Applications are now open for the 2023 Alban Lynch Undergraduate Student Award

The AusIMM Metallurgical Society (MetSoc) exists to meet the professional needs of members whose field of interest and profession is metallurgy – predominantly minerals processing, hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy. MetSoc aims to promote ongoing professional development to members and engage with key stakeholders within the community through student networks, training opportunities, networking events and providing technical content relevant to the membership.

This award is named in honour of Professor Alban Lynch, founding Director of the JKMRC until 1989, then Head of Department (Mining and Metallurgical Engineering) at UQ until 1993. Alban Lynch was a visionary leader who established a research centre which became renowned throughout the world for developing technologies which transformed mineral processing, linked research closely with industry, and provided valuable education and career opportunities to aspiring students.

Commencing in 2022, MetSoc established an annual student award to enable attendance at an Australian Mineral Processing / Metallurgical conference. This award includes a conference ticket and an allowance of up to $3000 to cover the cost of travel and accommodation to and from the conference venue from the student’s home location.

To be eligible to apply, the student must:

• Be in their 3rd year of study with a minerals or metallurgy major (or with a key part of their degree containing such a component) at an Australian University,
• Have a demonstrated strong academic record,
• Provide a letter of confirmation (PDF) from an academic staff member of the Department (preferably Dept Head) confirming enrolment and academic record, and
• Be an active student member of the AusIMM.

A demonstrated apparent need, for example showing an inability to attend a conference by personal means or by university or other sponsorship, will be considered as an additional criterion where applicable.

Applications must also include a report on the students’ industry-based vacation work (or a metallurgy project they have undertaken as part of their studies) of no more than 3000 words. This report should incorporate the following aspects:

• Why you are pursuing a career in the mineral processing industry and what you think your future career might look like?
• What was the nature of your vacation employment and where was it undertaken?
• What did you learn technically from your vacation experience?
• How did you grow personally from the work experience?

Submissions for this prize will be adjudicated by a panel of MetSoc committee members.

Applications for the 2023 prize must be received by 13 October 2023 and should be sent as a PDF document to metsoc@ausimm.com.au. Late applications will not be accepted.

Please ensure submissions include contact details (email, phone number) as well as AusIMM membership number.

The winner of the prize will be announced at the MetPlant Conference in Adelaide on 5-8 November, 2023.

Suzanne Lynch-Watson

Committee Member | Metallurgical Society