Student Journal - the Kalgoorlie Student Chapter at the Underground Operators Conference

At the Underground Operators Conference, I had the opportunity to hear from various speakers on underground mining topics. The presentations were diverse and informative, covering a range of topics. Overall, the event was an excellent opportunity to learn about new developments and connect with other professionals in the industry.

What was your favourite part of the event?

One presentation that particularly stood out to me was listening to Joe Evert from Mineright discuss managing high-volume water inflows of 300 l/s in the planning and development of a large-scale underground gold mine. I was amazed at the technical challenges faced and how these challenges were addressed through innovative solutions.

Another presentation that I found valuable was by Tobias Ladinig on the design of raise caving operations in LKAB mines. Learning about the design considerations and challenges associated with this mining method was interesting.

Throughout the conference, I had the opportunity to meet and connect with other professionals in the underground mining industry. These conversations were valuable, as they provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from others' experiences. I was particularly impressed by the diversity of perspectives at the conference, from mining consultants to engineers to safety specialists.

Overall, the Underground Operators Conference provided me with a valuable opportunity to learn about new developments in underground mining and connect with other professionals in the industry. I learned so much about the underground mining sector's latest trends, challenges, and solutions. The conference reinforced my belief that mining is a vital industry contributing significantly to our society and economy.

I look forward to attending more events like this and applying the knowledge I gained to my work.

What is your favourite part of being an AusIMM member?

My favourite part is the abundance of opportunities and access to a wealth of knowledgeable information. Being a member grants me access to various resources such as articles, newsletters, community events, and conferences, which provide me with valuable insights and information about the mining industry.

In addition, as a student member, I can participate in unique networking events, which allow me to connect with industry professionals and build my network. This type of access is invaluable as it will enable me to gain insights into the latest advancements in the field and learn from experienced professionals.

Did you meet any influential or inspiring people?

Yes, I had the opportunity to meet some incredibly influential and inspiring people at the Underground Operators Conference. It was a huge opportunity to connect with experts and professionals in the mining industry and gain insights from their experiences.

One of the keynote speakers that stood out to me was Mark Mathews, a professional big wave surfer obsessed with personal growth, high performance, and fulfilment. His story of courage, persistence, humility, and embracing fear left a lasting impact on me.

What do you think was the key takeaway from the event?

Underground Operators Conference in 2023 was the opportunity to learn about new developments in underground mining and connect with other professionals in the industry. Attendees had the chance to hear from various speakers on underground mining topics, with presentations covering various topics and providing valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and solutions in the sector.

Overall, the conference reinforced the importance of the mining industry and the need to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field.

AusIMM was pleased to partner with BHP to enable the attendance of some of the future talent in the resources sector.