As part of an Australian transnational educational program supporting the development of a skilled workforce in the critical minerals sector, experts from the University of Queensland, in collaboration with SMI-ICE-Chile, will provide training on mine safety and sustainability in resource-rich regions of Latin America.
The University of Queensland has secured a $1 million funding package from the Australian Government’s Department of Education to design and deliver short-term courses for mining workers in Chile and Argentina.
The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) has a strong presence in the Latin American mining industry through its International Center of Excellence (SMI-ICE-Chile), based in Chile, which has 33 employees and maintains strong relationships with local partners.
Through financial support for innovative international educational projects, experts from SMI-ICE-Chile and UQ Skills will expand Australia’s transnational educational offerings in a key industry by developing locally relevant courses supported by Australia’s excellent vocational education training (VET) standards.
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC indicated that these short-term courses in Chile and Argentina will initially be delivered to 160 professionals, including front-line employees, executive management, supervisors, and technical support staff.
The courses will also enhance local capacity to provide technical and vocational education and training.
«The training offered in Chile will be geared toward sustainability and autonomous operations,» said Professor Deborah Terry. «This will include modules on decarbonization, water resource management, tailings management, sustainability reporting, and creating social value for the industry.»
Dr. Doug Aitken, Executive Director of SMI-ICE-Chile, added that the training offered in Chile and Argentina will focus on mine safety, equipping workers with knowledge and skills to help keep themselves and their operations safe and healthy.
Dr. Doug Aitken also said the training comes as the mining sector continues its transition toward more sustainable practices.
“These changes have been driven by market pressures, rising societal expectations, increased risk exposure, and tightening regulatory standards,” said Doug Aitken, Executive Director of SMI-ICE-Chile.
“Queensland, Chile, and Argentina are resource-rich regions that play a crucial role in supplying the raw materials needed for the global energy transition.”
“To address new challenges, it is critical that workers in Latin America have access to high-quality, practical training programs. These programs can support individuals’ professional development and ensure the local workforce stays at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry”.
In Chile, the University of Queensland will collaborate on this project with SONAMI (Chilean National Mining Society) and INACAP (National Institute for Vocational Training).
In Argentina, the training will be developed and delivered in collaboration with the Catholic University of Salta (UCASAL).
The University of Queensland is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities in mineral and mining engineering.
