It has been said on many occasions that the future of the mining industry of Australia, and indeed the world, lies in the hands of the students'. As a student, this can be a daunting, yet very exciting, statement. If nothing else, it is a direct challenge to the student body of the mining industry to take responsibility for its direction after 2000'. However, for the students to embrace this challenge, some responsibility must be borne by the universities and the industry itself to provide some direction and encouragement. Perhaps, therefore, the real challenge is to find the right balance between students, industry and education to best prepare the students for a career in the mining industry. The future industry will demand students who are capable and willing to adapt to change and technology and able to exert the vision and leadership required to ensure the mining industry continues to thrive well into the next century.