Paving the way for mining engineers of the future

In 2022, Glencore’s Mount Isa Mines commenced the Engineers for Mining Program which adds to our growing list of esteemed pathway programs designed to introduce our local male and female senior school students to the exciting career opportunities available in mining.

Engineers for Mining provides current year 10, 11 and 12 students with an understanding of our mining processes as they learn to appreciate the crucial role engineers play in our operations.

Our professional and graduate engineers are instrumental to the success of the program. Throughout the eight-month schedule, the year 11 and 12 program provides one-on-one mentoring sessions and five informational tours of the Mount Isa Copper Operations as well as our processing and smelting plants.

This gives an overall view of our mining process from the start, where we dig up the dirt, to the final step of commercial marketing.

So far this year, to gain an idea of what a day in the life of an engineer involves, students have visited the core shed with Graduate Geologist, Izzy Spiers, taken a trip underground at X41 with Short Term Scheduling Engineer, Lucy Barrie, and visited underground at R62 with Graduate Mechanical Engineer, Jamal Shihan.

Year 10 participation is slightly different, where our mentors visit the schools to engage with students and run through what they do in their day-to-day role as an engineer at Mount Isa Mines.

Good Shepherd Catholic College student, Sofia Simmons, said the Engineers for Mining Program provides excellent insight into what engineers across various fields work with and experience when on the job.

“My fellow peers and I are given the opportunity to meet one-on-one with engineers and ask them questions regarding what they do and the processes that are undertaken at Mount Isa Mines,” said Sofia.

Cameron Hasimani from Spinifex State College said going underground for the first time at such a young age was an unreal experience and he feels privileged to be involved in the program.

“I'm drawn more towards my purpose and feel more confident about what I want to do in life. It was a wonderful opportunity to go underground and catch a glimpse of what it takes to keep a mine running,” says Cameron.

Ray Gentle, Manager Human Resources and Training, says visiting the local schools and engaging with our young people early is one way we can ensure they understand the options available within our industry and the variety of vocations offered.

“If we spark an interest in a particular area such as geology, engineering or metallurgy, they can make tailored subject choices to set them on the right path for a specific career role,” Ray says.

“Our onsite tours as part of the program add an extra dimension where they can physically experience the industrial environment of a working mine site.”

Kyle Bartolo from Spinifex State College says the Engineers for Mining Program is an awesome program to support local students considering an engineering pathway.

“As part of the program, an engineer is appointed to us as a mentor, teaching us about real world engineering and the path to becoming an engineer. I’ve been able to see the mining process from dirt to anode, to learn about the different engineering disciplines which helps make a more informed decision about the stream of engineering to pursue in the future,” says Kyle.

“Thanks to Glencore for providing us with this incredible opportunity. I highly recommend the program for anyone wishing to pursue a career in engineering.”

The Engineers for Mining Program adds to the many valuable pathway programs we have available for young people to experience what it’s like to work in the resources industry.