WA School of Mines (WASM)

The 2025 Metallurgical Education Partnership (MEP) Workshop was held from 28 July to 1 August, marking another successful year of this long-running collaboration between Curtin University and the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA). Generously funded by the MCA, the workshop gave final-year and postgraduate extractive metallurgy and chemical engineering students the opportunity to design a conceptual metallurgical extraction process and plant for a specified gold resource. Throughout the week, students were immersed in a comprehensive technical programme that explored gold processing fundamentals, flotation techniques, comminution, leaching, recovery, refining, process mineralogy, metallurgical test work, and process flowsheeting. Broader topics such as project management, engineering design, environmental and social impact, mine closure considerations, emerging technologies and technical writing were also woven into the experience, ensuring students gained a holistic view of modern gold operations. To complement the technical focus, students participated in a virtual team-building activity to sharpen their collaborative and problem-solving skills, along with an industry sundowner that provided a valuable opportunity to connect with professionals across the sector. We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of this year’s speakers, who shared their knowledge and industry insights across a wide range of technical and professional topics: Steven McClare, Shehan Morseth, Kallan McElroy, Dr Elham Aghaei, Associate Professor Bogale Tadesse, Dr Bona Lim Impey, Dr Paul Breuer, Kylie Blackwell, Juan Carrillo, Cameron Harding, Yvonne Hynes and Arturo García Figueroa. With thanks to the organising committee — Associate Professor Laurence Dyer, Associate Professor Richard Diaz Alorro, Dr Jonah Gamutan, Damien Palermo, Yamini Kannappan, Arturo García Figueroa and Rachel Neighbour — for their leadership and coordination in ensuring the continued success of the MEP Workshop. #WASM #WASchoolofMines #CurtinUniversity #Curtin #MineralsCouncilofAustralia #MCA #metallurgy #engineering #mineralsandresources #environment #socialimpact #commodities #gold #projectmanagement #teaching #learning #student #university #study #education #innovation

Are you ready to push the boundaries of real-time control and automation? We are offering an exciting MPhil research opportunity focused on real-time model predictive control in diamond drilling automation. This project is ideal for an aspiring researcher with a background in electrical, computer, or mechatronics engineering, and a keen interest in data-driven control and field-scale implementation. Project highlights: - Develop advanced algorithms to optimise drilling performance in real time - Integrate and validate systems on automated rigs in both laboratory and field environments - Interface data acquisition, sensing, and control systems in live drilling conditions - Combine physical modelling with data interpretation to fine-tune system response Who we’re looking for: - An engineering background in electrical, computer, or mechatronics disciplines - Interest or experience in real-time systems, control logic, or embedded programming - Basic understanding of mechanics, system integration, and instrumentation - Familiarity with tools such as CAN bus, Python, Simulink, or signal processing is advantageous This project offers hands-on experience with large-scale drilling rigs, and the chance to work closely with industry collaborators as part of a nationally significant research program. Scholarship provided by MinexCRC. To express interest or learn more, contact: [email protected] #WASM #WASchoolofMines #CurtinUniversity #Curtin #research #drilling #engineering #data #industry #academia #HDR #scholarship #applynow

WASM is offering several exciting opportunities for motivated graduates and researchers to contribute to high-impact projects in energy transition research. Focus areas include carbon capture, CO₂ conversion, and hydrogen production. Based at our Perth campus, these projects provide a unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of clean energy research and help shape a sustainable energy future. If you’re passionate about driving impactful advancements in the energy transition, we encourage you to apply. We particularly welcome domestic candidates with a First Class Honours degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mineral Engineering or a related discipline. For further information, and to submit your application, click here: https://lnkd.in/g7xnDgsH #WASM #WASchoolofMines #CurtinUniversity #Curtin #research #energy #energytransition #hydrogen #CO2 #chemistry #engineering #materials #minerals #physics #academia #HDR #scholarship #applynow

A prestigious international honour has been awarded to a WASM research team, recognising their significant contribution to the field of underground mining geomechanics. Dr Nadia Bustos, together with Professor Ernesto Villaescusa and Associate Professor Italo Onederra (The University of Queensland), have been honoured with the ‘Mann Redmayne Medal A’ as part of the 2025 Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) Awards. The award acknowledges their paper titled 'Geotechnical Analysis of Blasting Sequence and Resulting Shapes of Drawbells in Block Cave Mines', which introduces two innovative methodologies for assessing the geotechnical performance of blasting sequences in drawbell construction—a critical aspect of ore extraction in block caving operations. The research presents a dynamic burden assessment along the length of blastholes, and a novel Radial Distance of Over/Underbreak method to evaluate deviations between actual and designed drawbell geometries in terms of height and orientation. These findings provide essential insights into mitigating blast-induced damage and improving the long-term structural integrity of production levels, addressing a key challenge in deep cave mining. The Mann Redmayne Medal A is jointly awarded by IOM3 and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), of which Dr Bustos is a member. Established in 1869 and headquartered in London, IOM3 is a leading global institution in mining, minerals, metallurgy, and advanced materials, connecting over 18,000 professionals worldwide through technical leadership, international collaboration, and professional certification. Beyond celebrating research excellence, this honour marks a meaningful step forward in representation and recognition within the mining sector. Notably, Dr Bustos is the first woman to receive this prestigious distinction. Congratulations to Nadia, Ernesto and Italo on this outstanding achievement. Read the paper: https://ow.ly/mwVk50WnoIC Learn more about the award: https://ow.ly/h5JR50WnoIE #WASM #WASchoolofMines #CurtinUniversity #Curtin #UQ #UniversityofQueensland #research #mining #engineering #mineralsandresources #technology #academia #innovation

A WASM researcher is now at the helm of a global publishing venture, with Associate Professor Hussein Znad appointed as the inaugural Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Aquatic Plants (JAP) — a newly launched peer-reviewed journal published by Elsevier. JAP provides an international platform for advancing scientific understanding of aquatic plant biology, ecology, biotechnology, and resource utilisation. From climate change and pollution to innovations in biofuels, phytoremediation, and sustainable aquatic systems, the journal brings together interdisciplinary research that addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Elsevier and the editorial board are confident that under Hussein’s leadership, JAP will quickly establish itself as a high-impact journal contributing to a more sustainable and regenerative future. Explore the journal here: https://lnkd.in/g-_eMq9V #WASM #WASchoolofMines #CurtinUniversity #Curtin #Elsevier #research #science #engineering #technology #academia #innovation

We were honoured to welcome the Ambassador of Peru, Vitaliano Gallardo Valencia, to our Kalgoorlie campus — a visit that highlights the strength of international partnerships in the global mining sector. The Ambassador was welcomed by Sandra Nowosad, Associate Professor Bogale Tadesse, and Dr Lisha Dong, and was kindly guided on a campus tour through our facilities and laboratories. We were pleased to be joined by students currently enrolled in the Master of Professional Engineering (Mining Engineering major), who helped showcase the hands-on learning environment at WASM. Peru, with its world-renowned mining industry, shares many common interests with Western Australia. The Ambassador’s visit not only strengthens institutional and industry ties but also recognises the contribution of Peruvian professionals and WASM alumni working across Australia’s mining landscape. This engagement enhances the global profile of our School and lays the groundwork for future collaboration in student exchanges, joint research, and industry-linked initiatives. We look forward to building on this foundation and deepening connections between WASM and Peru. #WASM #WASchoolofMines #CurtinUniversity #Curtin #Peru #Kalgoorlie #Goldfields #partnerships #research #mining #engineering #mineralsandresources #technology #academia #innovation

WASM is offering a fantastic opportunity for aspiring researchers in mining and geotechnical engineering to support a high-impact project on digital sensing for fault-slip monitoring in underground operations. Based in Kalgoorlie, this project offers the chance to work at the forefront of safety and innovation in mining. If you're ready to contribute to meaningful advancements in mine safety and sensing technology, we encourage you to apply. #WASM #WASchoolofMines #CurtinUniversity #Curtin #research #mining #engineering #mineralsandresources #technology #academia #innovation #HDR #scholarship #applynow

WASM proudly celebrates the remarkable success of Dr Danqi Li (Lead CI), together with Professor Wensu Chen and Professor Hong Hao from the Centre for Infrastructural Monitoring and Protection (CIMP) at the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering. In partnership with Norton Gold Fields Pty Ltd, the team has secured $359,160 in competitive funding through the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project scheme. Their interdisciplinary project, Basalt FRP Rockbolt for Rock Reinforcement in Underground Infrastructures, seeks to evaluate and validate a cost-effective and environmentally friendly ground support solution for rock mass reinforcement in underground structures such as civil tunnels and mine drives under varying loading conditions. We extend our congratulations to the team on this outstanding achievement, which represents a valuable contribution to sustainable engineering and underscores the vital role of research. #WASM #WASchoolofMines #CurtinUniversity #Curtin #ARC #research #grant #funding #mining #engineering #mineralsandresources #technology #academia #innovation

SAVE THE DATE! We want your input re GenAI. Industry. Graduate skills. Join our July 18th workshop in Perth and/or our national STEM survey for a chance for you to tell us what you think. Along with Cesar Ortega-Sanchez (Chair of @IEEE, WA), Kerri Bland, Tony Tang (Chairman of AusIMM Perth), John O'Neill and Susan Kreemer Pickford (Engineers Australia), and funded by Curtin University’s Assessment 2030 Future Fund, I want to hear from YOU :) Link to the survey: https://lnkd.in/gTMTKyK9 and get a chance to register into our workshop. Or register for our workshop only: https://lnkd.in/gq8njM6E #GenAI #STEM #science #engineering #graduateskills #education

Dr Sakshi Hazuria Anderson and Dr Laure Braconnier's research can be defined by impact, innovation and excellence—qualities that earned them well-deserved recognition at the 2025 PVC RISE (Recognition of Impact in Science and Engineering) Awards, held last week. These awards acknowledge staff whose contributions across teaching, research, and service are creating meaningful outcomes for the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Laure and Sakshi’s recognition reflects the calibre of work being undertaken within our School. Congratulations to both on this achievement—and thank you for the continued value you bring to WASM and the community. #WASM #WASchoolofMines #CurtinUniversity #Curtin #awards #leadership #teaching #research #learning #education #academia #innovation #technology #engineering #STEM