BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) continues to support and invest in regional Queensland with the announcement of $2.3 million in funding towards research, training, and innovation.
The investment will support the appointment of a General Manager of the newly established Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) in Mackay and a Chair of Automation and Future Work Skills at CQUniversity (CQU).
The roles will play an important part in the future of the mining and METS sector in Queensland by helping to establish the RCOE as a world-class mining centre in Mackay and supporting CQU to deliver future-focussed training and education.
BMA Asset President James Palmer said this investment is another example of BMA’s commitment to developing Queensland as a world leader in mining innovation.
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“This investment will help the region continue to be a global player in skills and training, research, and innovation in the mining and METs sector.
“We want to see people currently in the industry or planning a career in the industry to have the best skills and training in the world and we want them to be proud and say it all started for them in regional Queensland.”
The RCOE GM and CQU Chair of Automation and Future Work Skills will work together with industry, community leaders and governments to identify the best way for the region to take advantage of the evolving opportunities technology will bring. A key component of which will be developing new models for innovation, skills, and training that will enable regional communities to grow their economies.
Chairman of the RCOE board, Tony Caruso, said the support of the industry will be vital as jobs change.
“The support of BMA and our collaboration with CQUniversity will enable the region to play an integral role in shaping the mines of the future.”
CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President, Prof Nick Klomp, said the financial contribution of BMA, coupled with CQUniversity’s existing research expertise, would supercharge the regional impact of the RCOE.
“The CQU Chair will play a critical role in producing and overseeing research that can be applied directly to the future sustainability of the resource sector and regional workforces, in Central Queensland and beyond. I thank BMA for their vision in supporting the creation of this role.”
Pierre Viljoen, Associate Vice-President (North Queensland and Hinterland Region) said a crucial element of the research is about training and education.
“We need to ensure that the training and education provided will prepare our people for new and exciting jobs as industries continue to innovate.”
Today’s announcement follows BMA’s initial commitment of $475,000 last year to support the establishment of the RCOE.
The Centre will open in July 2020.
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