Student Journal - AusIMM North Queensland Student Chapter - The Student Perspective

AusIMM’s North Queensland’s Student Chapter supports students at James Cook University in Townsville to become connected with the Resources Sector on a local and national scale. Our student chapter was officially formed in 2021 and has been steadily growing over the last year with more student engagement from students across all levels of study.

The chapter brings together students studying Earth and Environmental Sciences, Geology, and Engineering, and works to provide them with networking opportunities, and open the door to gaining industry experience.

In May of 2022 we sent a team of 6 students to compete at the South Queensland Local Mining games to compete in a variety of ‘old school’ mining challenges. This was our first time sending a team to Mining Games, and we are proud to have placed 3rd in the mixed division.

Since then, we have successfully run several events, including hosting Market Day stalls at the JCU Townsville (Bebegu Yumba) Campus, Trivia Nights, Student-Meets-Industry Events, BBQs, and Industry-Ready Workshops. We have also supported students to attend events and conferences run by industry leaders, as well as compete in National Mining Games through the help of our sponsors. Recently, we were able to send one of our members to the Resourceful FNQ Minerals and Mining Innovation Forum in Cairns and provide them with an opportunity to learn from experts and expand their local industry knowledge.

AusIMM Student Chapters are an empowering avenue for students to not only shape their own careers in mining and metallurgy, but also influence the direction and success of the regional and wider industry. Being a part of the chapter allows students to broaden their horizons, and easily gain experience, and express new ideas. I am excited to see the things we will all accomplish upon graduation, particularly, as the resources sector in Australia looks to greener energy solutions.