winner in the end. We could not decide! But the food was delicious.

If you ask me what the Secret sauce to our Alumni is. Its our ability to share stories together. Pass on our knowledge to the next generation of leaders.

Stay tuned, I think we will be looking at hosting a few more of these next year!

Thanks once again to Sam Retallack and IGO.

No alt text provided for this image

Council Meeting with Vice Chancellor Harlene Hayne: Professor Hayne has made it a priority to focus on the student experience. A psychologist by trade Harlene has written over 200 papers. Her specialty “Risk taking behaviours of young adolescents”. Where was Harlene when I was in Uni? I could have used some of this enlightenment! (Just kidding, I grew up with 2 psychologists in my family).

It does not take a lot of conversations to realise that Harlene is the real deal. People and outcome-focused – and importantly someone passionate about the student experience, who also understands the unique risk-taking behaviour that moulds us all.

Just one year in we are already seeing huge changes at Curtin. We look forward to working with Curtin University and continuing to bridge the gap between academia and industry for better outcomes for the resources sector by producing industry ready graduates.

Recent Head of School and Director resignations. Curtin is searching for replacements for the Director of the Kalgoorlie Campus and also the Head of School. Two roles which are critical to the success of WASM. If you are interested or know someone who is, please get in touch with me.

Mentoring Program: Darren Stralow breathed new life into the WASMA mentoring program. Under the guise of “If we cannot do it well, we will not do it” Daz has created a program that last year had 140 members sharing their stories and learning together. The mentoring program is special to me. My own mentor Colin McIntyre talked about the mentoring available in the mining industry when he was trying to convince me to study mining engineering when I was in high-school. It is incredible to see this program brought back to life. Daz has since handed the reigns to Dean Vallve. The mentoring program is FREE. I strongly believe mentoring is something that should come from the heart. Something that should not be charged for. For this we are so grateful for our sponsors AngloGold Ashanti and Sandvik who cover the cost of the MentorLoop program and the event costs.

BMO Conference. Thanks to Darren Stralow and Graham Crew for organising an informal catchup of WASM Alumni at the BMO conference in Florida. How good is this!

No alt text provided for this image

45th Annual Mining Games: 7 Alumni teams competed in the Northern Star  45th International Collegiate Mining Games. You’ll find a little write up with images from Richard Price and Darcy Frazer in this newsletter too. What a great way for new leaders around the world to meet each-other in a fun, safe and competitive environment.

No alt text provided for this image

Accommodation Crisis: We had 7 front page adverts in the Kalgoorlie Miner asking for community support in housing WASM students. We still need your help as this is not a problem that will disappear after this year. If industry predictions are correct, the resources sector is set for strong growth on the back of the energy transition.

As you know, the Kalgoorlie Campus will also support Regional Health education. Like any business, the School of Mines is at the mercy of resources cycles. The Kalgoorlie regional hub will support an environment that encourages cross pollination between the resources and medical fields – and also the ‘base load feed’ which de-risks the campuses to the downside risks of the inevitable cycles.

To this end, WASMA will continue to advocate in the best interests of it’s members and I would welcome any comments, concerns and feedback.

No alternative text description for this image

Sadly, our superstar Executive Officer, Liz has decided it is time to move on. Liz’s last day was on Tuesday. The work that Liz has done cannot be understated, and her contributions to all of our lives – especially during COVID will not be forgotten. If you’ve met Liz, you’ll know what I am talking about when I say there are big boots to fill.

We will miss Liz, and wish her all the best in her new role. Click here to see what we had to say about Liz and her achievements on a recent LinkedIn Post. It is clear from the response we got, that Liz has left a huge mark on our community.

Thankyou Liz. Not just what you have done for our community, but for guidance and support for myself personally taking on the role.

So what next for the Alumni without Liz or a replacement? I’ve been lucky enough to work with two great Executive Officers during my tenure on Council. The role spreads one person too thin – and at a recent meeting of the Executive team, it was decided that a two-person part time approach is better. In this sense, we form a small team that can put their heads together to solve problems – it also spreads the risk we are exposed to from a continuity of business point of view.

Selecting the right candidates is key, and we are not going to rush the process.

Our recruitment partner The Resources Hub by Dani Tamati is helping us with the search for 2 part time paid staff members.

Senior Executive Officer

Junior Executive Officer

text

Get in touch!

As always, I’m free to chat at any time and constructive feedback is ALWAYS welcome. Council is here to serve our members, if we don’t know about your concerns, we cannot do anything to change it.

If you let my number ring long enough you’ll hear my answering machine say “I’m out fishing, surfin’ or making a livin’”….sadly that is a lie, it was recorded when I was 24…I’m more than likely in a meetin’, eatin’ or sleepin’.

I’ll see you soon at some of the exciting events we have coming up for OUR WASM Alumni.

Bringing the Games home to WASM!

By Richard Price and Darcy Frazer

The Northern Star Resources Forty-Fifth International Collegiate Mining Competition was hosted by the Western Australian School of Mines in Kalgoorlie over the week of 20-26 March 2023.

The event honours fallen miners around the world.

It was hotly contested, with teams representing the best Mining Universities from around the world. Teams hailed from the UK, the USA and Australia.

Fifteen teams competed in the Men’s division, four in the womens and co-ed/mixed, and eight Alumni teams.

The weather held out, the WASM Wombats brought it home, and a great time was had by all!

The winners were the WASM Wombats B team (Mens), the Lady Muckers from Nevada (Women’s), the Colorado coed team (Co-ed), and the Alluminati team (Alumni).

Focus on Mining Camps 2023

Do you know someone in Year 11 or 12 who is considering a career in the resources industry?

Applications are now open for the next Focus on Mining camp: 3 – 7 July 2023

Focus on Mining is a Kalgoorlie based five-day residential camp for Year 11 and 12 high school students to experience what it’s like to study and work in the mining industry. Participants tour operational mine sites, participate in hands-on workshops, and meet lecturers, students, and mining industry leaders.

With thanks to Northern Star Resources Limited and the WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering, the camp is free with all travel, meals and accommodation provided.

Applications: https://lnkd.in/gbBJdrYh

For more information visit: https://lnkd.in/gYEYiN86

Applications close on 23 April.

No alternative text description for this image

WASMA President’s Update

WASMA President Kyle De Souza

It’s 5:23am, and I’m in the office. I thought leaving FIFO was supposed to mean sleep ins?

My office is on the 18th floor and faces south. From my desk I have a beautiful view of the Derbarl Yerrigan (the Swan River), the Dyarlgarro Beeliar (Canning River) and the Perth hills. At this time of the year, there is a magic that shines over the State in the early hours of the morning. Something that I have become accustomed to, like you, from all those years working in remote operations around the world. All very enjoyable before the flies come out!

Perth however, is more than just a beautiful city. It is a city which will grow in global importance in the years to come and become central to global decarbonisation efforts.

27 years ago, our family migrated here with little more than a few suitcases and barely enough money to buy a car. Fast forward to my time at Curtin University’s WA School of Mines in Perth and in Kalgoorlie and all of the subsequent experiences (good and bad), I feel like education and advice from mentors has always been the catalyst for the good in my life.

In a WASM Alumni Council onboarding session two weeks ago, we asked ‘Why are you here’ and the resounding message was – to give back. I am proud and honoured to work alongside such a distinguished group of Councillors who want to give back during this pivotal moment in the resources sector.  A team with the practical skillset to design, finance and operate a mine anywhere in the world. A team that is corporate savvy, well networked and attuned to the needs of all stakeholders. A team that is ready to give back.

At the WASMA President’s Lunch in September, we held a survey on industry needs. The top four results conducted by Culture Radar showed that the industry participants want us to focus on producing industry ready professionals. We will continue to work closely with WASM:MECE Head of School Professor Michael Hitch and the rest of the Curtin team to ensure we can deliver industry ready graduates to the industry.

People are, and always will be the secret sauce at WASM and the Alumni, and it is our intention to leverage our combined knowledge and influence to drive positive change by bringing people together. At the recent WASMA Sandvik Annual Gala this year we had many students from Kalgoorlie make their way to Perth for it. It got me thinking, Kalgoorlie doesn’t just immerse WASM students in the mining community, it teaches them the grit and determination to show up. And in the face of the challenges we have before us – this unique trait of WASM grads will shine again.

As we draw a close to 2022, I want to thank our outgoing President Christian Price for his steadfast determination and commitment to the WASM Alumni in his three-year tenure in this role. Christian has led the organisation through a difficult time and we are proud of the achievements made during this period. I’d like to highlight a few of these initiatives.

  • Christian created the most diverse Council we have ever had.
  • Guided and supported students, staff and alumni during COVID.
  • Under Christian’s leadership, we saw the relationship with Curtin grow from strength to strength. Something we will continue to develop as key partners.
  • Christian co-founded CoRE Foundation with Suzie Urbanek, which has now become one of the largest STEM pipelines for the resources sector.

On behalf of the WASM Alumni, we thank Christian and his wife Kate (also a WASM graduate) for their immense service to our community.

I also want to thank the Councillors who have recently stepped down. Michelle Keegan, David Harwood and Warwick Jones. Michelle orchestrated the Resource, Innovation and Collaboration (RIC) nights and developed the strategy for the WASM Alumni two years ago. David Harwood was the Chair for the Bentley branch and was a vital link to students and research in Perth. Warwick Jones has been instrumental in the success of WASMA’s mentoring program.

We are very lucky to have Liz Blaxell our Executive Officer with us too. Liz works tirelessly to administer the Alumni. It’s a hard job and Liz gets on with it day in day out, catering to the needs of Council, Curtin and all our stakeholders with professionalism and passion. Thank you Liz.

We also thank our key sponsors, Curtin University, Sandvik and Northern Star for your ongoing support. We look forward to working and engaging with you for our exciting future as we Refine and Redefine who we are as an industry and alumni.

2022 will forever be referred to as ‘post COVID’. The world has voted, and policy makers around the world are now scrambling to make changes in key areas to stabilise and de-carbonise. These are areas where the WASM Alumni and WASM:MECE education and research will play a crucial role.

Council has met twice in the last month and has elected the following Councillors to chair sub-committees.

  • Alex Biggs – Chair of Finance, Partners and Sponsorships
  • Dean Vallve – Chair of Mentoring and Memberships (takes over from Darren Stralow). The mentoring program is FREE for everyone. Lookout for it next year.
  • Gemma Murphy – Chair of Outreach
  • Colin Roberts – Chair of the Bentley Branch
  • Boiketo Mazibeli – Chair of the Kalgoorlie Branch
  • Kyle De Souza – Chair of Events and Marketing

The wheels are accelerating for an exciting 2023. We hope you will join us and take the opportunity to sponsor, attend (show up) and contribute to the activities we have coming.  We will have more information on how you can support us soon.

My wife Jamie-Lee and I are expecting our first child in early 2023. I hope we can all leave a legacy for the next generation which we (and they) can be proud of.

As always, I’m keen to hear your thoughts and ideas. I am available on 0408 760 695.

Kindest,
Kyle

Leap of Faith Pays Off for Curtin University Vice-Chancellor

Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne with previous WASMA Council President Raleigh Finlayson

Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne started in her position in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to travel restrictions, she hadn’t even visited Curtin’s Bentley campus before taking up the role. Just over 18 months since starting, we caught up with Professor Hayne to see how she has settled into the role and her vision for the University, and in particular WASM:MECE.

Can you summarise your experience since taking up the Vice-Chancellor role?

The first time I stepped foot on the Bentley campus was my first day of work, April 19, 2021. My move to WA required a leap of faith both on my part and on the part of the University Council who selected me.  From my perspective, my leap of faith has made my life richer.  I have been extremely impressed by what I have found here.

As you will all know, Curtin is known for its industry-engaged and industry-imbedded approach to education.  It is also a university that is values-driven and believes in the principles of equity and social justice.  It has been an honour and a privilege to lead this university over the last 18 months and I look forward to a bright and successful future.

In terms of Kalgoorlie, I visited the campus within weeks of arriving in WA.  I spent much of my childhood in Colorado, so I grew up with the same red dirt and blue sky that characterises the landscape of the Goldfield’s region.  I immediately felt at home.  During that first visit, I had the unique opportunity to visit the Super Pit with Raleigh Finlayson, and he patiently provided me with a tutorial on open-pit mining.  I also attended a graduation on that visit and the WASMA function later that night.

Since then, I have enjoyed multiple visits to the Kalgoorlie campus and I have had the opportunity to meet staff and students.  One of my fondest memories so far was late last year when I travelled to Kalgoorlie for the Prime Minister’s announcement of the funding of our university department of rural health.  Although the funding announcement was fantastic, the best part of that visit was the opportunity to watch students practicing for the mining games!

 

One of your main focuses has been the student experience – can you outline what this involves and how this has evolved from previous strategies?

For any high-performing organisation, each strategy plan should build on the one before it. Curtin’s strategic journey has been characterised by achievements that reflect the focus of our strategic direction at a particular point in time.  For example, across successive strategies, we have worked to improve the quality and impact of our research and to strengthen and expand our presence around the Indian Ocean Rim.  We will continue to do those things, but as part of Strategy to 2030, we will also have a laser focus on the student experience, including the quality of our teaching.

 

How does WASM:MECE fit into this?

As the oldest Curtin campus, WASM:WECE will continue to be a flagship for teaching, research, and industry engagement.  We have a long history of preparing mining professionals for the world of work and our students are highly sought after once they graduate.  I was particularly impressed that, during that first graduation that I attended in Kalgoorlie, every student who crossed the stage was already employed in the industry.  Going forward, we need to work hard to find new ways to ensure that our students are not only successful once they graduate, but that they also have a world-class experience along the way.  We are working with the Schools, the Faculties, and the students to make sure that the Curtin journey is engaging, enjoyable, and memorable.

 

What are some other areas you are focusing on?

Across the wider university, we have a number of high-profile projects on the go.  Earlier this year, the Government announced funding for the Curtin-led Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer, valued at over $200 million.  The Trailblazer will add significant value, resilience, and sovereign capability throughout Australia’s critical minerals and hydrogen energy value chains. This major partnership with government and industry will help to deliver the skills and the future workforce we need to realise the benefits from the resources that are essential components of clean energy technologies.

In addition, during his maiden speech to the sector, the new Minister for Education, the Honourable Jason Clare announced funding for the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education.  This funding will allow us to extend the current research footprint of the Centre to include the implementation and evaluation of new trials designed to increase the success of students from a wide range of equity categories.  Although the Centre is located at Curtin, it will be a national resource for the higher education system.

We are also continuing to build on our commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of the people of rural, regional, and remote WA through both our medical school and the new university department of rural health that will have a strong presence in Kalgoorlie.

 

How can WASMA and industry help with these strategies?

The leading universities around the world are those that are blessed with a strong alumni base – just like WASMA. Alumni are a two-way bridge to industry and to the world at large. Not only do alumni provide scholarships and industry connections for our students, they also provide them with opportunities for work placements and, ultimately, jobs. But alumni do more than this. They bring good ideas to the University about the essential knowledge requirements of industry, which our researchers can then work collaboratively with industry to solve. The best student experience and the best innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when universities and their alumni come together. That’s how strategies are delivered to the benefit of the whole community.

WASMA Mentoring Program Excels Again

WASMA 2022 Mentoring Program

Now at the end of its third year, WASMA’s Mentoring Program continues to achieve outstanding results through offering invaluable opportunities for mentees and mentors in the resources industry. The program gives those starting out in their careers access to more experienced professionals who are keen to give back and support them on their professional journey.

Below are just a few responses from participants in the 2022 program as well as a Q&A with mentee Pia Bathgate.

 

“He was an excellent match to my needs for a mentor and he helped a great deal in in my career development!” – Mentee

 

“My mentee is a quick learner and is engaging really well. He is driving his career himself, and is eager to hear my perspective on things – before making his own decisions. It’s a pleasure to chat to him, and he has a great manner – very personable.” – Mentor

 

2 Minutes with Pia Bathgate
Graduate Environment – Biodiversity & Land Management Mentee
WASMA Mentoring Program Mentee Pia Bathgate

Going into the program, what did you hope to get out of it? Are you on track to accomplish your goals?

I was hoping to gain insight into what a ‘typical’ career pathway in the mining industry looked like. This would include advice on what soft and technical skills I should develop, the kind of connections I should foster, my relationship with site and office work, timelines of target-setting and job-hopping.

What do you think the ‘secret’ is to a good mentoring relationship?

Breaking down the ultra-professional and closed barriers in most working relationships.
You should be able to communicate with your mentor without fear of embarrassment, failure or rebuke.
A good mentor is someone that provides a place to express concerns or problems that cannot perhaps be raised in your workplace. This means being open about mistakes, fears and problems.

What tips or advice would you like to share with those new to mentoring?

Get to know your mentor- learn about their career pathway, their future goals and ambitions, the mistakes they have made, and how they perceive excellence in the mining industry. This will help you to learn the different perspectives and opportunities that you will face in the industry. I also think that both mentors and mentees should be aware that there is always something to be learned from someone in the industry, regardless of their position. Leverage the differences in roles, positions and companies in order to broaden your own thoughts around challenges and opportunities in your career and position.

For example, I am a Biodiversity and Land Environmental Analyst, and was partnered with the CEO of a Guinean gold mine. I used my mentor to deepen my understanding of how upper management and non-environmental personnel perceive ESG issues, how to better persuade management to my agenda, and what an effective sustainability officer looks like.

Sandvik’s largest-capacity BEV truck for underground arrives in Western Australia

Sandvik TH665B battery electric truck

The Sandvik TH665B battery electric truck, which features an unrivalled 65-tonne payload capacity has landed in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. The truck will be showcased at the St Barbara’s Day Parade on the first weekend in December.

Barminco and AngloGold Ashanti Australia will then trial the truck at the Sunrise Dam gold mine to prove its viability in a long ramp haulage application before commercial production of Sandvik TH665B is expected to commence in late 2024.

Sandvik is continuing to execute on its BEV strategy by expanding its product line of battery­electric trucks and loaders to include both larger and smaller size classes. The Sandvik TH665B is engineered to improve productivity, sustainability and cost efficiency in bulk mining operations.

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions Business Development Manager Daniel Yearn said with more than 50 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of underground mining equipment, we’re proud to continue to lead the way in helping customers embrace more sustainable solutions.

“Our 65-tonne battery-electric truck is our latest development in helping hard rock miners and contractors to make the shift towards more productive, emission-free mining,” he said.

The Sandvik TH665B blends proven Sandvik design and advanced technology built around electric drivelines and battery systems. Due to an extremely efficient electric driveline, a fully loaded Sandvik TH665B is expected to be up to 30 per cent faster on a 1:7 ramp than a comparable conventional diesel underground truck. Each of the truck’s four wheels is equipped with independent drives, resulting in a simpler driveline, improved overall efficiency and maximum power output. The Sandvik TH665B electric drivetrain delivers 640kW of continuous power, enabling high acceleration and fast ramp speeds.

The truck is equipped with Sandvik’s patented self-swapping battery system, including the AutoSwap and AutoConnect functions, which enables a quick and easy battery swap in a matter of minutes, and without any major infrastructure like overhead cranes or other heavy handling equipment. The Sandvik TH665B also features a new battery lifting system for improved reliability and the battery cage has been redesigned to improve serviceability, enabling battery module changes without the need to remove the battery packs from the battery cage.

The new operator cabin utilises the same design as the industry leading cabin of Sandvik’s Toro™ TH663i underground truck. The cabin offers premium operator ergonomics with a significant number of adjustment possibilities to facilitate a comfortable operating environment.

The central oscillation frame design results in improved stability, and the front axle suspension ensures a smooth ride on rough roads. The Sandvik TH665B cabin is equipped with joystick steering, large touchscreen colour display and the newest control system, providing easy access to equipment data.

WASMA Sandvik Gala 2022 – Celebrating in Style

WASMA enjoyed a return to it’s traditional Gala format after a few uncertain years, with a sit-down dinner at the Ritz-Carlton on November 5.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this fun and lovely event.

The WASMA Sandvik Gala began with two fabulous performers – the Gold Digger statue and roving ‘how did he do that?’ magician and continued with ongoing conversations and dancing throughout the night.

A very big thank you to Gemma Murphy and Darren Stralow who brilliantly MC’d the evening and our speakers including the moving Welcome to Country from Robyn Whadjuk Ballardong Yorga Collard, Head of School WA School of Mines: MECE Professor Michael Hitch, newly-elected WASMA President Kyle De Souza, Sandvik representative Henna Kaariluoto and guest speaker Brett Cunningham.

As Kyle mentioned, WASMA certainly has its own ‘secret sauce’ which makes this community so special.

We couldn’t put this event on without our generous sponsors:

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Northern Star Resources Limited
Curtin University
Macmahon
TLT-Turbo GmbH
Red Dirt Metals
Abra Mining Pty Limited

Thank you also to Lux Events for putting on such a great event.