Bringing Industry and the Next Generation Together
Our July Luncheon was a great reminder of what the WA Mining Club is all about: bringing our industry together to connect, learn and have honest conversations about the current state and the future of mining in Western Australia.
It was wonderful to welcome another strong crowd to Optus Stadium, along with our special guests Jérôme Cloué, General Manager and Managing Director of Epiroc Australia and Papua New Guinea, and Darren Stralow, Managing Director and CEO of Bellevue Gold and President of the WA School of Mines Alumni.
We were also fortunate to hear from Aaron Morey, CEO of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia.
Aaron shared an important perspective on the global issues shaping our industry and what they mean for Western Australia. His presentation covered geopolitical uncertainty, energy security, supply chains and the growing competition for mining investment around the world.
His message was clear. Western Australia remains one of the world’s leading mining jurisdictions, but we cannot take that position for granted.
The decisions made today around project approvals, energy, investment and industry policy will influence whether projects move forward and whether Western Australia continues to create jobs, opportunities and long-term value from its resources sector.
On behalf of the Club, I would like to thank Aaron for sharing his time and insights with our members.
Seeing Pit to Pixel in Action
One of the highlights of the luncheon was welcoming students from the Pit to Pixel program.
Pit to Pixel is a high school Digital Technologies subject developed by the WA Mining Club in partnership with the CoRE Learning Foundation. It uses real mining applications to help students build skills in data, technology, teamwork and problem-solving, while introducing them to the wide range of careers available across the resources sector.
Rather than simply telling our members about the program, the students were able to present their work and show our Mining Club community what Pit to Pixel looks like in practice.
This year alone, more than 150 students have participated in education programs the Club has invested significant time, funding and effort into developing and delivering.
Through these programs, students have visited industry operations, met people working across the sector and gained a better understanding of the skills and career pathways available to them.
This work would not be possible without the support of our members, partners and committee.
I would particularly like to acknowledge Barry Upton and Rob Humphryson, who co-founded our education portfolio and continue to dedicate an enormous amount of their own time to making these programs successful.
Thank you also to the companies that open their sites, share their people and support the delivery of these programs. Talison Lithium and ATG continue to provide valuable support to our Get Into Mining high school camps, alongside the many sponsors and partners who back the Club’s education initiatives.
We are always looking for more schools to bring Pit to Pixel to. Anyone with a connection to a school is encouraged to contact the Club and help us continue growing the program.
A Personal Update
The July Luncheon was my final luncheon for a short period, as I prepare to take maternity leave ahead of the arrival of our baby boy next month.
It is an absolute privilege to serve as President of the WA Mining Club, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. The continued growth of our events, the strength of our membership community and the impact of our education programs are only possible because so many people across our industry are willing to contribute.
Thank you to our committee, team, partners, members and everyone who has supported the Club throughout the past year.
During my leave, Vice President Barry Upton and Past President and Secretary Nat Taylor will lead the Club.
I look forward to returning and continuing to build on what we have created together. In the meantime, thank you for being part of the WA Mining Club community.
Jordan Pedley
President
WA Mining Club
