Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, the Honourable Ros Bates MP, officially launched an advanced mining training program from The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute International Centre in Chile during a Queensland Government mission to Latin America.
Minister Bates led the launch ceremony for the new Advanced Training Centre, accompanied by a Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) delegation and Australian Ambassador to Chile His Excellency Andrew Martin.
“It is very encouraging to see first-hand the close collaboration between Chile and UQ, with the aim of contributing to sustainable, innovative and responsible mining,” Minister Bates said.
“This new SMI Chile initiative strengthens mining collaboration between Australia and Chile, supports the export of education and training services, and creates a platform for Queensland’s Mining Equipment, Technology and Services industry to continue developing in Chile.”
Minister Bates’ participation in the launch forms part of a mission to Latin America under the Queensland–Latin America Trade and Investment Strategy 2026–2028. The strategy provides a roadmap for Queensland exporters and investors seeking opportunities in the region’s major economies.
She said the initiative also demonstrated the strength of the relationship between Queensland and Chile.
“We thank the Government of Chile for its support in enabling the Sustainable Minerals Institute at UQ to commence operations in the country, demonstrating the strong partnership between Queensland and Chile,” Minister Bates said.
The Queensland delegation joined SMI Chile executives and representatives from the mining industry, academia and public sector who collaborate with the Centre across a range of projects.
The Advanced Training Centre is a new SMI Chile initiative delivered in partnership with UQ. Its first stage will provide a comprehensive education program designed to strengthen the capabilities of mining professionals and other key stakeholders.
The program will cover responsible production and mining process optimisation, social performance and resource governance, environmental management, and occupational health, safety and wellbeing.
SMI Chile Executive Director Mary Valdés said the launch was an important milestone for the Centre.
“This educational offering reflects our commitment to the development of sustainable, responsible and innovative mining in Chile and the region,” Ms Valdés said.
“Being able to commence this initiative in the presence of Minister Ros Bates and Ambassador Andrew Martin provides significant encouragement for our work.”
Australian Ambassador to Chile Andrew Martin said the program reflected the close collaboration between Australia and Chile in education, science and mining.
“This new advanced mining training program confirms SMI Chile’s role as a meeting point for Australian and Chilean knowledge, where we hope to develop capabilities that contribute to the mining industries on both sides of the Pacific,” Ambassador Martin said.
Minister Bates also highlighted Queensland’s trade relationship with Chile. Queensland accounts for 39.1% of Australia’s goods exports to Chile, following a 224% increase over the past year.
“The launch of this advanced training program for mining professionals is undoubtedly a valuable contribution in this direction,” she said.
Over the past two years, SMI Chile has trained more than 600 professionals in Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Peru. It has also established partnerships with Universidad del Desarrollo, INACAP and Universidad Católica de Salta (UCASAL) in Argentina.
SMI Chile develops research-based responses to major mining industry challenges, with a focus on building local capabilities and generating social value and benefits for communities.
During its 12 years in Chile, SMI Chile, The University of Queensland’s International Centre in Chile, has delivered more than 80 mining industry projects. It currently manages 19 projects valued at more than US$12 million and collaborates with 70 strategic partners across industry, academia and the public sector.
Read more about SMI Chile's Advanced Training Center
This article was developed from an original draft by Carolina Garcia Huidobro, Strategic Communications Coordinator, SMI Chile.
