Student Journal - North Queensland Student Chapter – Chemical Engineering Vacation Work

My name is Cody Brown, and I am a final-year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) student majoring in Chemical Engineering at James Cook University. In April and May, 2026, I had the opportunity to complete undergraduate metallurgist work experience at NQM Gold 2’s Pajingo Gold Mine, located just outside Charters Towers.

This opportunity came about through my involvement with the AusIMM North Queensland Student Chapter. Through the Chapter’s industry connections and ongoing engagement with local mining professionals, I was able to connect with people in the gold processing industry and gain exposure to opportunities that may not have been as accessible through university coursework alone. Being involved with AusIMM helped me build confidence in reaching out, asking questions, and putting myself forward for industry experience.

During my time at Pajingo, I gained valuable exposure to the day-to-day operation of a gold processing plant. I spent time around the crushing, milling, leaching, adsorption, and gold room areas, developing a stronger understanding of how each section contributes to overall plant performance. A key focus of my work involved investigating leaching performance under different cyanide concentrations and residence times, giving me the opportunity to connect metallurgical theory with real operating data.

One of the most valuable parts of the experience was learning from operators, metallurgists, and other site personnel who were generous with their time and knowledge. Seeing how decisions are made in a live operating environment gave me a much stronger appreciation for the practical, safety, and production considerations that influence metallurgical work.

This experience has strengthened my interest in mineral processing and confirmed the value of getting involved in professional organisations like AusIMM. The Chapter has not only helped me build industry connections but has also opened doors to opportunities that are shaping the direction of my future career.