Scholarships

The Western Australian Mining Club was delighted to announce the 13^th round of scholarship recipients since the program started in 2003 at a ceremony on 27^th August.

The six recipients were presented with their scholarships by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion – each will receive a $10,000 contribution to their university studies in environmental engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, mining engineering or geology.

Minister Marmion said the WA Mining Club Scholarship Program recognised and celebrated the role of students in creating the future of Western Australia’s mining industry.

“This program supports the development of our best and brightest, and the future leaders of our industry. The resources industry provides the foundation on which Western Australia’s economic prosperity is built, however, the strength of our industry is only as strong as our leaders,” Mr Marmion said.

“The State Government also understands the importance of our future leaders, and continues to work with industry and our universities to ensure strong partnerships.”

Supportive programs such as the WA Mining Club scholarships program are even more important given increasing dropout rates in studies such as metallurgy; a study by The Minerals Tertiary Education Council found students failing to complete metallurgy studies increased from 34 per cent between 2012 and 2013.

Lee-Anne de Bruin, Head of Project Function at BHP Billiton Iron Ore appeared as a guest speaker and inspired the students with her expertise and experiences in the mining industry.

“The Scholarship Program provides a great opportunity for the industry to support and shape the next generation of mining professionals.”

In addition to the financial grant, scholarship recipients are mentored by senior industry participants in their chosen discipline, and have access to other opportunities with their co-sponsor organisation, such as vacation employment, site visits and networking.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people who are serious about a professional career in a technical discipline in our great industry,” said WAMC President, Neil Watson.

“We partner with industry sponsors, sharing the funding of these scholarships 50/50, in order to provide additional opportunities and help them pave their way to success in the industry,” he said.

The scholarship winners are;

• Mitchell Thompson, Curtin University – Engineering Scholarship (Co-Sponsored By Western Areas Ltd)
• Abbey Dunne, University of Western Australia – Environmental Scholarship (Co-Sponsored By 360 Environmental)
• Lia Cherico, Murdoch University – Female Student In A Technical Mining Discipline Scholarship (Co-Sponsored By Mount Gibson Iron Limited)
• Chris Manners, University of Western Australia – Geology Scholarship (Co-Sponsored By Independence Group NL)
• Natasha Farr, Murdoch University – Metallurgy Scholarship (Co-Sponsored By Midas – METS Engineering)
• Kaylah Paskins, University of Western Australia – Diversity Scholarship (Co-Sponsored By Newmont Asia Pacific)