WASMA News

The Council of the Western Australian School of Mines Graduates’ Association (WASMGA), is delighted to welcome Mr John Langford, Director of Diggers & Dealers, as an Honorary Member. Mr Langford’s nomination was adopted unanimously for his ongoing deep interest in WASMGA’s activities and his continued support of WASM and its students.

David Noort, Business Development and Operations Manager of PYBAR was the key speaker at the PYBAR WASM Graduates’ Association Dinner for the 2014 WASM graduates. WASMGA welcomed in 21 new association members. Click here for presentation

WASMGA were very fortunate to have Stephen Fraser, principal research scientist for CSIRO, present the “Next Generation of Mining Technologies’ Wednesday 29th of April, Curtin University. CSIRO and WASM are keen to develop further technical workshops for WASMGA and WASM associates and students. For everyone that missed the event you can view the presentation here.

Dear fellow WASMGA members, I have been made aware of an issue in relation to mining related degree graduates being unable to graduate due to their lack of the required industry experience (480 hours). According to the correspondence from Wayne Clark – Director Student Engagement, faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin, there could be as many as 30% of undergraduates unable to graduate. As an industry professional and in my capacity as a WASMGA Council member and member of the Scholarship and mentoring sub-committee I ask you that if you are in a position to assist in the hiring of undergraduates (and graduates for that matter), that you seriously consider doing so. This is an issue that ultimately will affect all of us. If we cannot contribute to the learning experiences of future professionals in our industry then we have no case to complain if we are not happy with what we ultimately get. You may be surprised as to the early contribution these industry professionals can make to your organisation, I know we have recently hired three of them. Despite the fact that we are in a period of relative downturn within the industry and a lack of investment confidence I am sure that one day we will be in a position where this is no longer the case. The cost of this investment is not material in the success or failure of your organisation. The cost of not investing in our future human resources and industry professionals is far greater. As a member of the WASMGA I would of course encourage you or your organisation to consider WASM graduates ahead of other institutions, I believe as a WASM graduate and WASMGA member you have an obligation to give back to the organisation that supported you in getting you to where you are today. If we want industry ready graduates we all have to step up to the plate. If you can help, please contact Raelene Newnham, Raelene.newnham@curtin.edu.au in the first instance and she will either direct your enquiry into the right area or put you in contact with candidates directly. Many thanks for your consideration Barry Upton Managing Director

WASMGA congratulates Dr Michael Ottaviano, a former WASM Graduate, on his companies recent success. Carnegie has signed collaboration agreements with Peru and Chilie to identify development pathways for commercial wave energy. The West Australian

Congratulations to the WASM Wombats for once again retaining their title and taking out the competition in the 37th International Mining games, recently held in kalgoorlie. Congratulations to the WASM Wallabies Men’s section which came in second. Fantastic result for WASM

Steve Durkin, a graduate of the WA School of Mines 2002, has won the 40under40 small business award category. Steve came up with a novel way to protect exit routes at mine sites – the Safescape ladder tube. He put his house on the line to back the idea, and today 11,000 metres of Laddertube escapeways are installed at more than 50 sites in 5 countries. His invention has been featured on ABC TV’s ‘The New Inventors” and the company has won multiple awards. –