Queensland experts will deliver mine safety and sustainability training across resource-rich regions of Latin America as part of an Australian transnational education program supporting the development of skilled workforces in the critical minerals sector.
The University of Queensland has received a $1 million funding package from the Australian Government Department of Education to design and deliver short courses for workers at mining projects in Chile and Argentina.
UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute has deep roots in the Latin American mining industry through its International Centre of Excellence (SMI-ICE-Chile) based in Santiago, Chile, which has 33 staff and strong relationships with local partners.
Using the funding support for innovative international education projects, experts from SMI-ICE-Chile and UQ Skills will expand transnational education delivery by Australia in a key industry by developing locally relevant courses underpinned by Australia’s excellent Vocational Education Training (VET) standards.
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC said the short courses in Chile and Argentina would be delivered to an initial 160 professionals ranging from front-line workers, supervisors and technical support staff all the way up to executive management.
The courses will also improve local capacity to deliver technical and vocational education and training.
“Training offered in Chile will be geared towards sustainability and autonomous operations,” Professor Terry said.
“This will include modules on decarbonisation, water resource management, tailings management, sustainability reporting, and creating social value from the industry.”
In Chile, UQ will work with SONAMI — the National Mining Society of Chile — and INACAP — the country's National Institute for Professional Training — to develop and deliver the new courses.
In Argentina, the training will be developed and delivered in partnership with Universidad Católica de Salta (UCASAL) and global mining company Rio Tinto.
UQ is consistently ranked among the top universities globally for mineral and mining engineering.
